The risk of hand eczema in healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Do we need specific attention or prevention strategies?

An Overlooked Risk for Healthcare Workers Amid COVID-19: Occupational Hand

“…Three studies investigated HE in HCWs during COVID-19. These studies reported that the high frequency of handwashing was associated with the risk of HE, as in our study [ 7 , 10 , 11 ]. Kiely et al [ 12 ] mentioned that the frequency of handwashing increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its relationship with HE was not discussed in their study.…”

“…Kiely et al [ 12 ] reported that over 80% of their cohort was affected with irritant dermatitis, and hands were the most commonly affected site. In a recent study, Erdem et al [ 7 ] reported the prevalence of HE in HCWs as 50.5%. The diagnosis was made by a physical examination, performed by a dermatologist team in this study.…”

“…The median use of disinfectants was 10 in HEG and eight in NHEG. Erdem et al [ 7 ] reported that 64.5% of HCWs use hand disinfectants more than 10 times a day. Guertler et al [ 10 ] reported that the median frequency of hand disinfectant use was four times per day during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…Hand eczema is the most common occupational skin disease [ 2 – 5 ]. Regardless of COVID 19, HCWs have an increased risk for HE [ 6 , 7 ]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, recent studies have revealed an increase in the prevalence of HE in HCW and the general population [ 7 – 13 ].…”

“…Regardless of COVID 19, HCWs have an increased risk for HE [ 6 , 7 ]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, recent studies have revealed an increase in the prevalence of HE in HCW and the general population [ 7 – 13 ]. Hand eczema is difficult to treat, and it may progress to a frequently relapsing chronic disease [ 14 ].…”