Managing epidermolysis bullosa during the coronavirus pandemic: Experience and ideals

The 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic has tremendously affected health-seeking behaviors. Fear of contracting the disease has been a major factor keeping patients from presenting to hospitals, even when urgent or emergent medical attention is needed. Hospitals limiting staff exposure and capacity to accommodate patients also limits opportunities to seek care. Although physical distancing is encouraged to curb infections, this call needs to be tempered with public health education for what constitutes emergencies and urgent medical conditions needing face-to-face attention. Measures to assuage fears among patients and their caregivers to ensure their safety in the hospital or health care setting need to be communicated and executed effectively. Epidermolysis bullosa is an inherited mechanobullous disorder that is usually stable, but in some patients with underlying comorbidities, close monitoring or face-to-face management is required . We present our experience and provide recommendations pertinent to epidermolysis bullosa patients of all subtypes during the coronavirus crisis.