Occupational dermatitis to facial personal protective equipment in health care workers: A systematic review

Abstract

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.

The Utilization of Protective Face Masks among Polish Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic: Do We Pass the Exam?

“…HCW in the present study wore face masks for longer periods of time due to their professional duties, therefore facilitating the occurrence of itch and eventually leading to mask touching. Other possible causes of the latter include discomfort associated with mask wearing, exacerbation of pre-existing acne, occupational dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Nonetheless, certain studies demonstrated that wearing face masks tends to decrease face touching behaviors, both in the general public [ 27 , 28 ] and also in HCW [ 29 ].…”

Como melhorar a qualidade da saúde da equipe de enfermagem mediante ao COVID-19

“…O autor ressalta que esse fato pode ser devido já ter tido intervenção dos gestores, ou omissão por medo. Mediante a uma situação de pandemia, em que toda a equipe está à frente de novas diretrizes e normas, as instituições devem garantir a segurança dos funcionários a partir do repasse de instruções à equipe, treinamentos para evitar o uso incorreto ou inapropriado, sendo a comunicação crucial para o atual momento 18 . Cabe então aos gestores a responsabilidade pelo êxito no repasse de informações necessárias à equipe, agindo de forma preventiva contra os danos causados por uma pandemia inesperada.…”

Occupational Dermatoses Related to Personal Protective Equipment Used During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“… 11 ACD is a biphasic type IV delayed type hypersensitivity reaction that develops in response to contact allergens such as preservatives (formaldehyde), dyes (disperse blue), and metals (nickel). 12 Acute episodes of ACD can present with edema, erythema, and vesiculation. 11 Chronic ACD can lead to lichenification and fissuring of the skin.…”

“… 11 ICD occurs from direct cytotoxic injury to the skin induced by a physical or chemical irritant. 12 ICD may include ulcerations and fissuring at the affected site, 12 with symptoms of pruritis and burning sensation occurring immediately after exposure. 11 ICD has been reported as a result of prolonged wearing of PPE and rigorous and frequent hand washing in the setting of COVID-19 (see Table 2 ).…”