Dermatological morbidity induced by the use of personal protective measures in frontline doctors during COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Background Frontline doctors performing duties during Covid-19 pandemic have to use the personal protective equipment to avoid exposure and decrease the risk of Covid-19 infection. These protective measures can lead to various cutaneous manifestations and problems which affect their working. Objective To assess dermatological morbidity due to use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Methods This descriptive observational study was conducted on 220 doctors performing duties on frontline in Covid-19 pandemic. Data was collected through e- questionnaire regarding demography, daily duty, daily PPE wearing time, cutaneous manifestation, their type and site. Participants voluntarily allowed and submitted the questionnaire through cell phones. Results 52% of frontline doctors using PPEs while performing duties in Covid-19 pandemic showed dermatological morbidity. Most of them belonged to the age group >35 years, males, married, having postgraduate qualification. Most of the frontline doctors having dermatological manifestation were performing regular OPD duties for > 4 hours. Presence of comorbidities and hand washing for more than 10 times were also associated factors. Conclusion There is 52% dermatological morbidity in frontline doctors using PPEs while performing duties in Covid-19 pandemic and it was statistically significantly associated with male gender, postgraduate qualification, >4 hours/ day OPD duty, presence of comorbidities and hand washing >10 times per day.