COVID-19 & You

Help for Skin Cancer Patients, Caregivers and Families

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve heard from skin cancer patients who are concerned about the coronavirus and its variants, including omicron.

You are not alone. The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our healthcare system.

What You Can Do

Be proactive. If you have a medical emergency, you should try to get in to see a dermatologist as soon as possible. If you are not comfortable spending time indoors, see if your doctor offers telemedicine options for non-emergencies.

In the meantime, find ways to relieve stress: try mindfulness, deep breathing, meditation, a good book, or speak with friends and family. Above all, try to eat healthy and nutritious foods, exercise and get enough sleep.

Staying informed, asking questions and heeding the advice of medical professionals and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the best way to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

About Telemedicine

Teledermatology is a telemedicine subspecialty using the latest technology to allow patients better access to high-quality dermatologic care without traveling to the clinic. Here’s how you may be able to use teledermatology to help when it comes to skin cancer:

  • Contact your dermatologist’s office to see if they offer teledermatology services.
  • Take photos on your phone of anything new, changing or unusual on your skin and monitor it over time. There are even apps that will send you a monthly reminder to check on the spot to see if it has evolved.
  • Share the photos with your dermatologist who can look them over virtually and provide advice over the phone. They will determine if you need to come into the office or not.
  • If you’ve recently been treated for skin cancer, your dermatologist may be able to provide follow-up care over the phone or via video sessions.

COVID-19 resources: Below is a list of additional resources and information about COVID-19 for patients and caregivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m worried about going to my dermatologist because of the Coronavirus. What should I do?

Q: My hands are suffering from all of the washing. How can I ensure they are healthy and safe?

Q: I am being treated for skin cancer. Does this put me at a greater risk for COVID-19?

Q: How is telemedicine helping during the COVID-19 crisis? What happens during a virtual visit?

Q: Because of COVID-19, my annual skin exam has been delayed. Should I do a self-exam?

Q: Do I have to wear sunscreen under my mask?

Q: Can ultraviolet light kill germs?

Q: I’ve lost my health insurance. How will I pay for treatment if I become ill?

A: If you lost your job-based health coverage due to the COVID-19 pandemic or lost your health insurance due to a specified life change, you may be able to enroll for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA, also known as “Obamacare”).

Visit https://www.healthcare.gov/ for more information on eligibility, enrollment dates and life changes that enable special enrollment. Many states also have free or low-cost options. Note that costs, effective dates and plans vary, so please check the healthcare.gov site or your state’s program for details.

If you are uninsured for any reason and your state has its own ACA program you may be able to get insurance regardless of why you do not have it. Be sure to check with your individual state exchange.

For more information about ACA coverage, check here: https://www.healthcare.gov/blog/coronavirus-marketplace-coverage/

To see whether your state offers Medicaid expansion, check here: https://www.healthinsurance.org/medicaid/

Q: I have a history of skin cancer. Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: According to the American Cancer Society, many medical experts recommend that most people with cancer or a history of cancer receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This includes skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. Be sure to speak with your doctors to get their recommendation about your specific case.

COVID-19 Resources for Patients

Below is a list of resources and information specific to COVID-19 and cancer patients.

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

Mitigating the Spread of COVID-19 and Its Impact on Cancer
COVID-19 Patient Care Information

Cancer.net

Coronavirus 2019: What People with Cancer Need to Know

CovidCancerCare.com

A program to help cancer patients cope with COVID-19 related stress and anxiety

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Journal

Managing Cancer Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Emotional Wellness Toolkit

Last updated: August 2022

Sun & Skin News

Last updated: January 2023

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