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COVID-19 infection is a pandemic communicable disease with a relatively high fatality rate in elderly people. To date, no effective antiviral drug or approved vaccine have been identified. Consequently, the implementation of effective preventive measures is the only option left to counteract the virus. These measures include appropriate hand sanitization, wearing a mask and other personal protective equipment, cleaning surfaces with suitable disinfectants, etc. Crucial to prevent COVID-19 from spreading, they have also been shown to cause skin and mucous membrane damage (acute & chronic dermatitis, secondary infection, underlying skin disease aggravation).1
A panel of Chinese experts have recently published a consensus related to protective measures that healthcare professionals can adopt to minimize harm to their hands and faces while staying protected against the virus.2
Prolonged water exposure due to repeated hand washing can induce skin irritation. Moreover, long-term use of gloves may lead to overhydration of stratum corneum, which may cause maceration and erosion. Also, chemical materials in latex gloves are likely to cause contact dermatitis.
How to avoid damages caused when wearing gloves?
If maceration cannot be relieved and subsequent erosion and exudation occur:
Resort to using hydropathic compress with 3% boric acid solution or normal saline or topical use of zinc oxide ointment.
In case of contact dermatitis:
Use topical glucocorticoid cream.
If an existing hand eczema becomes worse:
Apply moisturizer together with topical glucocorticoid cream.
Healthcare workers fighting against COVID-19 are prone to skin and mucosa barrier damage. To minimize it, they should keep wearing PPE while avoiding over-protection. Also, they may consider implementing skincare measures described by the board of Chinese experts. Indeed, this consensus provides professional advice on prevention and management of mild skin disorders.
Bibliography
The adverse skin reactions caused by prolonged wearing of masks and goggles include pressure injury, urticaria, contact dermatitis, skin dryness, and aggravation of existing skin diseases.
How to avoid pressure injury caused by goggle protection?
How to manage mild skin indentation?
To relieve redness and swelling:
How to manage severe skin indentation?
To avoid infection secondary to severely swollen or blistered and erosive lesions:
If the skin is intact:
Apply a moisturizer
If the skin is infected:
Consider topical antibiotic ointments such as compound polymyxin B, mupirocin, or fusidic acid
How to prevent mask-related contact dermatitis?
In case of itching or stinging:
Switch to a mask made out of another material (if switching is an option)
Put 2 layers of gauze inside the mask (if switching is not an option)
In case of mild contact dermatitis:
Apply a moisturizer after cleansing
In case of severe contact dermatitis:
Chose low- to medium-potency topical glucocorticoids without fluorine
In case of blisters and erosion:
Use hydropathic compress and subsequent topical glucocorticoid ointment
In case of severe pruritus:
Take antihistamines orally
How to prevent skin dryness and scales?
How to prevent the aggravation by masks and goggles of existing acne vulgaris?
How to prevent the aggravation by masks and goggles of other facial skin disorders? (seasonal facial dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and rosacea)
Healthcare workers fighting against COVID-19 are prone to skin and mucosa barrier damage. To minimize it, they should keep wearing PPE while avoiding over-protection. Also, they may consider implementing skincare measures described by the board of Chinese experts. Indeed, this consensus provides professional advice on prevention and management of mild skin disorders.
Bibliography
Ear-dependent masks may damage external ears and retroauricular areas and increase the risk of infection.
How to prevent external ear damage caused by mask protection?
Healthcare workers fighting against COVID-19 are prone to skin and mucosa barrier damage. To minimize it, they should keep wearing PPE while avoiding over-protection. Also, they may consider implementing skincare measures described by the board of Chinese experts. Indeed, this consensus provides professional advice on prevention and management of mild skin disorders.
Bibliography
Scalp pruritus, folliculitis, and exacerbation of existing scalp seborrheic dermatitis can result from hydrosis.
How to protect hair and scalp?
Healthcare workers fighting against COVID-19 are prone to skin and mucosa barrier damage. To minimize it, they should keep wearing PPE while avoiding over-protection. Also, they may consider implementing skincare measures described by the board of Chinese experts. Indeed, this consensus provides professional advice on prevention and management of mild skin disorders.
Bibliography