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

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