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Coronavirus staff guidance University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Prevention and management of PPE skin damage

Last updated: 28 October 2021 at 10:09

Please ensure you have undergone the appropriate fit testing or have successfully completed the fit checking course on Moodle for FFP3 filter masks as recommended by the Trust.

Reducing skin damage risk

To reduce the risk of skin damage, prior to applying the mask please:

  • Ensure skin is clean and dry
  • Apply 1ml of skin protectant solution (e.g. Medi Derma-S® lollipop – ELY532) whilst ensuring eyes are closed and the eye area is avoided
  • Allow to dry for 30-60 seconds
  • Apply mask/visor
  • Reapply once a day or if worn off (when your mask is changed)
  • Do not over tighten the mask
  • If you feel the mask is digging in, go away from direct patient contact and lift the mask away from the skin for approximately two minutes. Reapply the mask and repeat the recommended fit checking process (NHSi 2020)

During shifts

During your shift you can:

  • Regularly inspect skin for signs of redness/soreness
  • Ensure regular breaks from wearing a mask to relieve the pressure are taken (NHSi recommend every two hours)
  • Stay hydrated

Category one pressure damage

If non-blanching erythema (category one pressure damage) or persistent redness occurs:

  • Continue to use 1ml of skin protectant solution (e.g. Medi Derma-S® lollipop – ELY532)
  • Protect the skin with a low profile (thin), tapered hydrocolloid (e.g DuoDERM® Extra Thin/CovaWound™ Hydrocolloid)
  • Ensure your mask still fits correctly
  • Fit check your mask as per Trust guidance with the product in situ
  • If a seal cannot be achieved a hood should be used (as per Trust guidance) until the damage has resolved
  • Inform your line manager and complete a Datix incident form

Category two pressure damage

If a superficial break (category two pressure damage) or deep tissue injury occurs:

  • Continue to 1ml of skin protectant solution (e.g. Medi Derma-S® lollipop – ELY532)
  • Keep the wound clean and cover with an appropriate dressing (if required)
  • A hood should be used until the pressure damage has resolved
  • Inform your line manager and complete a Datix incident form
  • If deeper skin damage occurs seek advice from Occupational Health and Tissue Viability

Off duty skin care

The following skin care steps can be taken when off duty:

  • Use pH balanced soaps or soap substitutes (e.g. Dermol 500) to wash hands and face
  • Moisturise face in the morning and evening after cleaning your face
  • Any moisturiser should be applied at least 30 minutes before applying the mask
  • Moisturise hands regularly using non-perfumed hand creams

Caution

All skin protectants and most emollients are flammable – do not smoke with these on your skin.

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