Background: Reports revealed rising levels of skin diseases secondary to protective equipment use. Healthcare providers who are working day and night during the pandemic of COVID-19 are more susceptible to the damage of the skin. There is scarce published data about the incidence of skin disorders secondary to protective equipment use during the COVID-19 pandemic and what factors are associated in Saudi Arabia. Aim: Assessing the potential skin damage as a result of personal protection equipment (PPE) and intensive hygiene measures for healthcare providers during COVID-19 pandemic in Aseer region. Methods: This study a cross-sectional questionnairebased study done in Aseer region from January to October 2021. Personal data and related to history of skin disease, practices toward personal protective equipment, and new skin damage was collected and analyzed. Independent ttest and chi-square test was used to determine factors associated with the incidence of new skin damage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Total of 214 participants was included in the study. (47.7%) of the participants reported experiencing new skin damage during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 112 (52.3%) of the participants did not. Age, having a history of chronic skin disease, and number of worn gloves layers were all significantly associated with the incidence of skin damage during COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The considerable rate of new skin damage during the COVID-19 pandemic makes it essential to take action and start rising awareness toward this topic among health-care workers as well as teaching them how to prevent the incidence of new skin damage. 

Dr. I.litehaj Sultun Mi›li is a dedicated Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident PGY2 at the Saudi Board, with a Bachelor's Degree from King Khalid University, KSA. She's published research on women's health topics, presented at international conferences, and actively volunteers in healthcare initiatives. Dr. Mi›li's passion lies in improving women's health outcomes through research, education, and community service.