The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Skin Effects

August 2021 in “ Canadian Family Physician ”

Anthony R. Zara, Patrick Fleming, Kyle Lee, Charles Lynde

alopecia hand dermatitis psoriasis atopic dermatitis

TLDR COVID-19 can cause rashes and worsen existing skin conditions, and behaviors like frequent hand-washing can lead to hand dermatitis.

The document discusses the direct and indirect dermatological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Direct skin effects include various types of rashes, while indirect effects are linked to behavioral changes such as the use of personal protective equipment and sanitization procedures, leading to conditions like hand dermatitis. The pandemic's psychosocial stressors can also worsen pre-existing skin conditions, including alopecia, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. As COVID-19 cases rise, the document emphasizes the need for family physicians to be ready to diagnose and manage these skin conditions.

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