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Home » Topics A–Z » Dermatology patients and COVID-19
Author: Yan Ling Apollonia Tay, Medical Student, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand. DermNet NZ Editor in Chief: Adjunct A/Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand. Copy edited by Gus Mitchell. March 2020. Reviewed by Dr Louise Reiche, Dermatologist, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Updated June 2020 by Medical Editor: Dr Helen Gordon, Auckland, New Zealand.
Submit your photo of COVID-19-related skin conditions
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) or SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that can lead to serious respiratory illness and can be fatal. There is no vaccine currently available (July 2020).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared on 11 March 2020 that the COVID-19 outbreak was officially a pandemic, as COVID-19 had spread rapidly worldwide [1].
Commonly used systemic medications for severe skin conditions include immunomodulators or immunosuppressive drugs. These may include a biological agent, a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), or a systemic steroid. Dermatological medications are not known to increase the risk of acquiring COVID-19.
If you have tested positive (or are a presumed case) for COVID-19, the biologic medication should be STOPPED for at least four weeks or until you have fully recovered from COVID-19 [3,4]. You should inform any doctor involved in your care that you are on this medication.
If you are currently well, and do not have any other chronic medical conditions [3,4]:
If you have tested positive (or are a presumed case) for COVID-19:
If you have cold or flu-like symptoms [4]:
The influenza vaccine by intramuscular injection is highly recommended for all patients without contraindications. See immunisation in immunosuppressed dermatology patients.
See smartphone apps to check your skin.
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