A systematic review about skin lesions in children affected by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (excluding multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children): study protocol

COVID-19 disease can give a range of skin manifestations, some of which specific to children and young patients. Given the different nature of the lesions in specific stages of the disease and the fact that they may be the only or predominant symptom of the disease, it is of great importance for the pediatrician and dermatologist to be familiar with COVID-19 skin lesions. The aim of this systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA statement, is to investigate COVID-19-associated cutaneous involvement in children in terms of type of skin lesions, frequency, and time of onset, with the exclusion of those associated with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. A comprehensive literature search will be performed through PubMed between December 2019 and December 2021. The quality of each study will be assessed according to the STROBE tool for observational studies. This systematic review will provide evidence about the dermatological manifestations of COVID-19 disease in children published up to the end of year 2021. Recognizing skin symptoms as potential manifestations of COVID-19 in children is important for a non-delayed diagnosis, with prompt activation of the adequate tracing, isolation, and hygienic measures, and for timely treatment of unlikely but possible serious complications.