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.