DERMATOLOGIC PROBLEMS AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS DURING COVID19 PANDEMIC
DERMATOLOGIC PROBLEMS AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS DURING COVID19 PANDEMIC

Summary/Abstract: Coronavirus disease 2019, officially named COVID-19 by World Health Organization, emerged in December 2019, in Wuhan city, China, with clinical manifestation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus -2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease caused by SARS-Co-2 is highly contagious. Coronavirus infection is rapidly spreading and changing the world. This is an exceptional challenge for healthcare workers, especially those on the frontline. They must use proper personal protective equipment when exposed to a patient with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or other sources of SARS-Cov-2. The necessary equipment includes: gloves, gowns, hazmat suits, eye and face protection like face shields, face masks (medical and fabric), goggles, and others, according to WHO instructions. Reports on dermatologic problems among medical personnel are constantly increasing in connection with the frequent use of detergents and sanitizers and the prolonged wearing of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Skin manifestations include burning, pruritus, pain, erythema, scales, vesicles, maceration, erosions, and in chronic cases, hyperkeratosis, lichenification, fissures. Different types of skin reactions occur in medical professionals, such as pressure dermatitis caused by wearing masks, helmets, contact irritant or allergic dermatitis of the hands, hyperhidrosis, bacterial infections, acne caused by wearing face masks. The prolonged wearing of personal protective equipment is possible to cause exacerbation of pre-existing skin conditions like xerosis cutis, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, urticaria. The influence of stress as an aggravating factor in some conditions is taken into account. Skin problems caused by prolonged wearing of personal protective equipment, although not representing life threatening conditions, interfere with the work of health professionals, have a significant impact on emergency management, reduce work performance, create emotional discomfort and may cause temporary disability. Early recognition of the first cutaneous manifestations is important in order to avoid severe conditions in healthcare workers. The prevention of dermatologic reactions is discussed. Healthcare professionals should be encouraged to take measures to protect their skin, at least by frequently using moisturizers, protective creams, especially after hand washing and before applying protective equipment. In conclusion, it is important that dermatologists and other healthcare professionals be aware about the occupational dermatologic reactions in healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic

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