Physical and psychological impacts of handwashing and personal protective equipment usage in the COVID ‐19 pandemic: A UK based cross‐sectional analysis of healthcare workers

Abstract

The COVID‐19 pandemic has necessitated intensified handwashing and mask usage for healthcare staff. A retrospective cross‐sectional study was performed primarily to investigate the potential skin damage and secondary impacts on wellbeing of staff resulting from these practices. Additionally the availability and uptake of occupational health services and moisturisers in the work place was also assessed. The survey was distributed to NHS staff between April and May 2020 and asked questions regarding skin damage, impact on wellbeing and availability and utilisation of occupational health input and moisturisers. Of the 211 responders, 167 washed their hands more than ten times per shift. Three quarters of these reported cracks or fissures in one or more regions of their hands, most frequently to the back of the hands or web spaces. Amongst the 157 staff who wore FFP3 masks, redness of the nasal area was most frequently reported with 8% reporting facial blisters. 36% of staff reported a substantial impact on one or more aspects of their wellbeing. Only 7% of respondents had received specialist advice, yet a quarter (26%) had made or anticipated needing changes to their occupational duties. The majority (63%) felt they required no specialist input, despite 38% of these reporting a substantial detriment to their wellbeing. Handwashing and face mask use is resulting in skin damage amongst healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic, with associated detriment to wellbeing. Healthcare services need to take action to implement measures to prevent, reduce and treat damage including promotion of available specialist support.

Facial dermatoses induced by face masks: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies

“…Two more articles were identified via relevant citations from some of the full‐text articles. After assessing full‐length articles, 20 studies were excluded for the following reasons: did not provide usable statistics 8–10 ( n = 3), characterized the dermatoses poorly or did not specify the location of dermatoses 11–24 ( n = 14), only included patients presenting to dermatological clinic already with mask‐related dermatoses 25 ( n = 1), all patients had pre‐existing facial dermatoses 26,27 ( n = 2). After these exclusions, 37 published studies were included in the meta‐analysis 28–64 …”

Prevention of skin damages related to personal protective equipment among healthcare workers: Summary of best‐evidence practiced strategies

“…Notably, the skin is the largest organ of our body and the first line of defence against different infections or risk factors. If there are any problems in the skin, there will be a significant detrimental influence on HCWs' well‐being, such as pain, sleep disorders and anxiety (Burns et al, 2021; Uthayakumar et al, 2021). Therefore, it is necessary to identify measures to prevent PPE‐related skin damage.…”

Skin care and hygiene among healthcare professionals during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

“… 1 – 8 For some practitioners, this has had significant detrimental effects on personal well-being, including pain, sleep disruption, and anxiety. 9 , 10 …”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] For some practitioners, this has had significant detrimental effects on personal well-being, including pain, sleep disruption, and anxiety. 9,10 The successful roll out of vaccination programs in many parts of the world will most likely reduce the burden of transmission prevention measures on HCPs. Nonetheless, we may have to live with enhanced requirements for handwashing, PPE, and other controls for many years to come.…”