Introduction
The crucial role of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures has been emphasised in controlling the spread of coronavirus-19 (COVID-19). More rigorous hand hygiene practices and wearing of face masks have lead to increased reports of skin problems of the hand and face.
A retrospective survey was conducted to investigate the incidence and severity of occupational skin disease in healthcare workers (HCWs).
Material and Methods
An electronic survey was circulated to HCWs working in two London hospital sites between January 2021 to May 2021. Demographics, details on hand washing, alcohol gel, emollient and face mask use was recorded along with details of skin disease.
Results
75 responses were recorded from doctors (57%), nurses (20%), healthcare students (12%), therapists (7%) and students (4%).
19 people (25%) washed their hands more than 30 times a day, 37 (49%) people 10-30 times, and 12 people (16%) washed between 5-10. Similar results were found for alcohol gel use.
34 (47%) did not apply moisturiser or emollient once during a shift.
Common hand symptoms included dryness (89%, n=67), erythema (65%, n= 49) and cracked skin ( 57%, n=43).
73 (97%) HCWs wore face masks more than 4 hours a day, with common facial symptoms being acneiform lesions (71%, n=43) and erythema (62%, n=37).
61 participants were unsure who to contact regarding occupational skin disease.
Discussion
Our results illustrate high levels of occupational skin disease in HCWs, including symptoms of xerosis and dermatitis. A large minority do not apply emollient, indicating either poor knowledge of or adherence to strategies to prevent or minimise occupational skin disease.
With the COVID-19 pandemic likely to continue for the foreseeable future, strategies are required to minimise IPC-related dermatological morbidity among HCWs.
Campaigns to improve knowledge regarding emollient application may help to minimise the prevalence of occupational skin disease.