A Study on the Occurrence of Hand Dermatitis in Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic due to Enhanced Hand Hygiene

Abstract

Hand hygiene measures have increased in the general population and amongst the health care workers since the outbreak of the pandemic. However, enhanced hand hygiene can have an adverse effect on the skin barrier leading to the development of hand dermatitis. The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of occupational-related contact dermatitis among the health care workers. An observational, questionnaire based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 amongst HCWs of a tertiary care hospital. The data were analysed using Microsoft Excel for Windows. The frequency of hand washing had increased to > 5 times in 42% of the HCWs while hand sanitizer usage had increased to >5 times in 95% of them during the pandemic. The duration of glove usage had increased from 3% pre-pandemic to 91 % during the pandemic and majority of them used latex gloves. Symptoms of hand dermatitis in HCWs had increased from 3% pre-pandemic to 84% during the pandemic. Less than 10 % of the study participants moisturised their hands after sanitization. The fact that over 84% of the HCWs developing HD during the pandemic can be attributed to preventive measures to reduce the transmission of the virus. Measures such as use of moisturizers should be recommended to prevent the onset of occupational hand eczema. It is thus imperative to raise awareness of HD in India and intensive measures should be provided.