Physical and psychological impacts of handwashing and personal protective equipment usage in the COVID-19 pandemic: A UK based cross-sectional analysis of healthcare workers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated intensified handwashing and mask usage for healthcare staff. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed primarily to investigate the potential skin damage and secondary impacts on wellbeing of staff resulting from these practices. Additionally the availability and uptake of occupational health services and moisturisers in the work place was also assessed. The survey was distributed to NHS staff between April and May 2020 and asked questions regarding skin damage, impact on wellbeing and availability and utilisation of occupational health input and moisturisers. Of the 211 responders, 167 washed their hands more than ten times per shift. Three quarters of these reported cracks or fissures in one or more regions of their hands, most frequently to the back of the hands or web spaces. Amongst the 157 staff who wore FFP3 masks, redness of the nasal area was most frequently reported with 8% reporting facial blisters. 36% of staff reported a substantial impact on one or more aspects of their wellbeing. Only 7% of respondents had received specialist advice, yet a quarter (26%) had made or anticipated needing changes to their occupational duties. The majority (63%) felt they required no specialist input, despite 38% of these reporting a substantial detriment to their wellbeing. Handwashing and face mask use is resulting in skin damage amongst healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with associated detriment to wellbeing. Healthcare services need to take action to implement measures to prevent, reduce and treat damage including promotion of available specialist support.