Comment on “Cling film for mobile phones to prevent cross-infection during the COVID-19 pandemic”
Authors: Andac Salman, Elif Cömert-Özer, Kübra Esen-Salman
Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2020)

To the Editor: We read with great interest the article by Sethy et al1Sethy M. Krishna V. Srinivas C.R. Cling film for mobile phones to prevent cross-infection during the COVID-19 pandemic.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020; 83: e285-e287Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar providing an easy solution for the safe use of mobile phones in the clinics during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. We have used the same solution since the beginning of the outbreak in our center, and yet, we believe some shortcomings of the proposed method need to be mentioned. First, we have noticed that only a single layer of cling film is easily ripped during the routine use of mobile phones and might be difficult to replace in clinical settings. We tried increasing the number of film layers for better durability; however, this resulted in significant impairment not only in image quality but also in audio quality, which is essential for effective in-hospital communication. Also, considering the increased use of remote consultations and video conferencing software during the pandemic, overheating of the mobile phone and a decrease in performance might occur because the cling film leaves no space for airflow around the device. Another critical point is that repeated and frequent use of a nonrecyclable plastic material might increase the plastic pollution in nature, another possible collateral damage of COVID-19 similar to the risks associated with abundant use of disinfectants.2Nabi G. Wang Y. Hao Y. Khan S. Wu Y. Li D. Massive use of disinfectants against COVID-19 poses potential risks to urban wildlife.Environ Res. 2020; 188: 109916Crossref PubMed Scopus (64) Google Scholar To overcome these issues, we propose the use of waterproof mobile phone pouches. In addition to allowing the efficient use of the touch screen and camera and being suitable for disinfection with alcohol-based solutions, it has several advantages over the cling film (Fig 1, A and B). Owing to its more durable material, it provides a better waterproofing with longer duration. Unlike the cling film, the waterproof pouches leave a space that allows air flow and prohibits overheating (Fig 1, C). Also, because daily replacement is not required, it might be more economic and ecologically friendly in the mid-to long-term. Moreover, in case of necessity, it is much easier and less time-consuming to unlock the pouch and reuse it than unwrapping ad replacing the cling film. Cling film for mobile phones to prevent cross-infection during the COVID-19 pandemicJournal of the American Academy of DermatologyVol. 83Issue 4PreviewMobile phones have become an inseparable part of dermatology practice, and dermatologists use mobile phones in various ways while clinically examining patients. They are often used as a flashlight or a camera to take images of the lesions. In the COVID-19 pandemic era, mobile phones are more likely to be contaminated with the virus in health care settings, and they must be sanitized properly after use because they can be possible carriers of the virus.1 However, it is not practically feasible to sanitize mobile phones with alcohol-containing sanitizer or chlorine solutions because these chemical solutions may have ill effects on mobile phone screens. Full-Text PDF