Coronavirus is Not the Only Corona We Know in Dermatology

Abstract

Nowadays, everyone is aware of the word “corona” in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic. “Corona” is a Latin word which means “crown or garland”. Coronaviruses have a crown or halo-like appearance of their envelope glycoproteins.[1] Few body structures and dermatoses also share the name corona. This article summarises all such structures and diseases. Corona of the glans penis and Papillae Coronae Glandis It refers to the circumference of the base of the glans penis which forms a rounded projecting border, overhanging a deep retroglandular sulcus.[2] Diseases such as lichen planus, lichen sclerosus, pearly penile papules, porokeratosis, scabies, psoriasis, angiokeratoma can develop on the corona of the penis. Pearly penile papules (PPP) are benign lesions of the penis, which are considered to be normal anatomic variants and might constitute the vestigial remnants of penile snipes seen in primates and other mammals. PPP present as flesh or white-colored dome-shaped papules or filiform lesions arranged in rows around the corona of the glans penis. PPP is also known as papillae coronae glandis, papillomatosis corona penis, corona capillitii, hirsuties coronae glandis, and hirsutoid papillomas. Lichen nitidus and molluscum contagiosum are important differential diagnoses. Since the lesions are benign and asymptomatic, no active intervention is required and counselling may suffice.[3] Corona Unguicularis (CU) or the spines of the terminal phalanges of digits. Radiographically, erosions of CU can be seen in psoriatic arthritis with digital phalangeal involvement.[4] Corona Veneris Papular syphilide of secondary syphilis, refers to lesions along the anterior margin of the scalp or back of the neck, along the hairline. In chapter Liviticus of Bible, corona veneris has been described as baldness sores which arise in the bald areas. The diagnosis can be made on the basis of history of genital ulceration along with treponemal and non-treponemal tests. A single dose of an intramuscular injection of benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million units (1.2 million units in each buttock) after sensitivity testing is the treatment for this condition.[5] Corona Seborrhica Yellowish, greasy, adherent scales of seborrheic dermatitis sometimes extend onto the forehead and give the appearance of a crown. This particular type of seborrheic dermatitis is known as corona seborrhica.[6] Scalp psoriasis, tinea capitis, and lupus erythematosus constitute important differentials. Topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, antifungal shampoos containing ketoconazole 2% and keratolytic agents such as salicylic acid are available treatment options. Corona Psoriatica Scalp is a common site of involvement in psoriasis. The extension of the erythematous, scaly plaques of scalp psoriasis on to the forehead, along the frontal hairline, is known as corona psoriatica.[7] Differential diagnoses include seborrheic dermatitis, discoid lupus erythematosus, and tinea capitis. Topical steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, coal-tar based shampoos, and keratolytic agents can be used for treatment. Corona Alopecia This refers to the non-cicatricial patterned hair loss, along the frontal hairline in both males and females seen after puberty.[8] Red corona The dermoscopic findings of molluscum contagiosum include central pore or umblication in conjunction with polylobular white to yellow amorphous structures, surrounded by linear or branched vessels. This dermoscopic appearance is known as red corona.[9] Corona phlebectatica paraplantaris (CPP) CPP is a cutaneous sign of chronic venous insufficiency. It is characterized by fan-shaped intradermal telangiectasias on the medial and lateral aspects of the foot. It has four components: Venous cups, red and blue telangiectasias, and capillary stasis spots.[10] Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.