Italian health care workers and Adverse skin reactions to personal protective equipment during Covid-19 pandemic
Safety and Health at Work
; 13:S162, 2022.
Article
in English
| EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1677022
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
During the pandemic, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has become essential for Healthcare Workers (HCWs) to fight safely against the virus. However, the extensive and prolonged use of PPE may cause various adverse skin reactions due to the use of alcohol hand cleanser and protracted use of masks and goggles. The aim of this study is to evaluate the skin problems caused by PPE in HCWs and the possible consequences on their work. Materials andmethods:
An online ad hoc questionnaire, composed by 35 questions about sociodemographic characteristics, work related issues and exposure/habits about PPE, was administered to a sample of Italian HCWs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed in order to explore possible associations between variables.Results:
We tested 3 types of PPE Gloves, Hair Bonnets and Masks for different time of utilization (<1, 1-3, 3-6, >6 hours). The sample included 1184participants:
292 workers reported a dermatological pathology nested in four different pathological groups 45 (15%) had Psoriasis, 54 (19%) Eczema, 38 (13%) Acne, 48 (16%), seborrheic dermatitis and 107 (36%) other. 25 workers had a loss of occupational days due to dermatological illness;56 occupational physician surveillance visits were asked for;in 30 cases were recognized limitations in working duties.Conclusions:
Protecting HCWs requires the use of PPE, but occupational dermatitis is an emerging problem in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. National data for affected healthcare professionals could contribute to a better understanding of the problem and prevention initiatives in the workplace
acne vulgaris; conference abstract; controlled study; coronavirus disease 2019; demography; eczema; female; glove; habit; hair; health care personnel; human; human tissue; major clinical study; male; mask; occupational eczema; occupational physician; pandemic; protective equipment; psoriasis; questionnaire; seborrheic dermatitis; skin disease; skin manifestation; workplace
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
EMBASE
Language:
English
Journal:
Safety and Health at Work
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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