Skin manifestations associated with COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, announced by the World Health Organization in March 2020, remains the subject of research and analysis by scientists working in various branches of medicine. Coronavirus-associated disease is most commonly associated with characteristic pulmonary symptoms. Cutaneous manifestations in the course of SARS-CoV-2 as extrapulmonary manifestations of the disease represent a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Diverse clinical aspects of dermatological manifestations hinder correct differentiation and diagnosis. The prevalence of skin lesions associated with COVID-19 is estimated to be over 6% of affected patients. Several clinical patterns strongly associated with COVID-19 have been described, such as pseudo-ulcerative, maculopapular, urticarial, vesicular, and vascular lesions. Cutaneous dermatitis may coexist with mucocutaneous manifestations involving the oral cavity and ocular surface. Cutaneous manifes tations of COVID-19 are classified in the literature according to their clinical features, possible mechanisms of pathogenesis, and prevalence. The pathogenetic mechanism, diagnostic criteria, prognostic significance of these lesions are still being discussed. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the cutaneous manifestations associated with COVID-19. The period of symptom occurrence, severity, need for specific treatment, and prognosis depends on the clinical presentation. Physicians with knowledge of the cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 can quickly differentiate and then make an accurate diagnosis and implement appropriate treatment.