Background SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of a current pandemic worldwide. This virus can reach all organs, and disturbs the immune system leading to a cytokine storm in severe forms. We aimed to report cutaneous features among COVID-19 hospitalized patients. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study on one given day among all patients hospitalized in acute care for COVID-19 and included all patients with cutaneous features. Follow-up 48 hours later was obtained. Results Among 59 adult patients hospitalized on the day of the study, in an infectious diseases ward for SARS-CoV-2 infection, confirmed by molecular assay and/or radiological findings (CT scan), 40 were included. Several cutaneous manifestations were found: macular exanthema (80%), face edema (32%), livedo (13%), urticarial rash (8%), purpura (5%), oral lichenoid lesions (33%) and conjunctivitis (18%). Cutaneous biopsy was performed in 17 patients. Histological findings showed mast cell hyperplasia (100%), superficial perivascular infiltrate of lymphocytes (94%) and superficial edema (47%) consistent with capillary leak. Conclusions Various dermatological signs can be encountered during COVID-19. A macular rash was the most frequent. All cutaneous features could be related to a vascular leak process.

The authors have withdrawn this manuscript and do not wish it to be cited. Because of controversy about hydroxychloroquine and the retrospective nature of their study, they intend to revise the manuscript after peer review.

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