The prevalence and risk factors of hand eczema among emergency healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim: The preventive measures to decelerate the spread of the novel coronavirus include intense hand sanitizing which is a risk factor for hand eczema. Occupational hand eczema is common among healthcare workers due to their exposure to wet work and chemical irritants. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hand eczema among healthcare workers currently working in the emergency department and investigate the alterations regarding the risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic that began in March 2020 in Turkey. Materials and Methods: An online survey was sent to healthcare workers in emergency departments all over Turkey. Participants were asked to evaluate their frequency of hand washing, hand eczema, glove use and moisturizer use as prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hand eczema and associated symptoms were self-reported. Results: Three hundred fifty-four healthcare workers, consisting of 260 emergency physicians and 94 nurses returned the survey. The prevalence of HE among 354 participants with a median age of 32 was 48.6% (n=161). HE was associated with having an atopic history (p<0.001). 54.8% (n=194) of the participants reported having symptoms associated with HE prior to the pandemic and the rate increased significantly to 64.7% (n=229) during the pandemic (p<0.001). The exposure to the risk factors of hand eczema such as hand washing frequency and duration of glove use showed a relevant increase during the pandemic (p<0.001). As well as moisturizer applying frequency which also increased during the pandemic (p<0.001). Conclusion: With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Healthcare workers intensified their hand hygiene practices as recommended and increased their risk for hand eczema.