Year: 2023
Type: review
Abstract: In the presence of diseases transmitted through respiratory droplets and direct contact, healthcare workers (HCWs) necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). For optimal safety, PPE should securely conform to the skin during extended wear. However, conventional PPE often lacks adequate air permeability and hygroscopicity, trapping heat and moisture emitted by the body within the enclosure. Such a hot and humid internal environment can induce skin damage, such as erythema, rash, pruritus, and itching among others, leading to microbial growth on the skin surface, the production of inflammatory mediators at the wound site and an increased risk of infection. This review strives to comprehensively elucidate the fundamental mechanisms triggering adverse skin reactions and their resultant manifestations. Furthermore, we explore recent advancements aimed at inhibiting these mechanisms to effectively mitigate the occurrence of skin lesions.
Source: Skin Research and Technology
DOI: 10.1111/srt.13520
Authors: Junru Lu, Guan Jiang
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,470
Funder: Xuzhou Medical University
OpenAlex ID: W4388420161