Complications of personal protective equipment in the general population through the dermatologists’ eye: A questionnaire-based study
Abstract
Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) has increased. They are known to cause skin complications, as documented by observations in the healthcare workers. However, the data regarding the same remains unexplored in the general population. This study is aimed to fill this knowledge gap. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 121 dermatologists, noting how often they have observed PPE related skin conditions. Results: Majority of them (81.8%) reported a rise in cases like contact dermatitis, dry hands, contact urticaria, cuts on the nose and ears, which was attributable to PPE. A flare of pre-existing dermatoses like acne, seborrheic dermatitis, hair loss, rosacea, and skin infections were also reported. Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE), cutaneous side effect of PPE.References
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