K. Lawlor,1 K. Ryan2 and M.M.U. Chowdhury1
1Welsh Institute of Dermatology, University Hospital of Wales and 2Occupational Health Department, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
An anonymous survey was disseminated electronically to all staff working in a university hospital in December 2020 over a 6‐week period. The aim of the survey was to determine the self‐reported incidence and treatment of skin problems in hospital staff during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This information would then help to plan future service developments and the continued requirement for Occupational Skin Health and Dermatology clinics for staff. In total, 355 staff responded. Sixty‐eight per cent worked in a clinical setting, with 314 (88·4%) reporting having a skin problem since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. In total, 269 staff members had skin problems on their hands and 65 had sought treatment. The majority (n = 29/65; 45%) had sought treatment from their general practitioner (GP). Others self‐treated (37%) or sought advice from occupational health (5%) or dermatology (8%). Moisturizers and topical corticosteroids were the most commonly used treatments (n = 49/65; 75%). Of those treated, 10·8% believed their problem had resolved, with partial improvement in 66·2% or worsening in 23·1%. Excess handwashing was felt to be the cause of hand problems in 90·9% (n = 229/252) and 34·1% suspected this was also due to wearing gloves. Seventy‐on per cent (n = 180/252) estimated washing their hands > 15 times daily and 21·8% estimated wearing gloves for > 9 h daily. One hundred and ninety‐two had skin problems on their face: 30 (15·6%) had sought treatment. The majority [n = 13/29 (44·8%); one nonresponder] had sought treatment from their GP. Others self‐treated (37·9%) or sought advice from occupational health (3·5%) or dermatology (10·3%). Seventeen per cent believed their skin problem had resolved, with partial improvement in 52% or worsening in 31%. In total, 188 of those who responded reported their facial skin problems as acne (55·9%), dermatitis (25·5%) or nasal bridge damage (18·6%). Thirty‐eight per cent wore FFP3 masks and 53·5% estimated wearing masks for > 9 h daily. This survey confirms that the COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a significant impact on the skin of hospital staff, as seen in other studies (O’Neill H, Narang I, Buckley DA et al. Occupational dermatoses during the COVID‐19 pandemic: a multicentre audit in the UK and Ireland. Br J Dermatol 2021; 184: 575–7). The hands or face were affected predominantly and most staff had no previous skin issues. Staff mainly either self‐treated their skin condition or consulted their GP, and most did not fully improve after initial treatment. This survey supports being proactive with continued resource allocation for close teamworking with occupational health, primary care and dermatology services to provide quick access for staff.