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How does working in pandemic units affect the risk of occupational hand eczema in healthcare workers during the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic: A comparative analysis with nonpandemic units
Author(s) -
Erdem Yasemin,
Inal Sena,
Sivaz Onur,
Copur Sevkiye,
Boluk Kubra N.,
Ugurer Ece,
Kaya Hazel E.,
Gulsunay Ilayda E.,
Sekerlisoy Gul,
Vural Osman,
Altunay Ilknur K.,
Aksu Çerman Aslı,
Özkaya Esen
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.13853
Subject(s) - medicine , hygiene , hand eczema , pandemic , covid-19 , personal protective equipment , health care , disease , allergy , family medicine , immunology , contact dermatitis , infectious disease (medical specialty) , pathology , economics , economic growth
Abstract Background Hand eczema (HE) has increased among healthcare workers (HCWs) working in coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) units, and was associated with increased hand hygiene practices. Objectives To compare the prevalence and clinical characteristics of HE, and hand hygiene practices in HCWs working in COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 units. Methods A total of 244 HCWs working in COVID‐19 (n = 118) and non‐COVID‐19 patient care units (n = 126) were examined by dermatologists with regard to demographic parameters and hand hygiene practices. The COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 groups were matched at a 1:1 ratio according to age, atopy, and generalized dry skin. Results HE was more frequent in the COVID‐19 group (48.3% vs 12.7%, P < .001), whereas working years ( P < .05) and additional housework at home ( P < .001) were longer in the non‐COVID‐19 group. After the development of HE, moisturizing creams were reported to be more frequently used in the COVID group ( P < .001). Topical corticosteroids were used in a minority (40% in the COVID group and 26.7% in the non‐COVID group). Conclusions HCWs in COVID‐19 units developed HE more frequently. A majority increased the frequency of moisturizer use, instead of using topical corticosteroids, after the development of HE for the purpose of treating eczema. New approaches are needed for the prevention and management of HE in HCWs, especially by facilitating access to dermatologists.