Cutaneous Manifestations of COVID-19: A Report from the United Arab Emirates.

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In addition to affecting mainly the respiratory tract, there have been many reported cutaneous manifestations of the disease. A retrospective case series based on history and clinical findings was performed across six hospitals in the UAE, including two field hospitals. A total of 324 patients with COVID-19 were identified and divided into three groups based on the severity of the disease. Forty-five (12.5%) patients had clearly identifiable cutaneous manifestation of COVID-19. Two patients each with alopecia areata and sclerosis of the extremities, respectively, were identified in the second group. Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 have been well reported across the literature. The experience in the UAE is similar to that of published reports. The occurrence of other cutaneous manifestations with an underlying autoimmune pathogenesis should raise the possibility of such conditions in those with COVID-19. (SKINmed. 2020;18218-220).