Lesional skin biopsies reveal histologic features consistent with viral exanthems, namely vacuolar gegeneration of the basal epidermal layer with occasional dyskeratotic keratinocytes and superficial dermal inflammation. Lesions tend to resolve after about eight days without scarring. The diffuse pattern consists of polymorphic papules, vesicles, and pustules that develop simultaneously on the trunk and spread distally, sometimes involving the palms and soles. A cohort study reported that it accounted for 18 (75%) of 24 cases. But the diffuse pattern may be more common. The localized pattern is characterized by monomorphic vesicles in the same stage of evolution that are confined to the trunk. Initially described as “varicella-like,” vesicular eruptions in COVID-19 have been described in both localized and diffuse distributions. Vesicles also can be the first sign of COVID-19 Additionally, an analysis of 200 patients with COVID-19 with cutaneous manifestations found a significant association between urticarial and gastrointestinal symptoms, which could assist clinicians in their anticipatory management. Interestingly, in a systematic review of 895 patients with COVID-19, 105 (12%) had urticarial lesions, and in 17 (16%) of these 105 the urticaria began before the onset of the other COVID-19 symptoms, suggesting that it can be a clue to diagnosis in appropriate clinical settings and can help guide early testing. However, urticarial vasculitis has been described in association with COVID-19, suggesting that biopsy should be considered in patients with persistent urticarial plaques with associated purpura. Histologic features also mimic those of idiopathic urticaria and thus limit the value of skin biopsy. On average, urticaria lasts less than one week and is associated with relatively mild disease and survival rates of 97.8% to 98.2%. The clinical features do not appear to differ from those of idiopathic urticaria and typically consist of generalized pruritic wheals. Urticaria can be the first sign of COVID-19 Patients with COVID-19-associated morbilliform eruptions have an excellent prognosis, with survival rates of 96.9% to 97.5%. Typical clinical features include a generalized, symmetric maculopapular rash with pruritus. International registry data indicate that morbilliform eruptions are the most common cutaneous manifestation in patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Morbilliform eruptions are common in many viral illnesses and were reported in patients with COVID-19 early in the pandemic. Morbilliform rash: the most common skin manifestation Vaso-occlusive lesions (due to thrombosis and occlusion of small arteries, with subsequent ischemia).Pseudo-chilblains (also known as “COVID toes,” painful inflammation of the digits in response to cold).Morbilliform rash (containing macules and papules, resembling measles).Additionally, an analysis of 296 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the United States found that mucocutaneous findings were associated with the need for mechanical ventilation, even when adjusted for age, body mass index and comorbidities.ĬOVID-19-associated cutaneous abnormalities are often grouped into five major categories: For example, a study of more than 330,000 community-based patients in the United Kingdom found that patient-reported skin rash was associated with positive COVID-19 testing and was more predictive than fever. It is beneficial to watch for cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19, both in and out of the hospital. The open-access and fully referenced original article is available here.Īs experience with caring for patients with COVID-19 has accumulated since the onset of the pandemic, so has our understanding of its associated cutaneous manifestations and their clinical implications. This article has been excerpted and reprinted (without references) from the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine ( 2022, 89 (3):1 61-167. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services Policy Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
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