Prevention of occupational hand eczema in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A controlled intervention study

Abstract

Background Occupational hand eczema (HE) is common among healthcare workers (HCWs) and has-in some regions of the world-increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to related hygiene measures. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of an intervention for HE prevention in HCWs during the pandemic. Methods A prospective, controlled, unblinded interventional trial was conducted in 302 HCWs. The intervention group (IG) (n = 135) received online-based health education and free access to hand cleansing and hand care products. The control group (CG) (n = 167) did not receive any intervention within the study. At baseline (T0), after 3 (T1) and 6 (T2) months, participants completed standardized questionnaires. The Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI) was assessed at T0 and T2. Results During the observation period, there were no new HE cases in the IG (n = 115) and 12 cases (8.8%) in the CG (n = 136). OHSI values at T2 were lower in the IG (b = -1.44, p < 0.001). Daily use of emollients was higher at work (b = 1.73, p < 0.001) and at home (b = 1.62, p < 0.001) in the IG at T2. Conclusions The intervention was effective in HE prevention and improving skin care behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic.