CONTACT DERMATITIS BY PPE USAGE IN INDIAN HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

Background: The WHO declared the coronavirus disease a pandemic in 2019, affecting a large number of people globally 
and having a high death rate. Healthcare personnel in India were recommended to use personal protective equipment (PPE) 
and hand sanitizers, among other precautionary measures. However, the data that is currently available indicates that the 
prevalence of occupational skin problems rises when PPE and hand sanitizers are used more often.  
Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of PPE-related work-associated contact dermatitis in Indian 
healthcare workers who have a history of atopic dermatitis.  
Methods: The current study assessed whether the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) was linked to work-related 
contact dermatitis in 208 healthcare workers. The gathered data was statistically analyzed, and conclusions were developed 
using frequency and prevalence data distributions.  
Results: Men had fewer occupational diseases, whereas women made up 62.5% (n=128) of healthcare professionals. The 
majority of participants (44.2%) were in the 30–33 age range. 33.3% (n=10) of the research participants had atopic dermatitis, 
whereas 14.4% (n=30) of the Institute's healthcare professionals had contact dermatitis brought on by PPE use. 
Conclusion: According to the current study, healthcare workers who have a history of atopy and use personal protective 
equipment (PPE) are much more likely to develop contact dermatitis.