Skin Protection under PPE

Tissue Viability, Dermatology and Occupational

Health
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
June 2020
 Skin Care

• Keep hydrated and drink plenty of fluids

throughout the day.
• Optimise the condition of your skin AT HOME
before and after work
• Before work - Cleanse your skin using a non
perfumed soap or lotion, pat dry gently- DO
NOT rub. Moisturise using a light lotion
emollient, ensuring it soaks in well before work.
• After work- Cleanse your skin again as before.
Use a richer moisturiser if required before bed.
• DO NOT apply face creams at work as they risk
the integrity of mask fit.
• Caution – Skin products with white soft paraffin
are flammable, do not smoke with them on
your skin
 Skin Protection
• Apply a thin layer of Cavilon
Barrier Film (applicator NOT spray)
ONCE A DAY ONLY to all areas
where a mask will contact the skin
and any areas where moisture may
collect eg around chin, under nose.
• It is essential that Cavilon is fully
dry before donning a mask (takes
about 90 seconds).
• Cavilon is safe to use on intact AND
superficial broken skin
• Cavilon will wear away naturally
over 24 hrs, no adhesive remover is
required.
 Masks
• Take time to fit your mask correctly
before entering a clinical area, do not
over-tighten.
• If you feel your mask is digging in,
move away from patient area and lift
the mask away from your skin for at
least 5 mins.
• Reapply the mask ensuring a good fit
check is repeated.
• Regularly inspect your skin for signs
of redness /soreness / skin damage.
• Ensure regular breaks from wearing
the mask to relieve pressure and
reduce moisture build up (every 2 to
4 hours is recommended).
 Management of skin concerns
• Report any eczema/ dermatitis (dryness, rash, soreness)
or pressure/ friction/ moisture damage (redness,
blisters, wounds) to your line Manager as soon as
possible.
• You may need alternative PPE equipment to be
supplied, or may need to work in an alternative area.
• Submit QSIS /Datix as incident affecting staff – pressure
ulcer due to PPE.
• Review your skin care routine/ consider ↑ frequency of
emollients AT HOME, do not apply additional cream at
work.
• Apply a thin profile dressing e.g. Duoderm Extra Thin
Oval (procurement order code -ELM068)
• Re-fit check any mask used with thin dressings in place.
• Contact Occupational Health for further advice –
– you may be referred to Dermatology and/ or tissue viability
for on-going care.