‘When I look at my dry, sore and bruised face, it makes me want to cry’ – a dental nurse shares her experience of wearing PPE in a heatwave

Amy Holdgate, who works in a mixed NHS and private dental practice in Essex, says the biggest challenges for her since returning to work has been getting used to the new PPE.

She explains: ‘In this heat, the PPE is unbearable and feels like torture. The long-sleeved plastic gowns stick to your arms almost immediately if you are hot. The stealth mask has left bruises and marks on my face, so I have to take anti-bruising tablets and moisturise my face frequently throughout the day to ease the soreness and pain.

‘The mask is also very restrictive and not easy to breathe in. I suffer from panic attacks and have had three occasions where I have had one during the procedure. We have to wear plastic caps over our hair, which leaves condensation and my hair dripping wet. I also have to change my scrubs sometimes because they ae soaked with sweat. This is a definite challenge – both mentally and physically – and we have to battle through the day in these conditions.