International collaboration

COVID infection doesn’t discriminate. The Journal of Dermatological Treatment continues to receive outstanding contributions from dermatologists all over the planet reporting on the effects of COVID and how they manage it. The work has ranged from description of “COVID toes” to experience with COVID in patients on immune-altering medications to the cutaneous lesions caused by SARS-CoV-2 hygiene measures in hospital personnel. The rapidity at which we share information globally has been impressive and all the more rapid with the use of online communication resources.

Seeing the degree of international cooperation on COVID made us appreciate that dermatology as a profession doesn’t discriminate, or at least it shouldn’t. In medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology, we care for patients of all races, ethnicities, religions, ages, genders and sexual orientations. Dermatologists collaborate locally and internationally across all ethnic, religious and national boundaries.

In our personal interactions with patients, day in and day out, our differences do not stop us from caring for patients nor for our patients caring for us. Among our professional colleagues from across all kinds of “borders,” we can count dear friends, many of whom we feel are a part of our family.

The pursuit of optimal patient care knows no political, racial or ethnic boundary and our profession is an example that the World should emulate. Thus, we stand united for ensuring equal opportunities for all humans, not only in healthcare, but also in all other spheres of life including justice.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).