Personal protective equipment‐related dermatoses in COVID ‐19 frontline health workers. A lesson learned from 1‐year single center in the UAE

Abstract

Since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020, frontline health care workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE, surgical masks, N95 or similar respirators, gloves, goggles, face shields, and gowns). Alcohol-based sanitizers and wipes were recommended. Such measures lead to disruption of the natural skin habitat and skin barrier and various cutaneous reactions. The aim was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of PPE-related dermatoses among health care workers in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), a COVID-19 facility, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.We conducted a voluntary, cross-sectional anonymous survey among first-line health care workers addressing types of PPE used, dermatoses classified as PPE related, and factors that influence them. Facial, nasal, and hand dermatoses were the most prevalent with 40.2%, 19.9%, and 14.1%, respectively. The changes are primarily attributed to surgical masks, N-95 masks, and gloves. The shift duration is a contributing factor correlating with the severity of skin damage. Results of this study encouraged decision makers to recognize PPE-related dermatoses as a continuously growing burden, reorganized the shift duration and PPE exposure, animated the personal to apply preventive measures, and promoted the well-being of medical professionals in new waves of the pandemic.

Contact dermatitis caused by prevention measures during the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review

“…Table 2 lists the active ingredients, allergenic substances and resulting ASRs of some hand hygiene products. However, frequent hand disinfection with alcohol and hand washing with soap or hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic can result in the development of ICD and ACD (80)(81)(82). Various chemical additives (including disinfectants and fragrances) present in hand hygiene products may be responsible for the increase of hand ACD.…”

The Essential Points Regarding Laboratory Biosafety to Prevent the Spread of SARS-CoV-2

“…Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) and suitable alternatives are available for selection. Disinfection of lab areas and safe disposal of clinical samples from such patients are also critical (13)(14)(15).…”

“…This list needs endless revision, updates, and customization to national guidelines. A biosecurity culture is required to successfully implement the policies, a scientific community, and a committed community (15,40).…”

“…Utilizing covers in hospitals and laboratories is necessary because the coronavirus can spread to persons while talking. PPE should always be used within the laboratory to avoid infection (15,38).…”

Impact of COVID-19 on depression and anxiety among healthcare professionals in Abu Dhabi

“…In UAE the COVID-19 vaccine was available to frontline healthcare providers in September 2020 [4]. Qualitative data from frontline staff in the UAE showed that they were experiencing COVID-19-related stress, as a result of their working in a hazardous environment and due to the trauma of the amount of death seen initially [8][9][10]. A national study has found that levels of anxiety and depression are significantly higher than those reported in previous pre-pandemic studies [11].…”