Covid-19 can also manifest itself through certain skin alterations. These cutaneous phenotypes, six to be exact, are real alarm bells not to be underestimated but, indeed, to be investigated. A recent demonstrates this studio Italian coordinated by the dermatologist Angelo Marzano, director of the School of Specialization in Dermatology and Venereology of the University of Milan. The specialist made use of the support of the Italian Society of Medical, Surgical, Aesthetic Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (SIDeMaST). The research result was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
When should we worry?
Covid-19, therefore, does not always and only manifest itself with fever, cough, joint pain or gastrointestinal problems, but it can affect our skin. So what are the cases in which to worry? For example, when a reaction similar to hives, measles (on the limbs and trunk) or chickenpox appears on the skin. But also in the presence of lesions similar to chilblains or vasculitis (with a vinous red color and possible formation of ulcers on the lower limbs).
The Covid-19 study on the skin
Covid-19, Marzano knows it well. In addition to being a doctor and coordinator of the interesting research, he was the first to be hospitalized for Coronavirus in Milan, after patient 1 from Codogno. It was February 22 of last year. In this study, conducted on 200 patients throughout Italy, mainly males, with an average age of 57, Marzano observed that, among young people, chilblains are the prevalent symptom and occur on average for 22 days. Furthermore, they have been associated with an almost always asymptomatic manifestation of the virus. The other rashes, on the other hand, lasting an average of 12 days, were associated with a more or less severe form. “According to our studies - explained the doctor - there is no direct correlation between the severity of the skin manifestation and that of Sars-CoV-2 disease. Rather, a correlation exists between increasing age and increasing disease severity ”.
The signs not to be underestimated
Covid-19 can therefore attack the skin. The expert suggests paying particular attention to precise signals that may appear on the epidermis. An apparent urticaria, a very extensive erythema, a sudden vasculitis, bruising and chilblains are all possible indicators of the disease that must lead us to take a swab. “Our work - said Marzano - does not end here. In fact, we want to study the mechanisms by which the virus produces skin lesions once it has entered the body through the respiratory system. For this, together with my collaborators, we are writing a project that will be sent to the Ministry of Research. The goal is to contribute to an ever more rapid and in-depth knowledge of the disease so that the Scientific Community can defeat it in the shortest possible time ".
"The skin, an aspect not considered"
Also Kitty Paris, president of SIDeMaST and director of the complex operating unit of Dermatology of the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, expressed herself on the subject: “The skin - she said - can be a sign of disease and this aspect, unfortunately, is still little considered. Surely this study is very important because it shows that it can be a 'sign' of Covid even when the symptoms are few. We have actually been collecting data for some time and there are several works published by dermatologists showing the ongoing skin manifestations of Covid. It is clear that, compared to those with respiratory problems, the 'less serious' aspect of the disease, such as a skin manifestation, usually tends to be less considered. But this is not correct, because - explained Paris - it can be extremely important ”.
