ABSTRACT
The life of medical specialists worldwide has dramatically changed due to the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Health care professionals (HCPs) have personally faced the outbreak by being on the first line of the battlefield with the disease and, as such, compose a significant number of people who have contracted COVID-19. We propose a classification and discuss the pathophysiology, clinical findings, and treatments and prevention of the occupational skin hazards COVID-19 poses to HCPs. The multivariate pattern of occupational skin diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic can be classified into four subgroups: mechanical skin injury, moisture-associated skin damage, contact reactions, and exacerbation of preexisting dermatoses. The clinical pattern is versatile, and the most affected skin sites were the ones in contact with the protective equipment. Dermatologists should recognize the plethora of HCPs' occupational skin reactions that are occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic and implement treatment and preventive strategies.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/epidemiology , Health Personnel , Occupational Diseases/classification , Personal Protective Equipment/adverse effects , Skin Diseases/classification , Skin/injuries , COVID-19/prevention & control , Disease Progression , Humans , Occupational Diseases/etiology , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Occupational Injuries/etiology , Occupational Injuries/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2 , Skin Diseases/etiology , Skin Diseases/prevention & controlABSTRACT
The world has changed dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In addition to our social, occupational, and personal lives, the new coronavirus also poses novel challenges for all physicians, including dermatologists. Several skin conditions have emerged, mainly as a result of prolonged contact with personal protective equipment and excessive personal hygiene. Pressure injury, contact dermatitis, itch, pressure urticaria, and exacerbation of preexisting skin diseases, including seborrheic dermatitis and acne, have been described. We have focused on the dermatologic aspects of the COVID-19 infection so that dermatologists are aware of the skin complications and preventive measures can be taken in the COVID-19 pandemic.