A multi-center, cross-sectional study on the prevalence of facial dermatoses induced by mask use in the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Background: The use of face masks and coverings has been recommended in public settings to minimize the risk of the transmission of coronavirus. The rampant surge in the use of masks for a prolonged duration has resulted in various facial dermatoses. Materials and Methods: The present study was an outpatient, multicentric, observational survey conducted over the period of one year. A total of 350 patients were enrolled. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect data identifying adverse skin reactions that had occurred in the area covered by a face mask. Results: Most of the facial dermatoses were observed in the urban population (78.85%). Maskne was the most common facial dermatosis, detected in 62% of the participants, followed by hypopigmentation (11.42%), hyperpigmentation (8.28%), contact dermatitis (5.42%), non-specific erythema (4.28%), desquamation (3.71%), urticaria (2.57%), and cheilitis (2.28%). The mean duration of mask use was 5.76 hours. A majority of the participants reported maskne in the U zone (both on the cheeks and the chin area) of the face (34%), followed by isolated involvement of the chin (26%), cheeks (20%), mandible region (14%), and bridge of the nose (6%). Conclusion: The use of face masks for extended hours without adequate precautions causes various cutaneous adverse effects. Thus, it is important to identify the risk factors precipitating mask-related facial dermatoses. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Our Dermatology Online / Nasza Dermatologia Online is the property of Our Dermatology Online and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)