Dermatological manifestations found in Haryana’s mild and moderate Covid cases: Study

Bhartesh Singh Thakur

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 27

A study published in Dermatologic Therapy journal has found skin infections in close to 13 per cent cases in asymptomatic, mild and moderate Covid patients at the Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College and Hospital, Nuh. 

The study, published on June 16, included 102 positive cases, with 95 males and seven females. As many as 27 cases were suffering from mild or moderate symptoms among them, while the rest were asymptomatic.

Dr Ashish Dalal, Dr Vishal Aggarwal and Dr Ravi Beniwal of Nuh medical college and Dr Deepak Jakhar of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation Medical College and Hindu Rao Hospital, New Delhi, contributed towards the research paper. The authors have claimed it to be the first such study from India.

Thirteen patients (12.7 per cent), with five symptomatic and eight asymptomatic, were found to have skin infections. Three (2.9 per cent) had red-coloured rashes, two (1.9 per cent) had wheal and eight (7.8 per cent) patients had itching without any specific skin signs.

“Trunk was the most frequently affected area, followed by the hands and feet. No palm or sole involvement; and oral cavity is involved. None of the patient had any pre-existing skin diseases,” says Dr Dalal. 

The presence of red-coloured rashes was only seen in symptomatic patients.

“The present study elaborates various dermatological findings in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients from North India. It is first such study from India. Covid-19 as a disease majorly affects pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal and other internal systems of the body. Skin manifestations were reported late in the course of this pandemic and still there is paucity of literature characterizing the dermatological presentations,” said Dr Dalal.

All patients, under the study, along with symptomatic treatment, were given tab hydroxychloroquine (HCQS) 400 mg twice daily on day one, then 200 mg twice daily for ten days. If patients showed fever, then after ECG evaluation, tab azithromycin 500 mg once a day for five days was added to the treatment.

None of Nuh patients showed swelling and colour changes of tips of fingers, fluid filled lesions, patchy disclouration of skin, which have been found in studies in other countries.

“Different ethnicity, skin of color, differences in the infective strains of SARS-CoV-2 and inclusion of only mild-to-moderate disease in our patients may be the possible explanation. This study suggests that asymptomatic and mild-to-moderate disease may show non-specific and subtle dermatological manifestations. The presentation and frequency of cutaneous manifestations in COVID-19 may vary in different population groups,” said Dr Jakhar.