COVID-19 induced pityriasis rubra pilaris: A superantigenic disease?

Long COVID in Children, Adults, and Vulnerable Populations: A Comprehensive Overview for an Integrated Approach

Long COVID affects both children and adults, including subjects who experienced severe, mild, or even asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. We have provided a comprehensive overview of the incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of persistent COVID-19 symptoms in both children and adults, encompassing vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and oncological patients. Our objective is to emphasize the critical significance of adopting an integrated approach for the early detection and appropriate management of long COVID. The incidence and severity of long COVID symptoms can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients and the course of disease in the case of pre-existing pathologies. Particularly, in fragile and vulnerable patients, the presence of PASC is related to significantly worse survival, independent from pre-existing vulnerabilities and treatment. It is important try to achieve an early recognition and management. Various mechanisms are implicated, resulting in a wide range of clinical presentations. Understanding the specific mechanisms and risk factors involved in long COVID is crucial for tailoring effective interventions and support strategies. Management approaches involve comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and treatment of symptoms and comorbidities, such as autonomic dysfunction, as well as multidisciplinary rehabilitation. The overall course of long COVID is one of gradual improvement, with recovery observed in the majority, though not all, of patients. As the research on long-COVID continues to evolve, ongoing studies are likely to shed more light on the intricate relationship between chronic diseases, such as oncological status, cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric disorders, and the persistent effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This information could guide healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers in developing targeted interventions.

Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris: An Updated Review of Clinical Presentation, Etiopathogenesis, and Treatment Options

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare papulosquamous reaction pattern with a significant impact on quality of life. Type I PRP is the most common PRP variant, presenting as erythematous papules emerging in a follicular distribution and later coalescing into plaques with characteristic islands of sparing; histologically, an alternating pattern of orthokeratosis and parakeratosis is considered the hallmark of PRP (checkerboard hyperkeratosis). Other PRP variants (types II-V) differ in their age of onset and clinical presentation. Type VI PRP is a rare PRP subtype associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection and is occasionally associated with diseases of the follicular occlusion tetrad. Caspase recruitment domain family, member 14 (CARD14)-associated papulosquamous eruption and facial discoid dermatitis are newly described disease states that have an important clinical overlap with PRP, creating shared conundrums with respect to diagnosis and treatment. The etiology inciting PRP often remains uncertain; PRP has been suggested to be associated with infection, malignancy, or drug/vaccine administration in some cases, although these are based on case reports and causality has not been established. Type V PRP is often due to inborn CARD14 mutations. Furthermore, recent literature has identified interleukin-23/T-helper-17 cell axis dysregulation to be a major mediator of PRP pathogenesis, paving the way for mechanism-directed therapy. At present, high-dose isotretinoin, ixekizumab, and secukinumab are systemic agents supported by single-arm prospective studies; numerous other agents have also been trialed for PRP, with variable success rates. Here, we discuss updates on clinical manifestations, present new insights into etiopathogenesis, and offer a survey of recently described therapeutic options.

A Rare Post-infectious Rash: Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris After COVID-19 Infection

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare papulosquamous skin disorder that often presents with erythematous follicular-based hyperkeratotic papules that can become confluent and lead to erythroderma and electrolyte and thermoregulatory imbalances resulting from increased tissue perfusion and skin barrier breakdown. Due to this condition being uncommon, many specialties outside of dermatology are unfamiliar with this entity which poses unique diagnostic and management challenges. This case report involves a 55-year-old woman who presented to the emergency room with erythroderma secondary to PRP. It highlights the relevance of PRP in the context of in-hospital management by presenting the patient's clinical profile, diagnostic workup, and treatment plan. By emphasizing the distinctive clinical features and natural course of the disease, this report aims to enhance the understanding of this uncommon inflammatory skin condition.