COVID-19 and dermatological personal protective equipment considerations

Travis S Dowdle; Mallory Thompson; Mahmud Alkul; Jeannie M Nguyen; Ashley L E Sturgeon

doi:10.1080/08998280.2021.1899730

COVID-19 and dermatological personal protective equipment considerations

Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2021 Mar 23;34(4):469-472. doi: 10.1080/08998280.2021.1899730.

Authors

Travis S Dowdle¹, Mallory Thompson², Mahmud Alkul¹, Jeannie M Nguyen³, Ashley L E Sturgeon³

Affiliations

¹ School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas.
² School of Medicine, Texas Christian University/University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas.
³ Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas.

Abstract

Cutaneous injury and irritation among health care workers has substantially risen during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a field already laden with skin-induced injury and irritation due to high levels of handwashing and glove wearing, increases have been reported in handwashing-induced xerosis, irritant dermatitis, and contact dermatitis from N95 respirators and other surgical masks. Masks, goggles, face shields, and gloves all potentially create abrasions from long hours of use, leading to itching, pain, and aggravation of underlying skin conditions. Personal protective equipment (PPE)-related skin injury can be serious, and the American Academy of Dermatology has released recommendations on preventing and treating occupationally induced dermatologic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are reviewed and discussed in conjunction with overarching guidelines for mitigating the spread of the virus.

Keywords: COVID-19; cutaneous injury; personal protective equipment.

Publication types

Review