The summer heat coupled with the humidity has made the lives of health workers extremely difficult in Mumbai as they try to sustain themselves in non-porous personal protective equipment all day. Several medical practitioners across the city have reported rashes, dehydration and blackouts as a result of this.
The three most common forms of injury were as a result of PPE are device-related pressure injuries, moisture-associated skin damage, and skin tears over various parts of the body. Nose bridge, cheeks, ears, and forehead were the most impacted areas. In the battle against COVID-19, the availability of good quality Personal Protective Equipment has become a major area of concern. Doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals working in clinics and hospitals heavily depend on the safety gear to minimise the risk of getting infected themselves while they treat patients. However, having to spend long hours in the protective gear have proven to be strenuous under the circumstances.
The temperature of Mumbai on Monday reached 33 degrees Celsius with 72 per cent humidity. The doctors have consistently complained of having to bear with perspiration in their protective suit as no air conditioners have been made available. Only the duty rooms have AC, however, they are shut across hospitals to avoid the medical workers to aggregate in one room which would further increase the risk of infection.
PPE is the most crucial part of protecting yourself against the coronavirus. However, damage to the skin is painful, and if the skin cracks it is susceptible to further infection. Doctors all over the world have advised frequent hydration, applying creams on the skin along with applying a liquid barrier and allowing it to dry before wearing the protective gear. However, as the conditions are extreme in the hospitals at the moment, the question remains of feasibility in the context of skincare.
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