Is There a COVID-Related Wound?

A variety of skin lesions have been described with Coronavirus infection, also called COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2, and this post explores whether there is a link between COVID and wounds. Understanding of this disease is still in the early stages, and it is unclear whether these skin lesions are the result of comorbidities or coinfection with other agents, or whether COVID-19 is actually responsible. A search of the world literature reveals the following skin issues with COVID: Acral erythema (redness and swelling of the hands and feet) with vesicles and pustules.  This is similar to chilblains – a condition associated with exposure to cold and manifesting in painful inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin. Urticarial lesions.  This is similar to hives and accompanied by severe itching. Maculopapular eruptions.  These are flat and raised lesions of the skin. Vesicular eruptions.  This is characterized by small fluid filled sacs that may be clear, white, yellow, or mixed with blood. Livedo-like lesions, sometimes with purpura or necrosis.  The term ‘livedo’ refers to a net-like or mottled appearance.  Purpura refers to the appearance of a bruise, similar to a Deep Tissue Injury (DTI) pressure injury.  This pattern is seen in older patients with more severe disease. Of these, the livedo lesion with purpura or necrosis is of greatest concern for potential wound development, as biopsies demonstrate microthrombi (small clots) with deposition of complement compone...
Source: Jeffrey M. Levine MD | Geriatric Specialist | Wound Care | Pressure Ulcers - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Tags: Featured Medical Articles Geriatric Medicine Long-Term Care Pressure Injuries & Wound Care bedsore bedsores coronavirus COVID COVID-19 decubiti decubitus ulcer end-of-life care eschar geriatrics gerontology Improving Medical Source Type: blogs