Inflammatory skin conditions increase the risk of COVID-19 but with less severe course, according to a recent publication in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
“By investigating this relationship through a multi-omics approach, we sought to ascertain whether patients with skin conditions are more susceptible to COVID-19,” wrote the study authors.
Researchers conducted an epidemiological study to compare gene expressions across different inflammatory skin conditions and SARS-CoV-2 infected cell lines. A meta-analysis determined the risk of COVID-19 with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
COVID-19 risk is increased with inflammatory skin conditions (odds ratio [OR], 1.55; P=1.4 x 10-9), but the mechanical ventilation risk is decreased (OR, 0.22; P=8.5 x 10-5). Researchers observed overlap in gene expression between the infected normal bronchial epithelial cells and inflammatory skin diseases.
“Together our findings suggest association between inflammatory skin conditions and higher risk of COVID-19, but with less severe course, and highlight shared components involved in anti-COVID19 immune response,” concluded the study authors. –Lisa Kuhns
Reference
Patrick MT, Zhang H, Wasikowski R, et al. Associations between COVID-19 and skin conditions identified through epidemiology and genomic studies. J Allergy Clin Immunol. Published online January 21, 2021. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2021.01.006
