G. Liccardi
, M. B. Bilò
, M. Milanese
, M. Martini
, G. Pane
, A. De Maio
, P. Rogliani
1Department of Experimental Medicine, Postgraduate School of Respiratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
2Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
3Allergy Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy
4Division of Pulmonology, S. Corona Hospital, Pietra Ligure, Savona, Italy
5Allergy Unit, Santa Croce Hospital, Fano and Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
6Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
7Allergology and Drug Allergy Unit, San Paolo Hospital, Naples, Italy
History
Published: 26 January 2022
Accepted: 19 January 2022
Received: 17 September 2021
At the beginning of Sars-Cov 2 pandemic, in the absence of "targeted" therapies, the national health authorities have introduced some measures aimed at reducing the spread of infection in the community (lockdown, social distancing, personal protective equipment (PPE), personal hygiene and disinfection of living environments). All the containment measures have led to both positive and negative effects in patients with allergic diseases. We believe that further studies should be undertaken to investigate the possible correlations between SARS-CoV-2 infection and allergy, from a broader perspective. In particular, the risk factors for the development of undesirable effects should be investigated, especially in healthcare professionals forced to use PPE and sanitizing agents for a long time. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic probably will not be short-lived, the use of such protective aids will necessarily be widespread even in the general population. Therefore, further studies on the materials used for the production of PPE and sanitizing agents would be necessary to reduce their sensitizing and, in some cases, toxic potential.
Allergic rhinitis; allergy; bronchial asthma; contact dermatitis; COVID-19; face masks; hypersensitivity; hyper-hygiene; lockdown; personal protective equipment (PPE); disinfection.
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