OCCUPATIONAL DERMATOSES AMONGST HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN INDIAN SCENARIO

Background: Healthcare workers (HCW) may be exposed to many contact irritants and allergens. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has increased due to COVID-19 pandemic. Herein we evaluated 78 HCW with suspected OD. To study clin Aims and Objectives: ical profile of occupational dermatoses and to assess the impact on the quality of life (QOL) (Dermatology life quality index/DLQI) of HCW. Materials and Methods: This was cross sectional study conducted between 2020 to 2022 included 78 HCW with OD. Patch test was done using Indian standard series, supplemental allergens, and AS IS substances wherever clinically indicated. The majority of Results: healthcare workers were nursing officers, accounting for 33 (42.3%), followed by doctors, who constituted 30 (38.5%). A significant portion of these professionals, 50 (64%), were engaged in COVID-19 care settings, including both ICU and non-ICU environments. Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) was found in 46 cases (58.97%), while allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) was identified in 8 cases (10.25%). The remaining cases included mask acne, pressure indentations/erythema, frictional blisters, contact urticaria, contact leukoderma, and Koebnerization of psoriasis. Among the 54 patients who underwent patch testing, 16 were found to be sensitive to various allergens such as fragrance mix and chlorocresol. OD had a mild to moderate impact on the quality of life for most of these healthcare workers. HCWs exposed to many irritants a Discussion: nd allergens such as gloves, sanitizers, PPE, disinfectants, chemicals(laboratory). In present study contact dermatitis (CD), frictional dermatoses (FD) were commonly observed. Gloves, sanitizers, mask were most frequently observed contactants. Occupational dermatose Conclusion: s were increased recently due to PPE use. OD had small to large impact on QOL. The importance of understanding OD should be highlighted among dermatologists and HCW.