COVID-19 Pandemic-Induced Changes in Hospital-Based Pattern of Skin Diseases in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract Background Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization in 2020, prompted numerous restrictions and changes in healthcare practices globally. In Egypt, measures such as curfews, the closure of public places, and the suspension of schools and universities were implemented. These changes had significant implications for healthcare delivery, including dermatology services. Aim of the Work This study aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pattern of skin diseases in Egypt. Patients and Methods Data from 20,509 patients (14,353 in the pre-COVID year and 6,156 during the COVID year) were analyzed at Samanod Hospital, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. Information on date, age, sex, and diagnoses was collected from dermatology clinic registry files for both pandemic and pre-pandemic years. Results A substantial decrease in patient attendance at dermatology clinics was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with numbers dropping by over 50%. Age and sex distribution of patients were also influenced, with teenagers and adults showing an increase in attendance, while younger children presented less frequently. Although female patients remained predominant during the pandemic, the female-to-male ratio slightly favored males. All disease groups and subgroups demonstrated a decline in patient numbers during the pandemic compared to the pre-COVID year. Infections increased relative to hypersensitivity, with bacterial and fungal infections remaining the most common subgroups. COVID-19-related dermatoses did not significantly increase, except for herpes zoster, which showed a relative increase. Some dermatoses demonstrated significant relative increases during the pandemic, including impetigo, furunculosis, warts, abscesses, and herpes zoster, while others showed declines, such as acne, candidiasis, tinea capitis, urticaria, herpes simplex, pityriasis alba, pityriasis rosea, tinea corporis, xerosis, and chilblains. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on the pattern of skin diseases in Egypt, affecting patient demographics and disease prevalence. Infection-related dermatoses remained prevalent, with bacterial and fungal infections being the most common subgroups. Although minimal changes were observed in some diseases, especially COVID-related dermatoses, the overall pattern of dermatoses was preserved compared to the previous year. This study underscores the need for healthcare systems to adapt to changing disease patterns during pandemics, ensuring adequate medications, supplies, and medical team training to provide effective care. Further community-based studies are necessary to validate the findings and address potential disparities between hospital-based and community-based disease prevalence.