What dermatologists could do to cope with the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2): a dermatologist’s perspective from China

Abstract

Dear Editor, Coronavirus disease, first emerged in Wuhan, China, rapidly spread all over the country since December 2019. Up to now, the epidemic situation in China remains stable, while the global march of the virus is seemingly unstoppable, especially in South Korea, Iran and Italy. Here, we reported what dermatologists could do to cope with novel coronavirus from a Chinese dermatologist’s perspective. Dermatologists in epidemic areas may receive and cure confirmed or suspected patients in dermatological wards. Tao et al. recommended emergency management plans in dermatology departments. Suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus patients should be strictly handled according to rules and regulations on nosocomial infection. Zhang et al. identified self‐reported drug hypersensitivity (11.4%) and urticaria (1.4%) in 140 patients infected by novel coronavirus. Teleconsultation could be provided by dermatologists; if it is not effective, bedside consultation is needed. In outpatient and emergency in the department of dermatology, pre‐examination and triage are needed to differentiate patients with fever. Patients with symptoms of fever, cough and dyspnoea, with or without epidemiological contact history, should be referred to the fever clinic. Dermatologists should participate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients who have fever and rash after pre‐examination and triage. Strict protection to prevent cross‐infection should be re‐emphasized. [...]