Moisturizers and Cleansers in the Management of Skin Conditions Caused by Personal Protective Equipment and Frequent Handwashing

Sara Mirali, PhD; Patrick Fleming, MD, MSc, FRCPC, FCDA; Charles W. Lynde, MD, FRCPC, DABD

Disclosures

Skin Therapy Letter. 2021;26(4):9-13. 

In This Article

Abstract and Introduction

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, prolonged usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and frequent handwashing has exacerbated or caused skin diseases, particularly amongst frontline workers. Skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and hand eczema, affect patients' quality of life and their ability to work. These conditions can be managed by frequent moisturization and washing with gentle cleansers. In this review, we discuss the properties of effective moisturizers and cleansers for patients with skin diseases related to enhanced infection control procedures.

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV2, health authorities advised frontline workers and the public to take infection control precautions. Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 is transmitted through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.[1] To prevent transmission, frequent handwashing and prolonged usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as goggles, masks, face shields, and gloves, are recommended. These enhanced precautions can cause or exacerbate inflammatory skin conditions, which impact patients' quality of life and, in some cases, their ability to work.[2] Moreover, associated symptoms, such as pruritis affecting the face, increase the risk of transmission.

Recent studies have shown that 75–97% of healthcare workers (HCWs) treating COVID-19 patients suffered from adverse skin reactions, including contact and pressure urticaria, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or aggravation of preexisting skin disorders. The most commonly affected areas were the hands, cheeks, and nasal bridge.[2,3] These adverse effects are not restricted to HCWs4 and are mainly caused by the hyperhydration effects of PPE, friction, epidermal barrier breakdown, and contact reactions. All of these can aggravate preexisting skin diseases or cause new skin diseases, many of which can be controlled with proper moisturization. In this review, we discuss the role of moisturizers and cleansers in the management of skin conditions caused by frequent handwashing and PPE.

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