Although at first it was said that the Covid-19 It only affected the lungs now the picture is quite different. Over time it was found that it also damages other organs such as the heart and kidneys. While a study led by the King’s College Londonwhich included almost 350 people, it was found that it also causes skin lesions.
Based on the work mentioned, skin involvement represented an early warning sign of this disease (in 17% of patients). But it was not all because they were also the only clinical sign throughout the entire infection (in 21%).
“SARS-COV-2 is mainly associated with pimples on the body that, in medicine, we know as viral exanthems and which do not occur so commonly when diagnostic tests for this condition are performed. While in the little ones, any viral infection can cause some kind of rash,” says Dr. Jatziri Chávez, director of the High Specialty Dermatological Center (CEDAE).
Main skin lesions
Some skin lesions detected in patients with Covid-19 are maculopapules, small reddish rashes, sometimes raised, that usually appear in the torso area. There is also the presence of hives, capable of causing pain or itching in both hands and feet; small blisters on the extremities, as well as pink or white areas of the skin, with the appearance of irritation and accompanied by itching that is known as perniosis-like.
“In recent months, we have discovered that there are other important manifestations such as morbilliform erythema, a skin disorder that produces lesions with a dark center, surrounded by a pale ring and another pink or reddish border. They almost always appear cephalocaudal, that is, from head to toe. Other patients start with urticarial lesions: hives that come and go or, well, severe attacks of hives with a lot of itching”, explains the clinical dermatologist, oncologist and trichologist.
According to researchers, the appearance of these rashes and lesions may be due to four factors: a direct attack by the virus, adverse drug reactions, and an immune response. The study led by King’s College London revealed that, in general, these manifestations last between five and 15 days, in addition to appearing mainly in women.
“The most common lesions, such as exanthema, rashes, purpura or urticaria, occur mainly during infection and disappear after a short time. Hives, on the other hand, can last from one to three months; while all those injuries in which there could be ischemia or necrosis (death of the skin) could have long-term consequences such as loss of toes.
“It is important to know these manifestations to carry out PCR tests despite not having respiratory symptoms. Let’s not forget that, during winter, respiratory diseases are more common and, therefore, we must protect ourselves more. Similarly, we must take care of our skin, especially when we have rashes or eruptions. The ideal is to use very mild soaps, called syndets, to avoid irritation, as well as to lubricate with much more unctuous creams so that the skin feels more comfortable during this cold season”, recommends Jatziri Chávez, director of the High Specialty Dermatological Center ( CEDAE), with offices in the Roma and Satélite neighborhoods.