---
description: Get answers about the Coronavirus, how it affects skin cancer patients, and what you can do to be proactive about your health during the pandemic.
title: COVID-19 and You
image: https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/covid19noticescf.jpg
---

[Home](https://www.skincancer.org/) › [Treatment & Resources](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/) › [Support Resources](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/) › [Robins Nest](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/robins-nest/) › COVID-19 and You

# COVID-19 & You

## Help for Skin Cancer Patients, Caregivers and Families

During the course of the  COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve heard from skin cancer patients who are concerned about the coronavirus and its many variants. The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our healthcare system that still continue today.

#### **What You Can Do**

Be proactive. If you have a medical concern during a time where variants are spreading through the population, you should see a dermatologist as soon as possible. While masking is no longer mandatory, you can opt to wear a mask to protect yourself. Also, see if your doctor offers [**telemedicine** **options**](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-how-is-telemedicine-helping-during-the-covid-19-crisis/) 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](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html) (CDC) is the best way to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

#### **About Telemedicine**

[Teledermatolog](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/five-tips-to-prepare-for-a-teledermatology-appointment/)y 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](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/robins-nest/covid-19-and-you/#resources) about COVID-19 for patients and caregivers.

- [Skin cancer support resources](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/)
- [Do’s & don’ts for skin cancer patients](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/dos-and-donts-for-skin-cancer-patients/)
- [Sun Protection and Skin Cancer Awareness During the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://www.skincancer.org/press/2020-sun-protection-and-skin-cancer-awareness-during-covid-19-pandemic/)
- [Sign up for newsletter](https://skincancer.salsalabs.org/newslettersignupform/index.html)

[FAQ](#faq)

[Resources](#resources)

[Read Our Statements](https://www.skincancer.org/media-and-press/ "Press Room")

### 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?

- [Related blog post](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-my-hands-are-suffering-from-repeated-washing/)

#### 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?

- [Related blog post](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/is-virtual-medicine-here-to-stay/)

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

####

- [Related blog post](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/how-to-perform-a-self-exam/)

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

####

- [Related blog post](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/layering-is-the-key/)

#### Q: Can ultraviolet light kill germs?

####

- [Related blog post](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/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](https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/infections/covid-19-vaccines-in-people-with-cancer.html), 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](https://www.ascopost.com/news/march-2020/mitigating-the-spread-of-covid-19-and-its-impact-on-cancer/)  
[COVID-19 Patient Care Information](https://www.asco.org/asco-coronavirus-information/care-individuals-cancer-during-covid-19)

**Cancer.net**

[Coronavirus 2019: What People with Cancer Need to Know](https://www.cancer.net/blog/2020-03/coronavirus-2019-what-people-with-cancer-need-know)

**CovidCancerCare.com**

[A program to help cancer patients cope with COVID-19 related stress and anxiety](https://covidcancercare.com/)

**National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Journal**

[Managing Cancer Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://jnccn.org/view/journals/jnccn/aop/article-10.6004-jnccn.2020.7560/article-10.6004-jnccn.2020.7560.xml)

**National Institutes of Health (NIH)**

[Emotional Wellness Toolkit](https://www.nih.gov/health-information/emotional-wellness-toolkit)

***Last updated:** August 2022*

## The Skin Cancer Foundation Blog

[Moving to Fight Melanoma](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/uniting-to-fight-skin-cancer/)![Move4Melanoma participants]()

[This Is Skin Cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/true-stories/)

[Why We Give](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/why-we-give/)

### [Moving to Fight Melanoma](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/uniting-to-fight-skin-cancer/)

[Layering Is the Key!](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/layering-is-the-key/)![When the air turns cool, you may not feel the heat of the sun’s rays. But they still have the power to damage your skin, so follow our autumn guidelines to protect yourself!]()

[Healthy Lifestyle](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/healthy-lifestyle/)

### [Layering Is the Key!](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/layering-is-the-key/)

[DIY Don’ts: Why At-Home Mole Removal Is a Bad Idea](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/diy-donts-why-at-home-mole-removal-is-a-bad-idea/)![woman examining mole on face]()

[Healthy Lifestyle](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/healthy-lifestyle/)

[Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-cancer-information/)

### [DIY Don’ts: Why At-Home Mole Removal Is a Bad Idea](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/diy-donts-why-at-home-mole-removal-is-a-bad-idea/)

[Ask the Expert: Do I Have to Wear Sunscreen Under My Mask?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-do-i-have-to-wear-sunscreen-under-my-mask/)![Illustration of young people wearing face masks Skin Cancer Foundation]()

[Ask the Expert](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/ask-the-expert/)

[Healthy Lifestyle](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/healthy-lifestyle/)

### [Ask the Expert: Do I Have to Wear Sunscreen Under My Mask?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-do-i-have-to-wear-sunscreen-under-my-mask/)

[Driving Your Risk for Skin Cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/driving-your-risk-for-skin-cancer/)![car celebration wearing face masks]()

[Healthy Lifestyle](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/healthy-lifestyle/)

### [Driving Your Risk for Skin Cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/driving-your-risk-for-skin-cancer/)

[Can Ultraviolet Light Kill Germs?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/can-ultraviolet-light-kill-germs/)![women wearing masks in park]()

[Healthy Lifestyle](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/healthy-lifestyle/)

[News & Research](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/news-research/)

### [Can Ultraviolet Light Kill Germs?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/can-ultraviolet-light-kill-germs/)

Last updated: October 2024

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