Hygiene Related Hand Eczema During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency and pattern of hand eczema in patients practicing hand hygiene
during Covid-19 pandemic
Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out at Department of Dermatology unit1, Jinnah hospital,
Lahore. A total of 150 patients observing hand hygiene practices in the form of hand washing and application
of alcohol based hand sanitizers were enrolled after informed consent. Frequency of hand washing and
application of sanitizers was asked. Patients were examined for presence of hand eczema and associated signs
and symptoms such as erythema, itching, scaling, vesicles, dryness, fissuring, lichenification and sago-grain
appearance were noted. All information was recorded on a predesigned proforma.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 33.25+ 8.37 years. There were 81 (54%) females and 69 (46%)
males. Among these 83 (55.3%) were healthcare workers and 67 (44.6%) were general public. Out of 150
patients hand eczema was seen in 126 (84%) patients with history of frequent daily hand washing and use of
sanitizer. Most of the patients presented with scaling (89%), itching (86.5%) dryness (76.1%) and erythema
(68.2%). Previous history of contact dermatitis and atopy was found in 20.6 % and 15.3 % of hand dermatitis
patients respectively.
Conclusion: Hand sanitation practices during Covid-19 pandemic cause increased frequency of hand
eczema. As hand hygiene cannot be compromised during the pandemic therefore patients need to be given
guidelines to prevent or minimize hygiene related skin damage.