Implications of COVID-19 Pandemic on Skin Conditions

Abstract

The primary cutaneous manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection are grouped into five dermatological clinical patterns. However, the implications of COVID-19 pandemic in terms of skin conditions also include the worsening of pre-existing skin diseases, as well as the increased incidence of stress-related dermatoses and others related to phycochemical factors. The objective of the paper was to determine the implications of COVID-19 pandemic in skin conditions. A 22-year-old male patient is reported, with seeming healthy personal pathological history, a medical student, who was carrying out active research for respiratory symptoms, as part of the supporting team in the fight against COVID-19. Approximately 8 weeks after the first case of COVID-19 appeared in Cuba, a primary infection of ocular herpes simplex type 1 was diagnosed, with recurrence 15 days later, as well as a single plaque alopecia areata barbae. Stress is interpreted as triggering factor for this dermatoses. Psychology was consulted, treatment was indicated, with resolution of beard lesions and no recurrence of eye lesions for more than eight months. The importance of this case lies in keeping in mind that manu somatic diseases are closely related to mental health ailments, hence the need to see the individual as a biopsychosocial being.