A qualitative assessment of patient satisfaction with remote dermatology consultations utilized during the UK's first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in a single secondary care dermatology department.

During the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many dermatology departments in the UK delivered remote consultations in order to minimize viral transmission. To assess patient perception of remote consultations delivered in a single dermatology department during this time, we retrospectively contacted patients via an electronic questionnaire and the responses are summarized. We anticipate that increased use of remote consultations will be a legacy of the pandemic, although healthcare professionals will have a responsibility for ensuring appropriate patient suitability.

Advances in atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease characterised by itch and is responsible for significant reduction in quality of life. While AD primarily arises in those under the age of 2 years, it is frequently persistent into adulthood. Recognition of AD is important for the general physician, especially to distinguish causes of acute flares that may present in any medical setting, such as eczema herpeticum and associated allergic reactions. While, to date, treatments have largely focused on broad spectrum immunomodulation with corticosteroids or systemic therapies (such as ciclosporin and methotrexate), increased knowledge in the pathophysiology of the disease has recently led to the expansion of treatment options available for those suffering with AD, and the new drugs on the horizon promise a previously unimagined potential for effective and safe treatment.