Dermatologic Findings in COVID-19: A Review of the Literature

By Jacob Mathew, Jr., DO, FACOI, FACP, CHSE, FAWM

First, some background.

In late December 2019, a novel form of coronavirus (termed SARS-CoV-2) was discovered after a clustered group of patients in the Hubei province of Wuhan, China presented with unexplained cases of pneumonia that led to severe respiratory distress. (Contini, et al., 2020) The spectrum of disease caused by this coronavirus was dubbed COVID-19, a short-hand for COronaVIrus Disease 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified the virus as a pandemic March 11, 2020, with spread to over 37 countries, including the United States. While there were a lot of unknowns surrounding the virus (eg, Are there any specific symptoms to watch out for? How contagious is it? How does it spread?), we did start to learn that respiratory symptoms such as cough and dyspnea were almost universal among patients. We have since expanded our screening to include patients with fevers, ageusia, anosmia, and diarrhea. Beyond the respiratory and gastrointestinal manifestations, one interesting discovery has recently emerged: unique and unexplained dermatologic manifestations.

How common are rashes with viral infections?

Many viral processes are associated with exanthemas. COVID-19 is no different given that it is caused by a variant RNA virus, which have been well-documented to be associated with cutaneous lesions such as maculopapular rashes and enanthems (See Table 1).

What are dermatologists seeing?

As the virus spread around the world, we saw larger initial clusters in Southeast Asia and Italy. Although rare (only seen in 2 of the 1,099 patients with COVID-19 in China), increasing numbers of reports of skin manifestations that are being directly attributed to the virus are now surfacing worldwide. (Alramthan & Aldarajj, 2020) (Mahe, Birckel, Krieger, Merklen, & Bottlaender, 2020) Unfortunately, given the gravity of the situation as well as the large unknown that remains, clinical photos are largely unavailable. Instead, we have relied solely on descriptions of the lesions reported. As a result, it may be prudent to review the terminology that you may encounter when reading case reports or health records (See Table 2).

The clinical significance of the lesions remains to be determined; however, it could be an early marker of COVID-19 if the rash precedes classic respiratory symptoms as described above. (Castanedo, et al., 2020)

As reported by Sebastiano Recalcati in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, of the 88 patients observed and admitted with confirmed COVID-19, over 20% of the patients had cutaneous findings on exam attributed to the virus itself with half having manifestations after hospitalization (Recalcati, 2020). These findings included a nonspecific erythematous rash, urticaria, and vesicles that resembled chickenpox. While the urticaria and vesicles were widespread, the trunk was almost universally involved in all patients, with no association found between lesion occurrence and disease severity overall. Subjectively, there was very little associated pruritus with the skin lesions, which collectively resolved within days after initial presentation. Castanedo et al. published a case report in a patient also with an urticarial rash and edema with papules involving the thighs, arms, and forearms but sparing of the palms and soles. (Castanedo, et al., 2020) Similar to Recalcati’s cases, this patient had limited associated pruritus.

While not all cases have been followed with histological analysis, those that were biopsied revealed lymphocytic infiltrates with papillary edema and vacuolar interface dermatitis. (Amatore, et al., 2020) What does this mean for the non-dermatologist? The rashes in those with COVID-19 may not be unique at all but instead resemble nonspecific viral exanthems. (Amatore, et al., 2020)

The non-specific appearance of the rash can also lead to misdiagnosis. Joob et al. reported that patients out of Thailand who presented with petechiae were potentially being misdiagnosed as having Dengue fever, given the concurrent hematologic manifestations that can occur in both Dengue fever and COVID-19. (Joob & Wiwanitkit, 2020) Mahe et al. describes the maculopapular rash resembling Symmetrical Drug-Related Intertriginous and Flexural Exanthema (SDRIFE) in a COVID patient taking paracetamol. (Mahe, Birckel, Krieger, Merklen, & Bottlaender, 2020) These cases illustrate the importance of not only casting a wide net for the differential diagnoses considered, but knowing local and ethnic infectious disease patterns.

In recent literature, there have been multiple reports of chilblain-like lesions in the toes that suggests that the dermatologic manifestations may be an immune reaction to the virus. (Ahouach, et al., 2020) (Alramthan & Aldarajj, 2020) The upper extremities may not be spared, as case reports out of the Middle East also describe patients who tested positive for the disease with maculopapular rashes on their fingers bilaterally. (Alramthan & Aldarajj, 2020) Why do these lesions occur in the extremities? It is hypothesized that with the known hypercoagulable state that often occurs with more severe COVID-19 cases, it could be signs of ischemia that are occurring. (Zhonghua, Ye, & Za, 2020)  (Magro, et al., 2020) As a result, any extremity involvement should be followed by a through vascular exam to ensure the limb is not threatened.

Rashes have not been isolated to adults but are now appearing in children as well. In early May 2020, 15 children in the New York City area were found to have clinical presentations resembling atypical Kawasaki disease (KD). (Haelle, 2020) Kawasaki disease is a vasculitic condition affecting medium-caliber blood vessels in young children that can lead to cardiovascular pathology, with a reported incidence rate of 1:4000. (Sundel, 2014) It is considered to be an autoimmune reaction commonly due to an underlying concurrent infection. Serum analysis of the affected children showed biomarkers (ie, ESR, C-RP, coronavirus RT-PCR) consistent with severe COVID-19. Identification of co-existing KD is imperative as patients may require IVIG to prevent coronary manifestations such as aneurysms. (Harahsheh, et al., 2020)

Overall, the initial speculation is that the presenting dermatologic findings may be expected with any viral condition and may not be unique to COVID-19 itself; however, with time we may be able to evaluate cases to determine if unique characteristics do exist that may warrant individualized treatments.

 What about dermatologic conditions in COVID-19 healthcare workers?

Lastly, we cannot forget those who are taking care of COVID-19 patients around the world. Due to the highly infectious nature of this coronavirus, we are seeing escalating cases of contact dermatitis and eczema related to the infection-prevention measures instituted in the hospital systems (eg, persistent washing of hands with soap and water, using alcohol-based solutions, wearing non-latex gloves). (Lan J, 2020) (Organization, 2009) (America, 2020) In a questionnaire of healthcare providers sent by Lan et al, they found that 97% of first-line healthcare workers reported some form of skin damage. Reported areas of involvement included the nasal bridge (masks), cheeks, forehead, and hands (dryness, desquamation). The concern with the dermatologic findings on the hands specifically is for the desquamation acting as a potential nidus for eventual infection.

What can be done? Carrying a pocket tube of moisturizer and applying it to the hands after washing with soap and warm water can help prevent dryness from occurring. No specific moisturizer is recommended by the WHO. If the moisturizer does not seem to be effective, then reaching out to your primary care provider for a prescription-strength topical therapy for eczema may be required. Finally, given the widespread use of antiseptic wipes, clinical staff should use gloves when handling these items as they can be irritating or toxic to the skin.

References

Ahouach, B., Harant, S., Ullmer, A., Martres, P., Begon, E., Blum, L., . . . Bachmeyer, C. (2020). Cutaneous lesions in a patient with COVID-19: are they related? British Journal of Dermatology.

Alramthan, A., & Aldarajj, W. (2020). A case of COVID-19 presenting in clinical picture resembling chilblains disease. First report from the Middle East. Clin Exp Dermatol. .

Amatore, F., Macagno, N., Mailhe, M., Demarez, B., Gaudy-Marqueste, C., & Grob, C. (2020). SARS-CoV-2 infection presenting as a febrile rash. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

America, A. a. (2020, March 12). Eczema, Hand-Washing and the New Coronavirus (COVID-19): Protecting Yourself and Your Skin. Retrieved from Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Community Services: https://community.aafa.org/blog/eczema-wash-hands-coronavirus-covid19-prevention

Anderson, R. C., Horn, K. B., Hoang, M. P., Gottlieb, E., & Bennin, B. (2004). Punctate exanthem of West Nile Virus infection: Report of 3 cases. Journal of hte American Academy of Dermatology.

Castanedo, L. Q., Feito-Rodriguez, M., Valero-Lopez, I., Chiloeches-Fernandez, C., Sendagorta-Cudos, E., & Herranz-Pinto, P. (2020). Urticarial exanthem as early diagnostic clue for COVID-19 infection. JAAD Case Reports.

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Magro, C., Mulvey, J., Berlin, D., Nuovo, G., Salvatore, S., Harp, J., . . . Laurence, J. (2020). Complement associated microvascular injury and thrombosis in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 infection: A report of five cases. Translational Research.

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