Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2025

A Standardized Procedure of Dressing Management for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Published on: March 14, 2025
Skin barrier function in nursing apprentices during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic
Željka Babić1, Franka Šakić1, Zrinka Franić1
1Occupational Health and Environmental Medicine Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia.
Background:
Studies investigating simultaneous influence of personal and work-related factors on skin health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are missing.
Objectives:
To investigate the associations of skin hazards relevant for nursing apprentices with parameters of skin barrier function.
Methods:
A total of 238 nursing apprentices attending the final year of education (median age 19 years) from vocational schools in Zagreb, Croatia, were enrolled in this study. We administered a questionnaire based on the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire to the nursing apprentices, performed clinical examination of skin on the hands, and evaluated transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum (SC) pH on the dorsum of the hand.
Results:
Around half of nursing apprentices had compromised hand skin barrier function, as indicated by TEWL values >25 g/m2 /h (48%) and SC pH >5.5 (57%). Skin barrier was compromised in around 40% of nursing apprentices without clinically observed skin symptoms. Elevated SC pH was independent of ambient conditions associated with skin symptoms and female sex.
Conclusions:
Measurement of SC pH was shown to be less sensitive to field conditions than TEWL, and should be employed more in the field studies. Strengthening of skin health promotion in healthcare workers and apprentices is needed in pandemic conditions.
More Related Videos
09:03Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
09:30Author Spotlight: Microbial Control and Monitoring Strategies for Cleanroom Environments and Cellular Therapies
Published on: March 17, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Defense Mechanism Against Infection
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
PPE Use in Healthcare Settings I: Donning
Personal Protective Equipment
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...