Introduction: Health Workers (HW) have an increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. With effective vaccines available since the end of 2020 and most HW in Germany vaccinated by now, this burden is mitigated but does still exist. In particular, high hygiene standards need to remain implemented to protect HW and patients. The increased use of hand washing, disinfections, and personal protective equipment (PPE) might increase the risk for skin diseases in HW. For this presentation, we analysed claims for occupational diseases (OD) concerning COVID-19 and skin diseases and we report results of a survey on skin irritation because of PPE during the pandemic in HW in Germany. Materials and Methods: The BGW is a compensation board for work related diseases in HW. Claims of ODs of the BGW concerning SARS-CoV-2 infections were analysed since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. An online survey concerning skins irritation was carried out with the support of a professional nursing association. The survey was completed by 1.500 nurses or 10 % of those invited. Results: About 80.000 COVID-19 cases are confirmed as OD. About 100 HW died because of COVID-19 and about 1.500 were hospitalized or need long-term rehabilitation. The number of ODs because of skin diseases did not increase during the pandemic. However, 280 claims because of skin irritations of the face or head were filled. Irritation of the skin because of wearing masks was reported by 60 % of the survey participants. Conclusions: The burden of COVID-19 in HW is high. Protection of HW is important but might cause skin irritation, which also need to be taken care of.
The Burden of COVID-19 in Health Workers