Wow, it’s been about a year since “the world shut down.” We have pivoted many times with cleaning supplies, office protocols, teledermatology, peroxide rinses and our wide array of masks (including the often-discussed scuba style ENVO masks)! Through all of this, Aboutskin has continued to provide state-of-the-art dermatological care, and we want to thank you all for trusting us.
We are so lucky that our office has safely had hundreds of people come to in-person medical and cosmetic appointments over the last year. Dermatology is definitely a specialty that relies on seeing, feeling, and often procedures in the office (Check out Dr. Cohen’s NEWBEAUTY Telemedicine article). We have continued to diagnose many melanomas, basal cell carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas. With these cancers, earlier diagnosis can make a gigantic difference in outcome. Skin cancer obviously did not know there was a global pandemic occurring and forcing people to stay home! In fact, did you know that being stressed can lower your immune system, which in turn can actually increase your risk of skin cancer. Stress can also exacerbate your risk for many dermatological conditions including eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, peri-oral dermatitis (POD), and hair loss (like telogen effluvium). Our office has seen a huge upswing and the worst cases of POD, and telogen hair loss this year.
Teledermatology is a tool that has helped us navigate this pandemic in many ways, and is very useful for certain conditions like the above mentioned POD and acne. In fact, it has made prescribing Accutane (isotretinoin) a lot more convenient for patients. Isotretinoin requires FDA protocol monthly visits for renewing prescriptions – – and, what a convenience for patients to be able to do this from their kitchen tables, their cars, and even their beds (you know who I am talking to). As we hopefully move toward “herd immunity” as a community, we again want to thank all of our patients that have come to the office this year, In addition, welcome back those that have “taken the year off.” Hopefully, one day we can all take our masks off again – – as we look forward to seeing your faces, and you ours!
