Transmission of COVID-19 is especially high in health care settings. Health care facilities and clinicians are prioritizing urgent and emergency visits at this time. Make sure to check with your physician about your individual situation before canceling or proceeding with your scheduled visit. Please note that, at this time, most states are enforcing regulations prohibiting elective procedures including cosmetic or aesthetic treatments. These procedures will need to be rescheduled to a time after these regulations are lifted.
Your doctor may triage your care based on the individual risk of your condition, your risk of complications for COVID-19 and your risk for contracting COVID-19. Some skin cancers (including squamous and basal cell carcinomas) can be slow growing and treatment can be safely delayed for a period of time. Other cancers may pose an immediate risk to your health and thus urgent treatment would be recommended. Instead of canceling or delaying your care, your physician may offer you a virtual visit via phone or video in order to optimize your care.
Before visiting a clinic or hospital, make sure to understand the active safety protocols in place. During the pandemic, you may be screened for symptoms and/or asked to wear a protective mask, and there may be restrictions on bringing a family member or visitor with you. You might be put in a private room or have specific waiting room instructions enforcing social distancing requirements. Also, your physician may be taking extra precautions including wearing a mask or other protective gear, avoiding hand shakes or use verbal consent instead of written signatures to limit multiple people touching a pen or paperwork.
Yes. Not only are health care settings high risk transmission locations, but the emergency room needs to be for the most critically ill, especially during this challenging time. Please contact your physician first before heading to the ER. Your physician will evaluate your immediate need. Many ASDS members are offering telemedicine options to help diagnose and treat various dermatologic conditions. Please contact your dermatologist’s office for details or use our search tool to find one near you.
EVERYONE is at risk. All ages and races have been diagnosed and have died from this virus. Please take this virus seriously to protect yourself, your family and your community.
During this time, some medications are in limited supply or are more challenging to deliver. Contact your physician with any concerns or questions on the medications you are taking.
Source: Mark Lebwohl, MD, Webinar Summary – March 19, 2020
Disinfect
Social distancing
Wear a mask
Stay home if you’re sick except to get medical care
Download this information in a FREE flyer created by ASDS board certified dermatologists.
This video, created by ASDS board certified dermatologists, provides an overview of COVID-19 including its symptoms, how it's spread, who is at risk and how to prevent getting the virus, as well as hygiene tips and what to do if you're sick.
Abigail Waldman, MD, explains how many physician's offices are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and what to do if you have an upcoming appointment or are concerned about your skin.
Board certified dermatologist Elizabeth Houshmand, MD, explains the importance of hand washing, how to properly apply soap to cleanse the skin and avoid cracked skin.
Watch this ABC 7 Denver news segment, "Try a virtual meeting with a doctor before heading to the ER," featuring ASDS member Joel Cohen, MD.
Board certified dermatologist Abigail Waldman, MD, demonstrates the proper way to put on, wear and take off a mask.
Helen Raynham MD, PhD, provides tips on how to avoid having your glasses fog up when wearing a cloth mask. All you need are some twist ties and, for certain masks, two paper clips.
Maintain at least one Marty away from other people during COVID-19 social distancing! Video courtesy of Abigail Waldman, MD.
Sing "Happy Birthday" twice to ensure you're washing your hands for the recommended 20 seconds. Video courtesy of Abigail Waldman, MD