key: cord-0828795-7t647fww
authors: Goldust, Mohamad; Zalaudek, Iris; Gupta, Atula; Lallas, Aimilios; Rudnicka, Lidia; Navarini, Alexander A.
title: Performing dermoscopy in the COVID‐19 pandemic
date: 2020-05-05
journal: Dermatol Ther
DOI: 10.1111/dth.13506
sha: 7d18f8cb5e626efac4aab9f70fb00c5c45822a25
doc_id: 828795
cord_uid: 7t647fww

nan

A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that has recently emerged from China in late 2019 has become a global pandemic. Research has revealed that human coronaviruses can remain infectious on inanimate surfaces at room temperature for up to 9 days. Recent data has suggested that SARS -COV2 can remain viable in aerosols for multiple hours. On stainless steel and plastic, the virus has shown a median half-life of 5.6 h and 6.8 h respectively. 1 Dermoscopy is a very useful diagnostic tool in the daily practice of a dermatologist.

However, cross-infection is a significant concern with contact dermoscopy especially during a viral pandemic. Previous studies conducted by Quadros et al. established that staphylococcus epidermidis, micrococcus species and corynebacterium species were frequently identified on dermatoscope lenses and smartphone adaptors. 2 Presence of HPV DNA has also been reported in a study on dermoscopic lenses. The aerosol particle sizes of COVID-19 range from 3-100 nm and using an FFP3 respirator offers a filtration rate of 99% for all particles measuring up to 0.6 μm. 3 This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. to disinfect hands with 60-70% isopropyl alcohol, provide verbal consents, and wear surgical masks before entering procedure rooms. b) Dermatologists: Dermatologists must wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs before and after procedure. In addition, all health care workers should avoid touching of their own eyes, mouth, and nose. It is preferred to use a polarized non-contact dermatoscope or even a digital dermatoscopic device with image evaluation on screen instead of hand-held dermatoscopes. Alternative approaches like the use of a disposable polyethylene lens cover, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film with mineral oil and glass slide in front of the dermoscopic lens, might also be applied to prevent cross contamination. Alcohol containing solutions may be used as an interface medium. It is advisable to wear adequate eye protection (goggles or visor) considering that exposed mucous membranes and unprotected eyes can increase the risk of SARS-CoV2 transmission. 4 Mucous membrane dermoscopy should only be performed when the examination has fundamental significance for therapeutic decisions.

Preprocedural mouth rinse with 0.2% povidone-iodine or 0.5-1% hydrogen peroxide have been studied to reduce coronavirus in saliva. 5 

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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