Objective:

To evaluate the frequency, characteristics, and factors associated with skin lesions (SLs) among healthcare workers (HCWs) using personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the significance of these findings for occupational health.

Key Findings:

• 77% of HCWs reported skin lesions associated with PPE use, indicating a significant occupational health issue.
• Most frequent skin lesions were erythema (44%), comedones (18%), and erosions (15%), with implications for HCW comfort and safety.
• Common anatomical locations for lesions included the nasal bridge (62%) and cheeks (28%), areas that require targeted preventive measures.
• 39% of HCWs used prevention methods, with adhesive tape or bandages being the most common (58%), suggesting a need for better education on prevention.
• Factors associated with higher likelihood of SLs included working in ICU, working >12 hours/day, and experiencing burning sensations or dryness, underscoring the need for tailored interventions.

Interpretation:

The high prevalence of skin lesions among HCWs highlights the need for improved biosafety monitoring and preventive measures to enhance occupational well-being, with specific recommendations for targeted interventions.

Limitations:

• Convenience sampling may limit generalizability, potentially affecting the applicability of findings to broader populations.
• Self-reported data may be subject to bias, which could influence the accuracy of reported skin lesions.

Conclusion:

Continuous monitoring and improved PPE practices are essential to safeguard the skin health of HCWs, especially in resource-constrained settings during public health emergencies, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and policy development.