Derms & AAD Playing Key Role in COVID-19 Symptom Research
You've likely heard about 'COVID toes' and other skin symptoms that are being associated with COVID-19 infection. If not, here's a quick catch-up. There are numerous dermatology signs being reported with COVID-19, including:
* Patchy rashes
* Chilblains (itchy, red, swelling and blistering on hands or feet that resemble frostbite)
* Hives
* Chickenpox-like blisters
* Mottling
* Broken blood vessels, and/or Black crusted lesions on the tips of fingers or toes.
Indeed, in a letter to the editor published in the Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, dermatologists working with COVID-19 patients in Italy found that among 88 COVID-19 patients, 20% showed skin symptoms.
Some experts are saying that skin symptoms related to COVID are not entirely surprising as other viruses and the body's immune response to them are associated with rashes. Medications used to treat COVID may also be at play, and COVID-associated blood clotting is likely also having an impact. Research is ongoing to help us better understand it all and dermatologists and dermatology-related organizations (like ours) are doing their part.Ê
To help collect important case reports of dermatologic manifestations in COVID-19 patients, the American Academy of Dermatology is making it easy for healthcare professionals across the globe to enter their observations into a research database. Information about how COVID-19 infection may impact patients with concurrent chronic skin conditions (such as hyperhidrosis, eczema and psoriasis) is also being gathered. All entries are privacy-protected and no patient identifying information is collected. Results can help us to better understand and recognize the symptoms of COVID-19 infection, how the virus affects the body, potential advances in treatment, and more.
Huge thanks to the AAD for starting this registry and to dermatologists and other healthcare providers in our IHhS community who are taking part in this important research and caring for patients with COVID-19 along with all their usual patients (including people with hyperhidrosis.) Thanks also to all of you who are staying up-to-date on COVID-19 precautions and practicing #COVIDKindness. We care about your sweating issues and we care about you!
More than 100 cases of chilblains [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/04/27/coronavirus-doctors-learn-more-new-covid-19-symptom-covid-toes/3031743001/] have already been recorded in the American Academy of Dermatology's COVID-19 symptom registry [http://www.aad.org/covidregistry]. The majority of them are in younger people in their 20s and 30s who are doing well in their COVID-19 clinical course, a member of the AAD task force on COVID-19 has said.
Please note that the AAD registry is for healthcare provider use. COVID-19 patients who would like their cases included should share the registry's link (www.aad.org/covidregistry) with their healthcare providers.
Want to learn more about COVID-19 and the skin (including how to prevent and heal dry skin related to frequent handwashing? Visit the AAD's public coronavirus resource center.
To learn more about COVID-19, how to better protect yourself, your family and your community, common symptoms, and what to do if you are sick or think you've been exposed, please visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)