COVID-19 Infection Manifesting with Maculopapular Rash: A Case Report

Abstract

COVID-19 commonly manifests with respiratory symptoms but is reported to involve other organs including the skin.

This is a case of a 58-year-old male diagnosed with mild COVID-19 infection via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) nasopharyngeal swab (NPS). He initially presented with symptoms of fever, cough, colds, sore throat, anosmia, ageusia, myalgia, and diarrhea. Maculopapular cutaneous lesions appeared on the extremities on the 3rd day of illness and were described as pruritic and blanching. The patient was managed conservatively with oral hydration and vitamin supplementation. During home isolation, symptoms were monitored via telemedicine. He recovered and was asymptomatic 36 days from the onset of symptoms.

During the early part of the pandemic, further diagnostic testing was challenging due to the restrictions that were implemented. However, careful history, modified physical examination, and monitoring through teleconsultation proved to be very useful. Documenting the course and outcome of COVID-19 patients with skin manifestations would help facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment, as well as anticipate the possible prognosis of patients who present with a similar clinical pattern.