Greasy creams best to protect skin from PPE injury
A coconut oil and cocoa butter-beeswax mixture is one of the lubricants shown to work best: UK research
Greasy lubricants are best for protecting the skin from friction and tear injuries caused by hours of wearing PPE, according to UK researchers.
Doctors and nurses have been experiencing painful effects including skin tears, blistering, ulcers and hives from wearing PPE for extended periods.
They have been advised to apply lubricants every half hour, but that is impractical during shift work and can increase their risk of infection.
In a study published in PLoS One, researchers at Imperial College London found the best lubricants to use were those that did not absorb into the skin, creating a long-lasting layer of protection between skin and masks.
