The recent coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in increased hand hygiene and hand cleansing awareness. To prevent virus transmission, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends frequent hand washing with soap and water. Hand hygiene products are available in a variety of forms and while each of these formulations may be effective against COVID-19, they may also alter skin barrier integrity and function. As health care workers and the general population focus on stringent hand hygiene, the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) anticipates an increase in both irritant contact and allergic contact hand dermatitis. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with moisturizers have the least sensitizing and irritancy potential when compared to soaps and synthetic detergents. This article provides an overview of the most frequently used hand hygiene products and their associations with contact dermatitis as well as recommendations from the ACDS on how to treat and prevent further dermatitis.

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Background Prolonged wear of facial protective equipment can lead to occupational dermatoses. Objective To identify important causes of occupational dermatoses from facial protective equipment. Methods A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was performed using PubMed and Embase databases. Articles were included if they reported occupational dermatoses caused by surgical/procedure masks and/or N95 respirators. Results 344 articles were identified; 16 were suitable for inclusion in this review. Selected articles focused on facial occupational dermatoses in healthcare workers. Allergic contact dermatitis was reported to the elastic straps, glue, and formaldehyde released from the mask fabric. Irritant contact dermatitis was common on the cheeks and nasal bridge due to pressure and friction. Irritant dermatitis was associated with personal history of atopic dermatitis and prolonged mask wear (greater than 6 hours). Acneiform eruption was reported due to prolonged wear and occlusion. Contact urticaria was rare. Limitations Only publications listed in PubMed or Embase were included. Most publications were case reports and retrospective studies. Conclusions This systematic review from members of the American Contact Dermatitis Society highlights cases of occupational dermatitis to facial protective equipment including potential offending allergens. This work may help in the diagnosis and treatment of healthcare workers with facial occupational dermatitis.