Introduction: Following two devastating earthquakes in the Southern East of Türkiye, the majority of healthcare workers had to stay in containers or in hospitals. This has caused deterioration in the skin structure of some employees due to factors such as changing living conditions, changing water use, or stress. This study aimed to evaluate skin dryness in healthcare workers working in the earthquake zone. Methods: Healthcare workers working in the earthquake zone and staying in containers and/or hospitals were included in the study. To evaluate skin dryness due to possible changing water infrastructure and chlorination systems, General Dry Skin Score (ODS) and specified symptom sum score (SRRC) were filled for before and after the earthquake. Results: 22 healthcare workers working in the earthquake region were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 32 (min-max: 28-46) and 15 (68.18%) were women. 14 of the employees were staying in the container and 8 of them were staying in the hospital. No significant difference was detected in terms of skin dryness between both groups. There was a significant increase in skin dryness after the earthquake in the ODS values of the employees before and after the earthquake (ODS median(IQR),before: 1 (0-1), after:1 (1-2), p=0.01). SRRC was also found to be compatible with ODS (SRRC median(IQR),before: 1 (0-1), after: 1 (1-2), p<0.01). Conclusion: Earthquake and the intense stress it causes, access to water and frequency of use, and changes in water infrastructure are important risk factors for skin dryness in healthcare workers and one of the factors affecting the quality of life. ORCID NO: 0000-0002-4528-5404
Anahtar Kelimeler: Earthquake, Healthcare workers, Dry skin
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