Sweat in skin folds from PPE wear can cause ringworm on the body (tinea corporis), groin (tinea cruris), hands (tinea manuum), and feet (tinea pedis). To treat the fungal infection, apply topical antifungals such as bifonazole cream and ketoconazole ointment. If skin lesions are widespread or resistant to topical treatment, take systemic antifungal drugs.

Syracuse University

Medical staff who must constantly use skin disinfectants and personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic develop skin injury and disease that lowers their performance and quality of life. Experts from The Chinese Society of Dermatology have recommended measures to prevent and treat these conditions.


PPE skin injury/disease prevention and treatment 

Long, H., Zhao, H., Chen, A., Yao, Z., Cheng, B., & Lu, Q. (2020). Protecting medical staff from skin injury/disease caused by personal protective equipment during epidemic period of COVID-19: experience from China. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 34(5), 919–921. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16388
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jdv.16388

Protecting medical staff from skin injury/disease caused by personal protective equipment during epidemic period of COVID‐19: experience from China

Prolonged use of gloves and rubber boots makes skin soft, white, wrinkled and sometimes peeled. To prevent this, use proper-sized gloves and boots, and apply stoma/ baby powder after disinfectant dries but before donning. After using PPE, wash skin and apply emollient. For existing skin maceration, topically apply astringents such as zinc oxide cream.

Skin maceration from PPE

Superficial fungal infection from PPE

Pressure and friction from goggles and masks causes indentations, frictions and scratches on cheeks, nose, and ears. Apply emollients and silicone or hydrocolloid foam dressings before donning. Adjust PE tightness. If indentation persists, topically apply polysulphonate mucopolysaccharide or heparin cream to improve local blood circulation. For wounds, apply antibiotic ointment or paste and cover with vaseline gauze.


Mechanical skin injury from PPE

Prolonged local pressure from face masks may lead to blockage of pilosebaceous ducts, which contribute to the development of acnes. For mild lesions, employ topical use of antibiotics and/or retinoid ointment. For severe conditions, add systemic treatment with minocycline or isotretinoin.


Acne from PPE

Pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema) from personal protective equipment (PPE) is caused by occlusion from prolonged glove or rubber boot wear. It leads to symmetrically occurring small blisters on the hands or feet that may itch, tingle, or burn. To prevent pompholyx, apply emollients before donning gloves or rubber boots. To treat an existing skin rash, topically apply mid‐strength or potent glucocorticoids.

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