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COVID-19

COVID-19 Skin Lesions in Healthcare Workers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A study conducted in Lima, Peru, reveals that during the COVID-19 pandemic, 77% of healthcare workers surveyed developed skin lesions (SLs) while using personal protective equipment (PPE). The most common types of SLs reported were erythema, comedones, and erosions, often located on the nasal bridge and cheeks. The research emphasizes the need for continuous biosafety monitoring to improve occupational well-being among healthcare workers.

Key Takeaways:

  • 77% of surveyed healthcare workers developed skin lesions while using PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The most frequent skin lesions were erythema (44%), comedones (18%), and erosions (15%).
  • Skin lesions were most commonly located on the nasal bridge (62%) and cheeks (28%).
  • 39% of surveyed healthcare workers reported using prevention methods to avoid skin lesions, with adhesive tape or bandages being the most common.
  • Working in the intensive care unit, working 12 hours per day, and experiencing burning sensations or dryness on the skin were associated with a higher likelihood of having skin lesions.
  • The research underscores the need for continuous biosafety monitoring to improve occupational well-being among healthcare workers.

Statistics:

  • 77% of surveyed healthcare workers developed skin lesions.
  • 44% of surveyed healthcare workers reported erythema as a skin lesion.
  • 18% of surveyed healthcare workers reported comedones as a skin lesion.
  • 15% of surveyed healthcare workers reported erosions as a skin lesion.
  • 62% of skin lesions were located on the nasal bridge.
  • 28% of skin lesions were located on the cheeks.
  • 39% of surveyed healthcare workers used prevention methods to avoid skin lesions.
  • 58% of surveyed healthcare workers who used prevention methods used adhesive tape or bandages.

Sources:

  • Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2025;12(9).
  • Oxford Univ Press Inc, Journals Dept, 2001 Evans Rd, Cary, NC 27513, USA.
  • Paula Arribas-Garcia, Alberto Hurtado School of Medicine, University Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
  • Carolina Coombes-Perez, Amira Llerena-Delgado, Manuel Armando Del Solar-Chacaltana, and Rodrigo M. Carrillo-Larco.
  • NewsRx. Findings from University Peruana Cayetano Heredia Provides New Data on COVID-19 (Skin Lesions and Personal Protective Equipment in Health Care Workers From Lima, Peru, During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. October 19, 2025; p 37.

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