Complicações da utilização de equipamentos de proteção individual na pandemia de COVID-19

Palavras-chave : COVID-19; equipamento de proteção individual; efeitos adversos AbstractBackground : COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in 2020. Personal protective equipment (PPE) emerged as an effective measure to prevent and control transmission, resulting in several complications for health professionals. Objectives : To identify complications related to PPE use. Methodology : A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with 118 professionals from a local health unit who received an email invitation from the department manager to answer an online questionnaire. It received a favorable opinion from an Ethics Committee. Results : Most complications were associated with FPP2 respirators (96.6%), gowns (79.6%), and coveralls (89.3%), namely hyperhidrosis from wearing coveralls (95.3%), aprons (93.1%), and gowns (92.0%), falls from using shoe covers (94.6%), xeroderma from wearing gloves (65.2%), and oral communication difficulties due to mask use. Conclusion : The most frequent complications were hyperhidrosis, falls, and xeroderma. Oral and skin hydration is recommended. PPE should be worn for the minimum time possible.