Three Years On, COVID-19 and the Skin: Long-Term Impacts, Emerging Trends and Clinical Practice

The document discusses the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the skin, including the worsening of pre-existing conditions like eczema and seborrhoeic dermatitis, and the emergence of conditions such as chronic urticaria, recurrent pernio, and telogen effluvium. It also notes skin changes due to COVID-19 vaccines and the role of dermatologists in identifying new signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and skin reactions to mRNA vaccines. The pathogenesis of these skin manifestations is still unclear. The document also reports an increased incidence of other skin diseases, including herpes zoster and autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, during the pandemic and post-vaccination. It also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on dermatological practice, including changes in clinical and academic duties, the use of protective clothing, and the adoption of telemedicine.