Dermatological findings of SARS-CoV-2 in Indian scenario

Written By : Dr.Niharika Harsha B |Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Published On 2020-07-16T21:15:00+05:30 | Updated On 17 July 2020 5:23 PM IST

A varied dermatological finding were seen in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus in India, depending on the severity of symptoms, states a study from North India.

First detected in Wuhan, SARS-CoV-2 is a single stranded, positive sense, RNA virus. It belongs to the corona virus family. Viral entry point is the Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor which is found on the cell surfaces. The primary site of infection is lungs and its symptoms range from mild flu like symptoms to fulminant pneumonia which can eventually lead to severe respiratory distress.

The mechanism of cutaneous manifestations in SARS-CoV-2 is not well known, except for a few theories. It is postulated that lymphatic vasculitis is caused by the viral particles which are moving in the cutaneous blood vessels. After Langerhans cells activation, keratinocytes are the secondary targets with which various clinical manifestations are induced.

SARS-CoV-2 which is a novel corona virus has affected millions across the globe. The disease manifests in variable clinical severity causing both respiratory and extra respiratory symptoms. The dermatological manifestations are one of the symptoms which are sparsely reported. The present research aimed to study the various dermatological findings in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients in India.

The study involved 102 COVID positive patients after thorough clinical examination to determine the nature and frequency of various dermatological manifestations.

From the study the authors found that out of 102 positive cases there were 95 males and the mean age was 39.30 yrs. Out of these:

• Thirteen patients (12.7%) were found to have dermatological manifestations.

• Three (2.9%) had maculopapular rash.

• Two (1.9%) had urticarial lesions.

• Eight (7.8%) patients had itching without any specific cutaneous signs.

• Trunk was the most frequently affected area, followed by the extremities.

• No mucosal signs and symptoms were detected

From this study the authors concluded that Dermatological manifestations were seen in a small group of COVID-19 patients and the presentation may vary in different population groups and based on severity of disease.

To read more about this study, click the following link: https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.13849

covid 19COVIDCorona virusdermatologic manifestations

Source : Dermatologic Therapy

Dr.Niharika Harsha B

BDS, MDS

Dr.Niharika Harsha B (BDS,MDS) completed her BDS from Govt Dental College, Hyderabad and MDS from Dr.NTR University of health sciences(Now Kaloji Rao University). She has 4 years of private dental practice and worked for 2 years as Consultant Oral Radiologist at a Dental Imaging Centre in Hyderabad. She worked as Research Assistant and scientific writer in the development of Oral Anti cancer screening device with her seniors. She has a deep intriguing wish in writing highly engaging, captivating and informative medical content for a wider audience. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751