Personal protective equipment-related occupational dermatoses during COVID-19 among health care workers: A worldwide systematic review

Abstract

\n Background\n Occupational dermatoses caused by personal protective equipment (PPE) in the current COVID-19 pandemic are emerging occupational health challenges which must be promptly and effectively addressed to ease the burden on our healthcare workers (HCWs).\n \n Objective\n A systematic review was conducted to determine common PPE-related dermatoses, affected body sites, and implicated occupational contactants. We further proposed solutions to mitigate this problem.\n \n Methods\n Online databases were searched for articles on PPE-related dermatoses in HCWs during COVID-19, written in English and published from January 1, 2020 to January 30, 2021.\n \n Results\n 16 studies, involving a total of 3958 participants, were included. The most common dermatoses were xerosis, pressure-related erythema, and contact dermatitis, mainly affecting the face and hands. The most widely implicated contactants were increased frequency of hand hygiene, gloves, N95 masks, and goggles. Proposed solutions were categorized into individual self-care, protection of the workforce, and long-term preventative measures.\n \n Conclusion\n Through measures such as regular basic skincare education, early access to specialty clinics via telemedicine, and the design of better-fit PPE, the challenges posed by PPE-related occupational dermatoses can be significantly reduced.\n