COVID-19 and personal protective equipment: Treatment and prevention of skin conditions related to the occupational use of personal protective equipment

Abstract

both, we ruled out herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus clinically and by performing polymerase chain reaction.Most patients who presented with an erythematous rash had mild itch. There was no correlation between the presence of rash and fever. Involved sites were primarily the trunk and upper limbs, but the head and face were largely spared. In this group, younger patients seem to display more intense and disseminated cutaneous manifestations, including darker red, larger wheal-like and purpuric lesions. All exanthems were short-lived and resolved spontaneously without specific dermatologic treatment after mean of 3 days (range, 2-5 days). The dermatologic manifestations could not be correlated to COVID-19 severity.Diffuse petechiae, gravity-dependent, and multiple, generalized palpable purpura, and acroischemia ( primarily finger/toe cyanosis, but neither skin bulla nor dry gangrene) were seen in more severe cases. These manifestations were associated with clotting disorders, reflected in increased prothrombin time and fibrinogen and D-dimer levels, which are seen in intensive care patients. [3][4][5] In conclusion, some patients with COVID-19 present with inflammatory cutaneous findings: 7.8% in our cohort of hospitalized adults. These skin findings are generally mild and self-limiting and do not correlate with overall prognosis. They generally resolve promptly without specific therapy.

Effects of Prolonged Use of Facemask on Healthcare Workers in Tertiary Care Hospital During COVID-19 Pandemic

“…There has been an increased incidence of skin conditions in healthcare workers due to the extended use of facemasks. Contact dermatitis, contact urticaria occurs due to adhesives, rubber in straps, free formaldehyde released from the non-woven polypropylene and from metal in clips [13]. Foo et al, analysed healthcare workers during the SARS pandemic in 2003 at Singapore, and reported that 51.4% experienced itch induced by face masks [14].…”

COVID-19 Creating another problem? Sustainable solution for PPE disposal through LCA approach

“…Figure 2 gives details about the PPE kits configuration and composition. The material that comprises of these products were identified primarily based on manufacturer specification and through peer-reviewed literature (Marcin 2013;Seemal et al 2020; Halyard; PAHO 2020; The conversation 2020).…”

“…No data on PPE manufacturing and its disposal effect on human health and environment Boškoski et al ( 2020 ) COVID-19 pandemic and personal protective equipment shortage: protective efficacy comparing masks and scientific methods for respirator reuse The study concludes that rational use and successful reuse of respirators can help in the shortage of PPE during a pandemic. No experimental data or study on disposal effects of PPE Desai et al ( 2020 ) COVID-19 and personal protective equipment: Treatment and prevention of skin conditions related to the occupational use of personal protective equipment Study was limited just to skin conditions arising due to prolonged use of PPEs Tabah et al ( 2020 ) Personal protective equipment and intensive care unit healthcare worker safety in the COVID-19 era (PPE-SAFE): An international survey The study is limited to just survey data obtained and the effect of PPE usage on healthcare workers Priyadarshini et al ( 2020 ) Rationing PPEs during a pandemic: The COVID-19 scenario The study only focused on just efficient distribution of PPE to cater to the surge in need of PPE …”

MASKNE: Mask-Induced Acne Flare During Coronavirus Disease-19. What is it and How to Manage it?

“…It is also recommended to replace the surgical mask and N95 mask routinely. Han et al [7] suggest that mask should be replaced after 4 h for surgical mask and 3 days for N95 mask, while Desai et al [31] recommend to take a 15-min break after 2 h of wearing mask. Preventative measures such as applying oil-controlling moisturizer (i.e., with licochalcone A as one of the ingredients) or dressing application before wearing a mask is also suggested to decrease sebum secretion [7], [32], [33].…”

“…First is to wash the face twice daily with warm water and opt for an appropriate cleanser; a strong alkaline soap is not recommended. A study also stresses the importance to do this routine before wearing the mask [31]. Second, it is advisable to wear no cosmetic or light cosmetic only.…”