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

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changing trends in dermatology clinical practice at a tertiary center during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. 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: (a) the pre-pandemic period (March-May 2019) and (b) 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. 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 .02, .04, and .006, respectively). Contact dermatitis, acne accompanying dermatitis, cicatricial hair loss, lichen planus, and zona zoster infection rates were significantly higher (P values were .007, <.001, .009, .04, and .03, respectively). Rates of biopsy and electrocautery procedures were decreased significantly (P values were <.001 and .002, respectively). The hospitalization rate was similar between the groups (P = .51). However, the use of biologic agents significantly decreased during the pandemic period (P = .01). Updated clinical protocols should be established for the new normal period in accordance with these findings.

Keywords: COVID-19; changing clinical practice; dermatology; pandemic.