Occupational Dermatoses Among Front-Line Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a cross-sectional survey conducted at Boston Medical Center revealed that a significant number of health care workers experienced new or worsening skin problems, primarily attributed to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and increased hand hygiene. Out of 390 participants, 95.4% reported new skin symptoms, and 90.5% linked these to PPE use. Many workers modified their PPE to alleviate skin issues, with 65.1% doing so, though 24.6% were concerned about the impact on PPE effectiveness. The study highlighted the psychological impact, with 70.5% feeling anxious or frustrated, and 25.9% feeling embarrassed or isolated due to skin problems. The study acknowledged limitations, such as potential participation bias and exclusion of non-English speakers, but emphasized the need for further research on PPE modifications and their implications.