Identifying dermatologic conditions in pediatric patients with COVID-19

Since the discovery that COVID-19 not only causes respiratory issues, but also dermatologic conditions, physicians have also begun to notice pediatric patients infected with the virus have displayed varying skin conditions that aren’t present in infected adult patients.

In a recent article from Contemporary Pediatrics, Donna Hallas, Ph.D., PPCNP-BC, CPNP, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN, suggests physicians should be on the lookout for skin manifestations in pediatric and adolescent patients such as pseudo-chilblains, erythema multiforme-like lesions, multisystem inflammatory syndrome and Kawasaki disease, that could possibly be linked to COVID-19 infection.

MORE: Skin findings in patients with suspected COVID-19​

Dr. Hallas says utilizing research initiatives such as the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance COVID-19 Response Task Force (PDCRTF), an open registry analyzing dermatologic presentations in COVID-19, can help healthcare providers identify these manifestations in pediatric patients suspected of having COVID-19, even without of positive PCR, antigen or antibody testing.

She also recommends an expansion of testing pediatric patients for COVID-19 when skin manifestations are present, and not just for when respiratory symptoms occur.

“The lack of a comprehensive national testing plan for adults and children has adversely affected the ability of health care professionals, scientists, and researchers to control many outbreaks that have occurred and are occurring throughout the United States,” says Dr. Hallas. “We, as pediatric health care providers, must advocate for a testing plan for children to assure the safety of the children and adolescents, the school personnel and teachers and as they return home each day, for their family members as well.”

For more information, readers can find the full length article here.

References:

Hallas, D., Ph.D., PPCNP-BC, CPNP, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN. (2020, September 21). Emerging dermatologic conditions in the presence of COVID-19 pandemic. Retrieved September 24, 2020, from https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/emerging-dermatologic-conditions-in-the-presence-of-covid-19-pandemic