A systematic review on mucocutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 in children

Abstract

Background: About 20 of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) present with mucocutaneous eruptions. Early skin or dermatological manifestations can help pediatricians prevent the spread of the disease by suspecting COVID-19 in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Nottingham University website were searched on Sep. 1st, 2020, to retrieve studies regarding COVID-19-related mucocutaneous manifestations in patients under the age of 18. Results: Data were extracted from 76 articles including 38, 387 cases. Chilblain/pernio-like lesions were the most common dermatological manifestation, followed by multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)/Kawasaki-like syndrome. Most dermatological signs were self-limited, presenting before, simultaneously with, or after other COVID-19 manifestations. In 40 of the affected children, these signs were the sole presentation of COVID-19. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, each new mucocutaneous event in children, especially acral lesions with vascular color, should be considered a possible indicator of COVID-19. © 2022 Iranian Society of Dermatology.