How does working in pandemic units affect the risk of occupational hand eczema in healthcare workers during the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic: A comparative analysis with nonpandemic units

Background Hand eczema (HE) has increased among healthcare workers (HCWs) working in coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) units, and was associated with increased hand hygiene practices. Objectives To compare the prevalence and clinical characteristics of HE, and hand hygiene practices in HCWs working in COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 units. Methods A total of 244 HCWs working in COVID‐19 (n = 118) and non‐COVID‐19 patient care units (n = 126) were examined by dermatologists with regard to demographic parameters and hand hygiene practices. The COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 groups were matched at a 1:1 ratio according to age, atopy, and generalized dry skin. Results HE was more frequent in the COVID‐19 group (48.3% vs 12.7%, P