Cutaneous Manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022 May;23(3):277-286. doi: 10.1007/s40257-022-00675-2. Epub 2022 Mar 5.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, affecting people worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 infection is a multisystem disease with potential for detrimental effects on various systemic organs. It affects people of all ages with varying degrees of disease severity. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection commonly present with dry cough, fever, and fatigue. A clinical spectrum of skin findings secondary to SARS-CoV-2 has also been reported. The most common cutaneous patterns associated with COVID-19 are chilblain-like lesions (CBLL), maculopapular lesions, urticarial lesions, vesicular lesions, and livedoid lesions. Other skin findings secondary to SARS-COV-2 infection are erythema multiforme (EM)-like lesions and skin findings associated with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and rarely multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A). Physician awareness of skin manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection can help with early identification and treatment. This narrative review provides an update of various skin manifestations reported with SARS-CoV-2 infection, including clinical presentation, proposed pathogenesis, histopathology, prognosis, and treatment options.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Child
  • Exanthema* / pathology
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Supplementary concepts

  • adult multisystem inflammatory disease, COVID-19 related
  • pediatric multisystem inflammatory disease, COVID-19 related