Journal of the Bahrain Medical Society
Year 2021, Volume 33, Issue 2, Pages 7-12
https://doi.org/10.26715/jbms.33_2021_2_2Maryam Adam Ali1, Fatima Mohammed Aljasmi2*, Noora Adam Ali3
1Trainee doctor, Primary Health Care Department, Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, Bahrain.
2Consultant Family Physician and Dermatology Specialist, Primary Health Care Department, Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, Bahrain.
3Medical Student, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain, Bahrain, Bahrain
*Corresponding author: Fatima Mohammed Aljasmi, Consultant Family Physician and Dermatology Specialist, Primary Health Care Department, Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, Bahrain; Tel.: (973) 39600788, Email: aljasmi_f@yahoo.com
Received date: March 20, 2021; Accepted date: June 3, 2021; Published date: June 30, 2021
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has attracted global attention as it has expeditiously spread. Therefore, adherence to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has become a daily necessity, particularly among front-line personnel. However, PPE is associated with some adverse skin reactions; hence, this study aimed to investigate the characteristics and prevalence of adverse skin reactions from PPE usage.
Methods: This cross-sectional study with a random sample was carried out at Bahrain Defense Force Hospital (BDF) from January to March 2021, targeting the front-line personnel. An online questionnaire was sent regarding adverse skin reactions from PPE. A total of 145 healthcare workers (HCWs) were approached, and 132 (91%) responded. The results were analyzed through SPSS 21.0 software, and the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was used to analyze discrete variables.
Results: A total of 100 (75.8%) respondents suffered from adverse skin reactions. The most common findings were skin dryness, 100 (75.8%); itchiness, 67 (50.8%); and acne, 48 (36.4%). The most affected distant site was hands, 92 (69.7%). Female gender was significantly associated with skin changes, and only 22 (22%) participants with adverse skin reactions took medical advice.
Conclusion: Adverse skin reactions from PPE were common. Therefore, improving awareness of practical methods is quintessential.
Keywords: COVID-19; Eczema; Hand Hygiene; Masks; Skin Care