How does working in pandemic units affect the risk of occupational hand eczema in healthcare workers during the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic: A comparative analysis with nonpandemic units

Erdem, Yasemin; Inal, Sena; Sivaz, Onur; Copur, Sevkiye; Bölük, Kübra Nursel; Uğurer, Ece; Kaya, Hazel Ezgi; Gulsunay, Ilayda E.; Sekerlisoy, Gul; Vural, Osman; Altunay, İlknur Kıvanç; Çerman, Aslı Aksu; Özkaya, Esen

doi:10.1111/cod.13853

Cited by 14 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…The World Health Organization recommended hand hygiene practices of using alcohol‐based sanitizers and/or handwashing with water and soap. An increased risk of hand eczema has been reported in children and health care workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic 63,64 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Dysregulation of the epithelial barrier by environmental and other exogenous factors

et al. 2021

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The "epithelial barrier hypothesis" proposes that the exposure to various epithelial barrier-damaging agents linked to industrialization and urbanization underlies the increase in allergic diseases. The epithelial barrier constitutes the first line of physical, chemical, and immunological defense against environmental factors. Recent reports have shown that industrial products disrupt the epithelial barriers. Innate and adaptive immune responses play an important role in epithelial barrier damage. In addition, recent studies suggest that epithelial barrier dysfunction plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of the atopic march by allergen sensitization through the transcutaneous route. It is evident that external factors interact with the immune system, triggering a cascade of complex reactions that damage the epithelial barrier. Epigenetic and microbiome changes modulate the integrity of the epithelial barrier. Robust and simple measurements of the skin barrier dysfunction at the point-of-care are of significant value as a biomarker, as recently reported using electrical impedance spectroscopy to directly measure barrier defects. Understanding epithelial barrier dysfunction and its mechanism is key to developing novel strategies for the

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…An increased risk of hand eczema has been reported in children and health care workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. 63 , 64 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dysregulation of the epithelial barrier by environmental and other exogenous factors

et al. 2021

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“…37 Previous studies reported a significant increase in the frequency of hand washing and using disinfectants among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. 21,38 Repeated exposure to soap and water, and disinfectants could alter the integrity of the skin and damage protective effect of this organ by changing the PH of the epidermis, depleting the lipid barrier, and increasing trans-epidermal water loss, which finally leads to contact dermatitis. Paradoxically prolonged wearing of gloves may cause maceration and irritant contact dermatitis of the hand skin by over-hydrating the stratum corneum layer.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hand Dermatitis among Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevalence, and Risk Factors

Motamedrezaei

Sharifzadeh

Rajabipour

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Background: Health care workers (HCWs) need to perform new preventive measures to protect themselves and patients against ongoing COVID-19 transmission, which can increase the occurrence of hand dermatitis (HD) among them. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HD among HCWs and its possible risk factors in IRAN. Methods: A survey of 159 HCWS working in university hospitals was performed between August to September 2020. Research data were collected via the standardized Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002). Results: The prevalence of HD in the study population was 51.6%. Females had a 3.84 fold higher risk of HD than males (confidence interval (CI): 1.85-8). HCWs older than 40 years and those who aged 30-39 years had a 9.6 and 1.72 fold higher risk of HD than HCWs aged 20-29 years (CI: 2.6-35.7; CI: 0.87-3.4, respectively). A significant association was found between the prevalence of HD among HCWs and working hours per week, and wearing gloves (P<0.05). Conclusion: Possible risk factors for developing HD among HCWs are female gender and older age. Preventive measures for HD are needed for HCWs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“…24 Repeated daily hand cleaning undoubtedly presents additional challenges to individuals with pre-existing hand dermatoses, such as psoriasis and eczema. Indeed, exacerbation of hand eczema appears to be common, 8,63 particularly when using soap and water. 30,31 Whether this results in reduced compliance with SARS-CoV-2 hygiene recommendations will likely depend on the individual and the nature and severity of their condition.…”

Section: Skin Barrier Function and The Role Of Moisturizersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Skin care and hygiene among healthcare professionals during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

et al. 2021

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The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic has necessitated enhanced protection against viral transmission among healthcare professionals, particularly relating to handwashing and personal protective equipment. Some of these requirements may persist for years to come. They bring associated concerns around skin hygiene and general care, with damage to the face and hands now a well-documented consequence among healthcare professionals. This review assesses optimal skin care during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic and in the “new normal” that will follow, identifies current knowledge gaps, and provides practical advice for the clinical setting. Regular, systematic hand cleaning with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub (containing 60%–90% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol) remains essential, although the optimal quantity and duration is unclear. Gloves are a useful additional barrier; further studies are needed on preferred materials. Moisturization is typically helpful and has proven benefits in mitigating damage from frequent handwashing. It may be best practiced using an alcohol-based hand rub with added moisturizer and could be particularly important among individuals with pre-existing hand dermatoses, such as psoriasis and eczema. Face moisturization immediately prior to donning a mask, and the use of dressings under the mask to reduce friction, can be helpful dermatologically, but more work is required to prove that these actions do not affect seal integrity. Nonetheless, such measures could play a role in institutional plans for mitigating the dermatologic impact of transmission control measures as we exit the pandemic.

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How does working in pandemic units affect the risk of occupational hand eczema in healthcare workers during the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic: A comparative analysis with nonpandemic units

Cited by 14 publications

References 28 publications

Dysregulation of the epithelial barrier by environmental and other exogenous factors

Dysregulation of the epithelial barrier by environmental and other exogenous factors

Hand Dermatitis among Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevalence, and Risk Factors

Skin care and hygiene among healthcare professionals during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

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