Dermatological Practice in Nepal during COVID-19 Crisis: Recommendations of National Panel of Experts

Introduction: Novel Coronavirus disease has caused a substantial halt to the ongoing world in every aspect There are medical and social implications of the disease Cutaneous manifestations have been reported to be a part of the disease as well Dermatologists globally are in dilemma with the clinical practice because of the fear of acquiring the disease Objectives: This article aims to recommend best practice measures that can be followed in local scenario for re-opening up of dermatological services in the context of Nepal Materials and Methods: A preliminary draft for guidance on Dermatological services based on recommendations of American Academy of Dermatology, International league of Dermatological societies, National recommendations from Ministry of Health, Nepal was sent to a panel of national experts to determine the level of consensus in first week of April, 2020  A preliminary survey was sent to all the members of Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and leprologists of Nepal on first week of June and a second draft was subsequently formed which was sent again to experts and revised based on the opinions of national experts Results: A total of 19 experts participated in the preparation of draft and reached a national consensus after a series of revisions in preliminary draft Conclusion: Agreements regarding the opening of practice in dermatology discipline have been summarized Recommendations have been made for opening of dermatological services – opening of outpatient department, performing dermatosurgical and cosmetic procedures as well as strategies on triage of patients and use of masks