Adverse cutaneous reactions of COVID-19 treatment

COVID-19 pandemic has led to many mortalities since the beginning of 2020. As there was no previous experience, no specific therapy was used, except for gloves, masks, special clothes, and antiseptics. So various pharmacologic and non-pharmacological treatments were tried. World Health Organization published therapeutic protocols in the first weeks of the pandemic that has been changed over months. As there are constant and variable signs and symptoms in different patients in different countries, therapeutic modalities and drugs are various too. Some of these drugs have been used for viral and nonviral diseases, including Tamiflu (that has been used in the treatment of influenza), Ribavirin (an effective drug in hepatitis C infection), immunoglobulin (that has been used in the treatment of various disorders like Stevens-Johnson syndrome), hydroxychloroquine (for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and other rheumatologic disorders), azithromycin (that is used for upper respiratory tract infections, acne, etc.). On the other hand, consuming spices such as ginger and turmeric, vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin D, and zinc supplements have been suggested. Over months, treatment complications, including side effects of drugs and protective equipment appeared. Complications included a broad spectrum of pruritus and nonspecific rash to Stevens-Johnson syndrome and angioedema. Aggravation and recurrence of dermatitis due to the use of protective equipment and antiseptics have been observed. Increasing knowledge about treatment complications will result in early diagnosis and management and obviously decreasing mortality rates and costs. This article is a review of common cutaneous side effects of therapeutic modalities and preventive methods in COVID-19.