Beyond the Pandemic: Masking-Behaviour, Practices, Skin problems and Attitude among Healthcare workers and Medical students of South India

ABSTRACT

Background Mask-related dermatoses among health-care workers can impact their quality of life, work and the safety afforded by the mask. Hence their prompt recognition and remedial measures assume importance during the pandemic. To collect data about-types of masks used, facial skin problems encountered and factors involved, skin care practices followed and attitude to mask-wearing among medical students and healthcare workers of South India, a cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online structured questionnaire filled by the respondents after informed consent.Data was analysed using appropriate statistical tests. Results and Conclusion Of the 576 respondents, majority used unscientific combinations of masks. Most common mask-related dermatosis was new-onset acne. Female gender, younger age, oily skin and longer hours of mask-wearing were predisposing factors. Improper care of skin and mask and reluctance to seek medical advice was observed. Majority had a positive attitude to wearing mask during the pandemic and found several other benefits to mask-wearing. Information about scientific mask-wearing practices and common mask-related skin problems must be disseminated among the medical fraternity and remedial measures offered. A general positive attitude to mask-wearing gives assurance of adherence to mask wearing even during the trough phase of pandemic.