Almost half of frontline medical staff treating coronavirus patients in China developed injuries from wearing the masks, goggles, face shields and gowns needed to protect them from infection, a study shows.

Nearly 43% of more than 4300 doctors and nurses surveyed reported skin damage from wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Wounds included device-related pressure injuries and skin damage from moisture and skin tears, according to the study in Advances in Wound Care.

Several factors increased the risk of PPE-related injuries, included being male, perspiring heavily, a longer daily wearing time, and using grade 3 protection (N95 respirators, latex gloves and shoe protection in addition to gowns and goggles) rather than grade 2 PPE.