The Australasian journal of dermatology
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Australas. J. Dermatol. · Feb 2021
ReviewGuidance on infection control and plume management with Laser and Energy-Based Devices taking into consideration COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the practice of medicine. Dermatologic laser and energy-based device (EBD) treatments carry a potential risk for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 both for the patient and the practitioner. These risks include close practitioner to patient proximity, the treatment of higher viral load areas such as the face, the potential for infective bioparticles being carried by generated plumes and aerosols, and the direct contact between device, practitioner and patient. ⋯ COVID-19 needs to be considered in the clinic set-up along with the planning, treatment and post-treatment care of patients utilising EBD procedures. Some of these treatment precautions are COVID-19 specific; however, most represent adherence to good infectious disease and established laser and EBD safety precautions.