Lasers Use in Dermatology Practice in the Evolving COVID-19 Scenario: Recommendations by SIG Lasers (IADVL Academy)

Sachin Dhawan; Pradeep Kumari; Abhishek De; Anuj Pall; David Pudukadan; Ekta Romi; K Jyothy; M D Selvam; Sahil Mrigpuri; Swapnil Shah; Salim Thurakkal; Sunil Trivedi

doi:10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_239_20

Lasers Use in Dermatology Practice in the Evolving COVID-19 Scenario: Recommendations by SIG Lasers (IADVL Academy)

Indian Dermatol Online J. 2020 May 10;11(3):337-342. doi: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_239_20. eCollection 2020 May-Jun.

Authors

Sachin Dhawan¹, Pradeep Kumari², Abhishek De³, Anuj Pall⁴, David Pudukadan⁵, Ekta Romi⁶, K Jyothy⁷, M D Selvam⁸, Sahil Mrigpuri⁹, Swapnil Shah¹⁰, Salim Thurakkal¹¹, Sunil Trivedi¹²

Affiliations

¹ Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Skin n Smiles Dermatology and Aesthetics, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
² Skin and Surgery International, Asia Institute of Hair Transplant, Sholapur, Maharashtra, India.
³ Calcutta National Medical College, Wizderm Speciality Skin and Hair Clinic, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
⁴ Escallent Institute of Lasers and Aesthetic Medicine, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
⁵ Jubilee Mission Medical College, Thissur, Kerela, India.
⁶ Kem Hospital, Kiara Skin Clinic, Sholapur, Maharashtra, India.
⁷ Dr Thaj Skin Hair Clinic, Coiambtore, Tamil Nadu, India.
⁸ AKJN Skin And Laser Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
⁹ Neelkanth Hospital, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India.
¹⁰ Ashvini Rural Medical College, Sholapur, Maharashtra, India.
¹¹ Cutis Institute of Dermatology and Aesthetic Sciences, Calicut, Kerela, India.
¹² Trivedi Skin Clinic, Surat, Gujarat, India.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the entire world by storm. Almost all dermatology laser procedures are considered non-essential and there is a consensus that they should be deferred till the threat of the COVID-19 is well and truly over. The article presents recommendations for the use of lasers and energy based devices in a safe manner during and in the immediate aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic. Plume generating procedures need full personal protective equipment to be used. Special precautions are required for specific laser and energy based procedures. A robust disinfection strategy based on preventing fomite borne COVID-19 transmission in the laser operating room is essential.

Keywords: COVID-19; lasers; pandemic; personal protective equipment; safety.