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Skin protection for health care workers during COVID-19 epidemic must not be ignored

7 May, 2020
Abstract

Since first reported in 2019, pneumonia associated with 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has rapidly developed into an outbreak across the world. Number of the patients of all age groups has increased significantly. In order to curb the spread of the epidemic, thousands of health care workers (HCWs) have joined the front line of the fight against this highly contagious disease. When taking care of patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia, HCWs must first protect themselves by performing adequate hand hygiene and using protective equipment including medical mask, goggles/face shield, gown and gloves. However, the wearing of these personal protective equipment (PPE) on a daily basis and the frequent use of hand disinfectants often cause skin problems which could reduce their enthusiasm for overloaded work and make them anxious at all stages of the pandemic.