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Dermatologist’s Role In COVID-19 Infections

Dr Jayakar Thomas

Dermatologist, Chennai 

The disease does not cause any dermatological problem directly, but the indirect impact that it could have on patients being treated by dermatologists are enormous, especially patients who are under immunosuppressive therapy.

These patients are being treated with drugs like methotrexate, cyclosporine and even biologics and should be warned about the dangers of contracting these infections much more easily than others. 

Despite the virus not being dermatotropic, several skin conditions such as pressure injury, contact dermatitis, itch, pressure urticaria, and exacerbation of pre-existing skin disease, including seborrheic dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis may appear. Dermatologist must be aware of the skin complications and the preventive measures needed to be taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Patient’s age, co-morbidities and the medicines they are taking that might affect their immune system such as patients with chronic immunological disorders who are generally treated with steroids or other immunosuppressants and these patients need to be extremely careful. Hence, the indirect impact of the coronavirus infection could be really compelling on all dermatological practices.  So, in clinical practice it is important for all dermatologists to be vigilant to detect patients with upper respiratory infections along with other dermatological problems. 

My advice for you is to be extremely careful and warn your patients; simultaneously being careful for yourself. Practice social distancing and also generate awareness among patients about social distancing.

“Stay indoors and stay isolated.”