Frequency of hand dermatitis in relation to frequent hand washing with antiseptics during COVID - 19 pandem

Abstract

Objective:The aim of this study is to assess the skin changes that may occur in people as a result offrequent hand washing with topical antiseptics to protect themselves during COVID -19 pandemic.Methods: This is a cross sectional descriptive study done in Alkadhimia Teaching Hospital in Baghdad during COVID-19 pandemic from the period1st of November 2020 to 1st of march 2021.Three hundredparticipantsattending the dermatology outpatient clinic were enrolled, each one was interviewed by questionnaire &examined by dermatologist.Results:The most commonskin change is drynesss(52.66%) & most commonly affected site is the dorsum of hands (43%) of participants.Forty three (14.33%)ofparticipants diagnosed as having hand dermatitis.Female patients compromise(65.11%) of them & house wives were more involved (46.51%) &the age group (21-30 years) is more affected (34.88%).Conclusion: skin changes & dermatitis arerelated to antiseptic materials used rather than number of hand washing per day