Changing trends in dermatology practice during COVID ‐19 pandemic: A single tertiary center experience

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the changing trends in dermatology clinical practice at a tertiary center during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Method This retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who were admitted to Ufuk University Hospital with dermatologic complaints/diseases before and during the pandemic. The patients were divided into two groups: 1) the Pre‐pandemic period (March‐May 2019) and 2) the Pandemic period (March‐May 2020). Demographic features, clinical characteristics, dermatologic diseases/complaints, dermatologic procedures/interventions, hospitalization rate, and use of biologic agents were compared between the two groups. Results Total number of hospital admissions have decreased from 1165 to 717. Admission rates for acne, dermatophytosis, and benign neoplasm of the skin significantly lower during the pandemic period (p values were 0.02, 0.04, and 0.006, respectively). Contact dermatitis, acne accompanying dermatitis, cicatricial hair loss, lichen planus, and zona zoster infection rates were significantly higher (p values were 0.007, <0.001, 0.009, 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). Rates of biopsy and electrocautery procedures were decreased significantly (p values were <0.001 and 0.002, respectively). The hospitalization rate was similar between the groups (p=0.51). However, the use of biologic agents significantly decreased during the pandemic period (p=0.01). Conclusion Updated clinical protocols should be established for the new normal period in accordance with these findings. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Clinical Dermatology and COVID-19 Pandemic

“…As with other medical specialties, the COVID-19 pandemic has also changed the recent trends of dermatology practice. [ 10 ] Some of the important changes are mentioned below:…”

Impact of COVID‐19 on inpatient dermatology consults in an Australian tertiary hospital

“…It is more prevalent in adolescents and may be associated with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and other forms of orthostatic intolerance (OI). [1][2][3][4] We report two new cases of BASCULE syndrome in adolescent males emphasising its frequency in this age group and its possible association with disorders of the autonomic nervous system. A healthy, 13-year-old boy presented with a 6-month history of a bluish discoloration of his lower limbs associated with cramps and trembling.…”

Perspectives of dermatology specialists and residents on COVID‐19 vaccines: A questionnaire‐based survey

“…Dermatology practice has also been deeply affected by the pandemic. 6 Postponing non‐urgent procedures, reducing the number and duration of routine physical examinations, together with the widespread use of telemedicine services are the main strategies to protect dermatologists during the pandemic period. 6 Despite all these, dermatologists have expertise that requires close contact with the patient, and they are at high risk for viral transmission.…”

“… 6 Postponing non‐urgent procedures, reducing the number and duration of routine physical examinations, together with the widespread use of telemedicine services are the main strategies to protect dermatologists during the pandemic period. 6 Despite all these, dermatologists have expertise that requires close contact with the patient, and they are at high risk for viral transmission. Additionally, many of them have been assigned to pandemic clinics and intensive care units to reduce the burden on the health system in this extraordinary period.…”

“…Additionally, many of them have been assigned to pandemic clinics and intensive care units to reduce the burden on the health system in this extraordinary period. 6 Thus, effectively protecting themselves from the transmission of infection is vital for dermatologists.…”