Injuries from the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): biosafety in the dental office and care for your health

I would like to start this text with these questions: how is your health going every day? Do you take care of your skin due to the use of PPE?

When we talk about health, we cannot forget its concept: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not just the mere absence of disease or infirmity". Therefore, we have to be aware of how we are leading our lives on a daily basis.

Biosafety and Ergonomics, in addition to working with biological care in day-to-day dentistry, also focus on the mental and physical aspects of our profession. In fact, occupational diseases have increased the number of professionals who retire early due to the lack of information and the demand for treatment at the onset of symptoms.

What are the occupational risks that we are exposed to on a daily basis?

The risks are linked to the possible occurrence of damages or losses that imply in the worsening of health and lead to the appearance of injuries and diseases that may make it impossible for the professional to continue with their daily activities.

There is a constant concern in Dentistry due to the nature of the activity, which requires a daily physical effort by the work position. But, even with technological advances providing greater comfort during care, there is still a high incidence of occupational injuries among professionals and their staff.

The most common diseases among dental surgeons and auxiliary staff are:
- Kyphoscoliosis.
- Work-related repetitive strain injuries / musculoskeletal disorders (RSI / WMSD).
- Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
- Contamination by mercury, by ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
- Allergies, dermatitis and contact eczema.

Injuries due to the use of PPE

We cannot ignore an occupational risk that is more in evidence this year, which are the consequences of using some PPE and how to prevent them. Nowadays, experiencing the Covid 19 pandemic, we are faced with a new concern in our daily lives, which is the replacement and adhesion to new PPE. Thus, they are essential to protect the professional from the risk of becoming infected with the Sars Cov - 2 virus.

However, personal protective equipment has generated stress during its use because it causes skin lesions and even makes it difficult for the professional to breathe and visualize during the procedures.

But, it is worth mentioning that it is essential to protect yourself and use the appropriate PPE!

Staying with the PFF2 respiratory mask and faceshield during the service period, cause marks on the face that in some cases turn into wounds and bruises. In addition, there are the emotional consequences that we will acquire during this period.

Injuries due to the use of PPE occur mainly in the nasal bone, cheeks and forehead region, and can also affect the hands due to the constant use of alcohol and gloves, sometimes causing irritation, dryness and dermatitis.

Seven tips to help protect your skin from wearing PPE:

1- Always keep your skin clean. Because, the habit of cleaning the skin with specific soaps or astringents to reduce oiliness and remove dirt, which are adhered to the hair throughout the day, is very important. And of course, don't forget to clean your hands with water, soap and 70% alcohol.

2- Make a good hydration especially in the hands and face before placing the PPE. Therefore, use cosmetic products composed of humectants and substances of active hydration, of fast absorption and drying.

3- Hydration on the face is very important and cannot be forgotten. But, choose products that do not hinder the fixing of adhesives, which are used as an interface for skin protection, and products that do not hinder the positioning of the mask or goggles.

Talking about skin protection adhesives, I would like to mention Essity brand products. It has a complete line of skin protectors and dressings which guarantee the protection of your skin and prevent the development of injuries. In addition, the brand has adhesives to put on the skin before the service and hydration spray, which is used before the adhesive. Worth the investment and its use!

4- Avoid the use of adhesives that can harm the skin more in its removal causing irritation, allergies or deeper injuries.

5- If possible, schedule minutes of pressure relief, establishing periods for removing the mask and glasses. It is recommended to do this at least every 2 hours, however, with due care to avoid contamination of the hands when handling the outer layers of these PPE.

6- Inspect the skin after using the PPE and pay attention to the signs and symptoms: pain, itching, hyperemia, dryness, flictum and injuries.

7- Treat, protect and avoid the use of a mask and goggles over areas of skin lesions, eczema or hyperemia. If necessary, seek medical attention for appropriate treatment.

Other tips for your well-being

In addition to skin care, we should always be concerned with our body and mind. So here are some more prevention tips:
- Perform physical exercises routinely;
- Always maintain an appropriate posture during working hours;
- Stretch periodically;
- Take breaks during work;
- If you have swelling and swelling in your legs, avoid long periods in the same position and wear compression stockings;
- Respect your biomechanical limits;
- Create a good working environment, always respecting the limits of each individual;
- Look for an adequate lifestyle, with a good quality of sleep, good food, physical conditioning and maintenance of health in general;
- Make use of integrative therapies such as essential oils, flowers and acupuncture for the relief of daily stress.

I hope that all the tips help you and your dental team, making the day-to-day in the office more peaceful and satisfying, in addition to increasing performance.

Source: Blog Dental Cremer. Availble in: https://blog.dentalcremer.com.br/lesoes-pelo-uso-de-epis-cuidado-com-a-sua-saude/. Access on: 06/09/2021.