A Retrospective Chart Review Evaluating Changes in 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels among Patients Attending the University Healthcare Centre during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19-pandemic-related home confinement aids in limiting the spread of the virus but restricts exposure to sunlight, thereby possibly affecting 25(OH)D concentrations. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lockdown measures on 25(OH)D levels in outpatients visiting the healthcare centre over a period of two years. In this retrospective chart review, outpatients who visited a university healthcare centre for a health check-up over a period of two years were included. The patients' 25(OH)D serum levels and status were compared before, during, and after the lockdown periods. A total of 7234 patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 34.66 ± 16.78. The overall prevalence of 25(OH)D insufficiency, deficiency and sufficiency was 33.8%, 30.7% and 35.4%, respectively. The proportion of individuals with 25-(OH) D deficiency prior to lockdown was 29% and this proportion increased in the lockdown and post-lockdown periods to 31.1% and 32%, respectively. Although gender was less likely to have an impact on the 25 (OH) D level during the lockdown period (p = 0.630), we found an association between gender and 25 (OH) D status in the pre-lockdown and post-lockdown periods (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Another association between nationality and 25 (OH)D levels was found before, during and after the lockdown periods (p < 0.001). In addition, the youngest population, aged between 1 and 14, was strongly affected by the home confinement. Age had a positive and significant (p < 0.05) effect on 25 (OH) D status regardless of the different periods. Moreover, in the pre-lockdown period, male outpatients had 1.56 chance of having a sufficient level of 25 (OH)D. However, during the lockdown period, this chance decreased to 0.85 and then increased to 0.99 after the lockdown period. We found no statistically significant difference in the mean serum concentrations or in the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency when we compared values from before, during and immediately after the COVID-19 lockdown period. However, there was a generally increased prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in our study population. Another association between gender, nationality and age groups with 25(OH) D was found. Regular exposure to UVR is recommended for maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and to prevent vitamin D deficiency. Further research is needed to determine the best indications for vitamin D supplementation if confinement periods are extended and to consider the potential health consequences of prolonged confinement periods not only on vitamin D status but also on overall public health. The findings of this study may be considered by stakeholders for a targeted supplementation approach for risk groups.

Increased incidence of facial pityriasis versicolor in children during the COVID-19 pandemic-A consequence of mask usage?

We describe a case series of seven children presenting with pityriasis versicolor on the face, localized to the area of coverage by the mask. The increased use of face masks after the opening up of schools, combined with a humid environment and associated sweating might be responsible for an increased presentation of facial pityriasis versicolor in children in our community.

Light-Based Home-Use Hair Removal Devices: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: The use of light-based home-use hair removal devices has seen a significant increase in the last decade all over the world. Home-based devices would be especially more relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with patients having less access to laser hair removal in clinics. This survey attempted to evaluate the practices-related use of light-based home-use hair removal devices in our region and also to assess patient satisfaction related to the same. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey using an electronic questionnaire. Results: Out of a total of 111 valid responses, 39 had used light-based home-use hair removal devices. The most common type used was intense pulse light-based devices. On a scale of 1-10, the average satisfaction with the product for hair removal was 6.07. Incidence of side effects was very low (only 4 out of 39 mentioned side effects), and the most common side effects mentioned were redness, "bumps," burns, and discoloration on the lased sites. Conclusions: The frequency of use of light-based home hair removal devices is quite high in our region. Patients seem to be satisfied with the same, and the incidence of side effects is low in our population.

Telemedicine Practice in Saudi Arabia During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased use of telemedicine. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate attitudes and behaviors of licensed physicians in the region to telemedicine. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional design using an electronic survey as the primary tool was done. The questionnaire had a demographic component of the respondent (first part), covering age, specialty, and experience with telemedicine during the COVID pandemic, and a second part, which was in the form of a Likert scale, covering perceptions related to telemedicine. The Likert scale itself had two main areas: (1) attitudes toward telemedicine and (2) perceived barriers. RESULTS: There were 392 valid responses of which 228 (58.1%) had used some form of telemedicine (other than standard phone calls) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common platforms used for telemedicine include WhatsApp® (211, 53.8%), Zoom® (131, 33.4%), Microsoft Teams® (27, 6.2%), Sehha App (65, 16.5%), Email (84, 21.4%). There was a strong agreement on the following statements: "Telemedicine can reduce unnecessary outpatient visits" (87.5%), "Effectiveness of telemedicine depends on the specialty" (89.5%), and "Telemedicine can be used to monitor chronic patients from home" (88.3%). Concerning the barriers to telemedicine, the ones having the most concordance were technological limitations (66.6%) and concerns of diagnostic reliability (66.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The responses from our study seem to suggest that while the attitudes toward telemedicine are positive, practicing physicians are concerned about a perceived lack of clarity regarding related legal frameworks and barriers such as technological issues, cultural factors, and diagnostic concordance.

An Online Dermatology Teaching Module for Undergraduate Medical Students amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Experience and Suggestions for the Future.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted clinical teaching in medical schools. Direct patient interaction, especially in groups, in out-patient departments or wards, was also made difficult. Institutes have adapted to the changed circumstances by increasing the use of online learning. We share our experience with a module of online Dermatology for undergraduate students. METHODS: An online module, aligned with the existing course objectives was designed and applied for two cohorts (year 4 and year 5). The module included student manuals, Powerpoint- presentations, videos, and quizzes uploaded on dedicated online management systems. There were live interactive sessions in small groups also. The small group session included student-led case presentations and faculty-led simulated case discussions. Feedback was taken from both the students and the faculty regarding the module using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 45 students and 4 faculty responded to the respective questionnaires. A majority of the students felt that the module covered the planned content adequately. The faculty and the majority of the students were also satisfied with the technical aspects of the module. Student and faculty concerns were mainly in the area of assessment and practical skills. While faculty were concerned about the validity of the assessment, students were concerned mainly about difficulty and the need for more orientation regarding the assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The students and faculty were satisfied with the online Dermatology module in our study. However, the validity of assessment and the training of practical skills are major limitations.