Contact allergy investigations in healthcare workers with face mask-related skin disease

ABSTRACT

Background: In the last 10 year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic approximately 1 healthcare worker (HCW) per year has been investigated for suspected occupational facial skin disease at our department. In contrast, during the present pandemic several HCWs has been investigated because of suspected occupational facial skin disease. Objectives: To report the findings in consecutively investigated HCWs with occupational facial skin disease. Methods: More than 40 HCWs has been investigated including patch test with their own face mask as is and with acetone extracts of the masks. Chemical analyses of potential allergens been performed in a number of different brands of face masks. Results: In all cases the skin disease was of recent onset. The most common diagnoses were irritant dermatitis and acne or acne-like eruptions including perioral dermatitis. No occupational contact allergies were found, and all patch tests with face masks were negative. Chemical analysis indicated colophonium-related substances in one brand of face mask. Conclusions: Based on referral pattern there has been increase of occupational facial dermatitis during the pandemic. Irritant factors like occlusion and friction appears to be the most common cause while contact allergy to the masks were not detected in this population.