Topical recombinant human acidic fibroblast growth factor: An effective therapeutic agent for facemask wearing‐induced pressure sores

Abstract

Protecting healthcare workers is crucial during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and facemask wearing is considered an effective measure to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. However, long‐time use of a facemask can cause pressure sores on the ears and nose bridge and increase the risk of infection. The topical recombinant human acidic fibroblast growth factor (rh‐aFGF) was used to cure pressure sores for healthcare workers at Zhongfaxincheng campus of Tongji Hospital. The results from a small sample size survey conducted in Zhongfaxincheng campuses of Tongji Hospital showed that treatment with topical rh‐aFGF could significantly inhibit the progression of pressure sores and accelerate the wound healing with no apparent ill‐effects. Therefore, we propose that topical rh‐aFGF is an effective therapeutic agent for facemask wearing‐induced pressure sores and worth of popularizing and applying.