Italian health care workers and Adverse skin reactions to personal protective equipment during Covid-19 pandemic

Paolo Emilio Santoro, Ilaria Proietti, Ivan Borrelli, Maria Rosaria Gualano, Maria Francesca Rossi, Carlotta Amantea, Alessandra Daniele, Concetta Potenza, Walter Ricciardi, Umberto Moscato

Research output: Contribution to journalConference article

Abstract

Introduction: During the pandemic, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has become essential for Healthcare Workers (HCWs) to fight safely against the virus. However, the extensive and prolonged use of PPE may cause various adverse skin reactions due to the use of alcohol hand cleanser and protracted use of masks and goggles. The aim of this study is to evaluate the skin problems caused by PPE in HCWs and the possible consequences on their work. Materials and methods: An online ad hoc questionnaire, composed by 35 questions about sociodemographic characteristics, work related issues and exposure/habits about PPE, was administered to a sample of Italian HCWs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed in order to explore possible associations between variables. Results: We tested 3 types of PPE: Gloves, Hair Bonnets and Masks for different time of utilization (<1, 1-3, 3-6, >6 hours). The sample included 1184 participants: 292 workers reported a dermatological pathology nested in four different pathological groups: 45 (15%) had Psoriasis, 54 (19%) Eczema, 38 (13%) Acne, 48 (16%), seborrheic dermatitis and 107 (36%) other. 25 workers had a loss of occupational days due to dermatological illness; 56 occupational physician surveillance visits were asked for; in 30 cases were recognized limitations in working duties. Conclusions: Protecting HCWs requires the use of PPE, but occupational dermatitis is an emerging problem in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. National data for affected healthcare professionals could contribute to a better understanding of the problem and prevention initiatives in the workplace.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S162-S162
JournalSafety and Health at Work
Volume13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Event33rd International Congress on Occupational Health 2022 (ICOH 2022) - Melbourne - Rome
Duration: 6 Feb 202210 Feb 2022

Keywords

  • Adverse skin reactions
  • Covid-19 pandemic
  • Health care workers
  • Personal protective equipment

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Italian health care workers and Adverse skin reactions to personal protective equipment during Covid-19 pandemic'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this