In the present context of COVID-19 pandemic, many people, due to their connection to sectors of activity essential for the life of our communities, have to use personal protection equipment (PPE ), such as masks, suits, gloves and goggles. Depending on the level of exposure to the disease these professionals may be subject to, high and low-risk personal protection equipment must be used. In any of these cases, such personal protection equipment may cause skin lesions resulting from friction / pressure exerted, or from the moisture generated in its contact with the skin. Thus, it is fundamental to adopt measures towards diminishing that risk. What measures of skincare should be taken before and after the use of personal protection equipment? Carefully sanitize the skin with water and soap or alcoholic solution / disinfectant gel; Apply moisturizing cream and / or barrier cream in the support zones of the PPE subject to more pressure (auricular pavilions, frontal region, nose and malar area), one hour before putting on the equipment (to allow absorption and avoid poor adjustment) and after removing it; Use padding or cushioning material (for instance foam or sponge) between the personal protection equipment and the skin in the areas of adherence / pressure / friction. This material should be: Thin, absorbent and allow atraumatic removal (should not be too adhesive). Adjustable to the contour of the face structures (cut and adjustment in each application, avoiding wrinkles or folds after application). Cannot compromise the correct sealing of the PPE. The personal protection equipment should be compliant with the level of risk each professional is subject to and, in the case of health professionals, with the type of care to be provided, and should be adequate to the individual anatomy. The equipment should be adjusted correctly (with special attention to the nose in masks), in order to avoid discomfort, namely in the areas of fixation. Every four hours, maximum, the pressure / tension in the affected areas should be relieved. Authors: Diogo Matos e Andreia Mares Hospital da Luz Setúbal Click here for more information and advice of Hospital da Luz about the novel coronavírus COVID-19 epidemic . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
