Skin Lesions and Personal Protective Equipment in Health Care Workers From Lima, Peru, During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care workers (HCWs) relied on personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate COVID-19 infections. However, prolonged use of PPE led to a risk of developing skin lesions (SLs).

METHODS

In this study, we evaluated the frequency, characteristics, and factors associated with SLs while using PPE. We surveyed 190 HCWs in 2 hospitals in Lima, Peru, between September 2020 and May 2021 using a convenience sampling method. Eligible participants were hospital personnel actively working on-site and using PPE. The questionnaire focused on reporting SLs related to PPE use.

RESULTS

The frequency of SLs among our sample of HCWs was 77%. The most frequent SLs were erythema (44%), comedones (18%), and erosions (15%), located most frequently on the nasal bridge (62%) and cheeks (28%). Of the surveyed HCWs, 39% reported using some form of prevention method to avoid SLs, with adhesive tape or bandages being the most common (58%). Working in the intensive care unit (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.60; 95% CI, 1.11-2.29), working >12 hours per day (aPR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.11-2.41), and experiencing burning sensations (aPR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05-1.55) or dryness (aPR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.02-1.90) on the skin were associated with a higher likelihood of having SLs.

CONCLUSIONS

By documenting the frequency of SL in our sample of HCWs while using PPE, we underscore the need for continuous biosafety monitoring to improve occupational well-being among HCWs.