Cutaneous manifestations in a series of 417 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: epidemiological and clinical correlates of chilblain like lesions

ABSTRACT

A variety of dermatological lesions have been described in COVID-19, although the prevalence and pathogenic relationship remain unclear particularly for chilblain-like lesions. Dermatological examination was performed in a prospective cohort of consecutive patients seen at the service for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Out of 417 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection [median age 29.5 years (range 15–65); 62.5% males], dermatological lesions were detected in 7 (1.7%). Three patients had acral lesions; their age (range) was 15–29 years; all had a negative nasopharyngeal swab and developed IgG and/or IgM-specific antibodies; all presented none or mild symptoms. A fourth patient remained negative at repeated testing; mother, father and sister had a documented mild COVID-19. Non-acral lesions were observed in four older patients, with severe COVID-19. Chilblain-like lesions may be the sole manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection; their presence in asymptomatic school children and adolescents should be considered a potential signal of familial or community spread of the virus.

KEYWORDS:

• SARS-CoV-2
• COVID-19
• acral lesions
• chilblain-like lesions
• cutaneous lesions

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflict of interests to declare