Skin manifestations can be blisters, allergy-like rashes, redness or 'hives.'
SARS-CoV-2 virus disease requires multidisciplinary management, essential for those with conditions that can extend up to several months after the infection has disappeared. These symptoms include the skin manifestations of COVID-19.
The coronavirus produces a multisystemic inflammatory process in which it has been shown that the skin is also affected as well as other organs of the body, the degree will depend on each person in particular, as informed by the dermatologist of the General Hospital of the West (HGO,) Ricardo Cárdenas Membrila.
In an interview during the radio broadcast of the "Hospital Zoquipan" program, the professional pointed out that in patients with COVID-19 there can be an aggravation of previous skin lesions, and the appearance of allergic reactions to the treatments used is also possible.
"Manifestations on the skin can be blisters, allergy-type rashes, redness or puffiness, an interaction of the virus with our defenses, and what is happening is that interaction throws said lesions on the skin, but it is important that data is collected to know whether or not it is COVID-19 that is causing it," said the expert.
The official added that "coronavirus infection predisposes to clots, predisposes to thrombi, which tells us that the patient can have embolisms.”
Treatment will depend on the manifestations that each patient presents in case of itching or inflammation or thrombus. "There is no standard treatment, it will depend on the problem of each patient to provide adequate treatment," said Cárdenas Membrila.
"Other consequences that can appear after going through a serious illness is hair loss due to the weakness of the follicle, and that normally recovers after the unpleasant health event," he pointed out.
Likewise, some patients affected by COVID-19 suffer the appearance of sores on the body due to having been in the hospital bed for a long time without being able to move much, and this occurs due to the patient's own weight that generates damage to the skin.
Additionallhy, health personnel are presenting skin lesions that may derive from the use of protective equipment to care for the sick.
"Professionals in skin care throughout the country are detecting the appearance of dermatological alterations in any area of the skin that only coincides with COVID-19 infection," said the doctor.
The dermatologist invited people to be very careful with everything that is taken and smeared on the skin, and they should always go to the dermatologist to treat any skin and hair problem.
Recommendations:
Always use sunscreen.
Use creamy white soaps that help prevent skin damage.
Do not use scourers when bathing.
The water for bathing should be lukewarm or as cold as possible.
Avoid products such as aloe, honey, calendula and others if there are open wounds.
Keep the skin hydrated.
Eliminate tobacco use.
Apply almond oil to the skin for increased hydration.