Dermatological manifestations associated with a novel coronavirus infection in the acute and post-acute period of COVID-19

Introduction. Dermatological manifestations of a novel coronavirus infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are observed in the different periods of the disease, and can sometimes be the only manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Despite the fact that at present the daily increase in new cases of coronavirus infection in the Russian Federation is small, the issues of timely diagnosis, treatment and prevention of COVID-19 remain relevant, and the experience gained during the pandemic is of invaluable practical importance.

Aim. Evaluation of dermatological manifestations associated with a novel coronavirus infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 in the acute period of COVID-19 and post-acute one.

Materials and methods. A cohort non-comparative descriptive study of 120 people aged 48–72 years (44 men, 76 women), who had COVID-19 no earlier than 12 weeks ago, was carried out.

Results. Changes in the skin and its appendages were observed in 72 (60%) patients. In 7 (9.7%) people, dermatological symptoms appeared during the acute period of COVID-19 and were represented by urticaria, pernio-like skin lesions of the feet, edematous erythema of the face and chest, itching and hyperesthesia of the skin. In two cases, skin rashes preceded the onset of respiratory signs of coronavirus infection. Dermatological manifestations of post-COVID syndrome occurred in 94.4% of patients, of which diff use alopecia was diagnosed in 60.3% of cases, skin xerosis with itching and/or paresthesia in 48.5%, onychopathy in 23.5%, new-onset dermatoses in 14.7%, and in 38.2% of cases – a combination of several dermatological disorders.

Conclusion. Among the skin lesions associated with COVID-19, we can identify symptoms typical of the acute period of the disease and signs characteristic of post-COVID syndrome. The dermatological manifestation during the acute period of COVID-19 can serve as an indicator of infection, contributing to its timely diagnosis. Knowledge of the dermatological manifestations of post-COVID syndrome will allow us to correctly conduct a diagnostic search and prescribe adequate treatment.

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