Some people with COVID-19 have skin lesions of various kinds. The most common dermatological symptoms of infection are nettle blisters, maculopapular rash and "covid fingers". We asked the dermatologist Dr. Bartosz Pawlikowski to clarify the relationship between the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus and skin lesions.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, usually hits the lungs with full force. Over time, it has become known that this disease causes various disorders. Doctors and scientists have also discovered connections between this disease and various other organs (including the heart, brain and kidneys).The first mention that COVID-19 can cause skin lesions appeared in China in the early phase of the epidemic.More and more infected patients struggle not only with the symptoms of the disease, but also with skin lesions that may appear on various parts of the body (e.g. around the mouth, trunk, limbs, feet or toes).

Dermatological symptoms COVID-19

For a comment on this topic, we contacteddermatologist Dr. Bartosz Pawlikowskito explain whether COVID-19 causes various types of dermatological symptoms. - COVID-19 is a systemic viral disease and, like any other disease of this type, it stimulates the immune system, which may be associated with the appearance of various skin lesions. Among the skin lesions in the course of COVID-19, the following may appear:nettle blisters, reticular lesions (marbled skin), rash or macular-papular rash and minor ecchymoses and ulcers- said the doctor in an interview with our www.advisnikzdrowie.pl.

According to the doctorthe so-called "Covid fingers".- The glaucous-red spots then cover the distal parts of the fingers of the lower and upper limbs. Over time, the stains can evolve into tiny ulcers resulting from microclots, he added.

Dr. Bartosz Pawlikowski emphasized that in the course of COVID-19 there is often an exacerbation of chronic dermatological diseases, such as:

  • hives,
  • psoriasis,
  • atopic dermatitis.

As explained by the doctor, "stimulation of the immune system by COVID-19 causes exacerbation of symptoms, often to an unprecedented levelearlier with a sick person. "

The COVID-19 treatment process is another factor that contributes to the deterioration of the skinin chronic dermatological diseases. - One of the drugs in the treatment of COVID-19 is corticosteroids. Their administration prevents the intensification of inflammatory processes, leading in consequence to dyspnea, pneumonia or pulmonary edema, and respiratory failure. After discontinuation of corticosteroids, the symptoms of chronic dermatological diseases usually worsen - said Dr. Bartosz Pawlikowski in an interview with our website sklepnikzdrowie.pl.

Read also: COVID-19 disease can cause thyroid disorders? The endocrinologist explains

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Stress and chronic skin diseases

According to the doctor"increased nervous tension causes exacerbation of symptoms of chronic skin diseases" . - The stress associated with the need to be mainly at home, without the possibility of stationary work, with the whole family, because kindergartens and schools are closed, significantly affects the condition of the patients' skin. Inability to spend free time with friends, use the gym and other places, do physical activity, think about what will happen to me, my family, my company, all of us experience anxiety, dissatisfaction and irritation, which leads to exacerbation of chronic diseases or the appearance of skin lesions - he explained.

Continuing his statement, Dr. Bartosz Pawlikowski noted that "patients who undergoing treatment with psychiatric anxiolytics may notice skin lesions". - This is due toone hand from anxiety itself, on the other hand it is an allergic reaction to drugs . One of my patients started taking a strong sleeping pill also during the day in March last year to reduce stress levels. This made her addicted to the drug and she developed skin changes. Now he treats addiction in an inpatient center and with psychotherapy, and of course, a multiform drug rash in my clinic - emphasized the dermatologist in an interview with our website serwisnikzdrowie.pl.

Symptom of the "red crescent" on the nails

People who have defeated COVID-19 may struggle withchanges in the skin appendages, i.e. hair and nails , as pointed out by Dr. Bartosz Pawlikowski. "The hair symptoms are telogen alopecia and the previously unknown" red crescent moon "symptom of the nails, said the doctor. He added that "the appendages can react to COVID-19, evenup to 3-4 months after infection,and symptomsgradually disappear on their own. "

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COVID 19