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The Covid-19 pandemic has sadly caused many deaths, although a higher number of those who have “recovered” are suffering long term symptoms.
They include breathlessness, chronic fatigue, confusion and anxiety. Limited research to date implies many will recover within a few months but others will not, from a condition which infects at scale.
Evidence from previous epidemics, such as SARS, suggests the effects could last for years. Covid-19 has however achieved a global spread and infected far more people than SARS, the long term outcome is concerning.
As the video above mentions, the NHS have now set aside £10 million for this year, to fund research, provide clinical guidelines and importantly, to establish Long Covid clinics across England.
If you have concerns for yourself, or a relative, there is a dedicated website offering advice. This is safer than a number of online entries, which may not be accurate, including a selection relating to skin cancer.
An Unproven Link
Online sources and real world media can appear to suggest that coronavirus, or Long Covid could directly cause skin cancer. The problem is more the other way round, with certain skin cancer treatments enhancing the risk from coronavirus.
Those who have received treatment for deeper issues, such as radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, may have a weakened immune system. This increases the chance of serious problems from Covid-19, as does the fact that cancer patients are often older.
We are still a long way from understanding a quite new disease but there is no known causal link with skin cancer. Even with Long Covid, there is no evidence of skin cancer arising from the infection.
Some people could be left with a lowered immune system, other viruses do this. We still don’t know if this is true for Covid-19 and even if so, as with any reason for immunosuppresion, an aggravating factor rather than a cause.
Rational Action
We don’t wish to belittle the dangers of catching coronavirus, just because one issue can be set aside. As professional bodies across the globe have advised, dermatology has needed to change tack.
Initial appointments are now often remote, using teledermatology. Less essential treatments may not be available and others can have a time lag, although the focus is now on keeping healthcare going.
Each case needs to be considered, to understand the comparative risk from coronavirus and a skin condition. Our practice is however able to treat the majority of cases and you should not ignore potentially dangerous symptoms, especially of skin cancer.
If you see a new, or changing mole, or lesion on your body, please seek advice. Our consultants can diagnose many cases from a video link and images, they will arrange for further diagnosis, or treatment at our clinic, where this is helpful for you.