Trends in dermatological presentations at the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Singapore: a 4-year analysis pre- and during COVID-19
Dublin Core
Title
Trends in dermatological presentations at the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Singapore: a 4-year analysis pre- and during COVID-19
Subject
Dermatology, Emergency medicine, COVID-19, Infectious diseases, Healthcare utilization, Epidemiology,
Resource allocation, Public health
Resource allocation, Public health
Description
Abstract
Background Skin disorders comprise a significant portion of emergency department (ED) visits. Limited
dermatology training among junior ED doctors poses challenges, especially during crises like COVID-19, which
introduced resource constraints and new viral rash morphologies. This study examines dermatological ED
presentations at Singapore General Hospital, comparing pre-pandemic (2018–2019) and pandemic (2020–2021)
trends in diagnosis and disposition patterns.
Materials & methods A retrospective analysis of de-identified electronic health records (2018–2021) was conducted.
Data included patient demographics, diagnosis, and disposition (admission, referral, discharge). Diagnoses were
classified into major categories, and statistical analyses were performed using Python 3.12 and chi-squared tests.
Results Among 28,621 cases, dermatological presentations declined by 15.6% during COVID-19. Infective conditions
remained the most common, with bacterial cellulitis and herpes zoster leading. Inflammatory dermatoses, especially
urticaria, atopic, and contact dermatitis, increased during the pandemic. Allergy cases surged in 2021, largely linked
to COVID-19 vaccinations. Admissions peaked in 2020, and referrals to dermatologists increased in 2021, while GP
referrals declined.
Conclusion Major shifts in dermatological ED trends highlight the impact of PPE usage, vaccinations, and pandemic
psychological stressors. Increased admissions and specialist referrals emphasize the need for enhanced dermatology
training and resource allocation in emergency medicine for future pandemic preparedness.
Keywords Dermatology, Emergency medicine, COVID-19, Infectious diseases, Healthcare utilization, Epidemiology,
Resource allocation, Public health
Background Skin disorders comprise a significant portion of emergency department (ED) visits. Limited
dermatology training among junior ED doctors poses challenges, especially during crises like COVID-19, which
introduced resource constraints and new viral rash morphologies. This study examines dermatological ED
presentations at Singapore General Hospital, comparing pre-pandemic (2018–2019) and pandemic (2020–2021)
trends in diagnosis and disposition patterns.
Materials & methods A retrospective analysis of de-identified electronic health records (2018–2021) was conducted.
Data included patient demographics, diagnosis, and disposition (admission, referral, discharge). Diagnoses were
classified into major categories, and statistical analyses were performed using Python 3.12 and chi-squared tests.
Results Among 28,621 cases, dermatological presentations declined by 15.6% during COVID-19. Infective conditions
remained the most common, with bacterial cellulitis and herpes zoster leading. Inflammatory dermatoses, especially
urticaria, atopic, and contact dermatitis, increased during the pandemic. Allergy cases surged in 2021, largely linked
to COVID-19 vaccinations. Admissions peaked in 2020, and referrals to dermatologists increased in 2021, while GP
referrals declined.
Conclusion Major shifts in dermatological ED trends highlight the impact of PPE usage, vaccinations, and pandemic
psychological stressors. Increased admissions and specialist referrals emphasize the need for enhanced dermatology
training and resource allocation in emergency medicine for future pandemic preparedness.
Keywords Dermatology, Emergency medicine, COVID-19, Infectious diseases, Healthcare utilization, Epidemiology,
Resource allocation, Public health
Creator
Ba Loc Nguyen1 , Yong Jian Cheng2 , Si Yong Ivan Chua1,3 and Choon Chiat Oh1,2*
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Ba Loc Nguyen1 , Yong Jian Cheng2 , Si Yong Ivan Chua1,3 and Choon Chiat Oh1,2*, “Trends in dermatological presentations at the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Singapore: a 4-year analysis pre- and during COVID-19,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 18, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/13256.