COVID-19 in dermatology practice: getting back on track

Cembrano, Kathryn Anne G; Ng, Janice Natasha C.; Rongrungruang, Yong; Auewarakul, Prasert; Goldman, Mitchel P.; Manuskiatti, Woraphong

doi:10.1007/s10103-020-03043-w

Cited by 4 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 10 publications

(9 reference statements)

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“…Keeping in mind the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 and the requirement of social distancing, dermatologists are avoiding procedures and surgeries. [ 9 12 13 ]…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An observational survey to appraise the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on dermatology training programs in India: Residents' standpoint

Das

Sil

Chakrabarti

2021

Indian Dermatol Online J

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Background: Given the all-encompassing foothold of COVID-19, it is plausible that the pandemic would have a long-lasting impact on medical training programs, including dermatology. We conducted a survey amongst the residents of dermatology (across India) to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their teaching and education programs. Materials and Methods: An online semi-structured English questionnaire was prepared on the Google-forms platform and the link was circulated among the residents. The questionnaire comprised of five sections (demographic details, impact on clinical training, procedural training, academic curriculum, and research activities). Appropriate statistical tests were carried out to analyze the data obtained. Results: Three-hundred and seventy-eight responses were taken into consideration. A majority of the respondents (63.5%) were engaged in both COVID-19-related duties and departmental work (out-patient and in-patient duty). Around two-thirds of the trainees (65.1%) claimed a reduction in patient footfall (greater than 50% compared to pre-COVID times). Sixty-nine percent reported a decline of more than 50% in in-patient admission; 47.6% felt that the discontinuity in patient care had severely affected their residency training; 50.8% highlighted that no procedures were being performed in their department; 54.5% opined that academic activities were relatively unhampered as regular seminars were being conducted through online web-based applications; and 65.1% of the trainees were not able to devote any time to their thesis-related work. Conclusion: Since the after-effects of this pandemic will last long, it is advisable that residents and faculties adapt themselves to web-based learning programs in the academic curriculum so that the training of the future consultants does not get jeopardized. Our survey, being the first of its kind in dermatology, will throw some light on the perspective of residents and the way forward to combat the untoward consequences on their training programs.

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“…Keeping in mind the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 and the requirement of social distancing, dermatologists are avoiding procedures and surgeries. [ 9 12 13 ]…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An observational survey to appraise the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on dermatology training programs in India: Residents' standpoint

Das

Sil

Chakrabarti

2021

Indian Dermatol Online J

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“…However, opposed to procedures involving human epithelial cells of the upper or lower respiratory tract, plasma, or serum, laser‐induced smoke from the skin will contain relatively small amounts of SARS‐CoV‐2 particles of which the relevance for transmission is unknown. In skin, HPV transmission is probably of higher concern 17,18 . Nevertheless, treatments around the mouth or the nose have an increased risk due to a higher viral load on the skin surface and the long survival of 9 h of SARS‐CoV‐2 on the skin 19 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In skin, HPV transmission is probably of higher concern. 17,18 Nevertheless, treatments around the mouth or the nose have an increased risk due to a higher viral load on the skin surface and the long survival of 9 h of SARS-CoV-2 on the skin. 19 Several guidelines by the WHO and local dermatological societies give recommendations on how to minimize potential risks of transmission.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultrafine particle concentrations during laser hair removal: Effectiveness of smoke evacuators

et al. 2021

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Background and Objectives Laser smoke is a biohazard that contains potentially dangerous toxic and biological components. In laser hair removal (LHR), practitioners undergo prolonged exposure as this procedure is widely used without protective measures. Little is known about the effect of smoke evacuators on ultrafine particle concentrations during LHR. This study aims to assess the effect of different laser devices and different smoke evacuators on the ultrafine particle concentrations in the room during LHR. Study Design/Materials and Methods In a prospective observational study, we included patients with skin phototypes 2–4 for 755 nm Alexandrite LHR at two study sites, receiving treatment in axillae and pubic areas. Ultrafine particle concentrations were measured during LHR for two different alexandrite lasers, with and without an external smoke evacuator. Moreover, we assessed a device for LHR with a smoke evacuator integrated into the handpiece. Primary outcomes were the concentration of ultrafine particles (0.2–0.3 µm) per m3 at 1 min after initiation of treatment and maximum concentrations. Results A total of 15 patients were recruited for routine LHR. Without a smoke evacuator, already at 1 minute after treatment onset, ultrafine particle concentrations rapidly increased. Both external and integrated smoke evacuators were highly effective with a 3.7–7‐fold decrease in maximal particle count. Similarly, maximal particle concentrations remained low with both smoke evacuators. At both study sites, particle concentrations decreased slowly (8 min for 50% reduction) when treatment stopped. Conclusion LHR procedures generated an increase of ultrafine particles. Both the external and integrated smoke evacuators are highly effective in controlling ultrafine particle concentrations during LHR. Once particle concentrations are elevated and the process had been completed, clearance of ultrafine particles is rather slow.

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“…Practices were required to implement preventive measures, such as minimizing the number of patients in the waiting areas, observing at least 1.5 meters distance, screening for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, mandatory use of mask and gloves, nonallowance of companions for adult patients, regular hand-cleaning practice, removing possible sources of infections (such as drinking, newspapers, and magazines), and routine disinfection of the environment. 9 …”

Section: Dermatology Practicementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Wearing a face mask is necessary for all the patients before, during, and after the procedure. 9 , 14 , 15 , 16 Given the higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission during head and neck procedures, stricter use of protection is warranted. 11 …”

Section: Laser and Esthetic Clinicsmentioning

confidence: 99%