Abstract
Background: An occupational disease is any disease developing primarily as a result of exposure to risk factors arising from work activity and contributing to a significant portion of work-related diseases. Although COVID-19 is not dermatotropic, prolonged contact with personal protective equipment—that is, goggles, face shields, N95 respirators, double-layered gloves, etc.—may cause various dermatoses. Several dermatoses due to PPE have been well documented, but facial dermatoses specifically due to the use of face masks remain a relatively uncharted entity. In this study, we report preliminary data on individuals experiencing various facial dermatoses due to the use of face masks. Objective: The aim was to study the various facial dermatoses associated with the use of a face mask. Materials and Methods: After obtaining informed consent, individuals using a face mask were enrolled in this single-institution, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study. Results: A total of 364 participants were enrolled for the study, among which 59.3% revealed to have worn a face mask for more than six months. A majority used ear-looped N95 masks. Nine problem areas were identified in the study. Among the facial dermatoses observed, acne was the most frequently reported, followed by redness. Conclusion: In spite of contact dermatitis arising due to masks, it is recommended to use well-fitted and comfortable masks for sufficient periods of time to reduce the risk of transmission, ensure safety, and reduce mask-related side effects.
Highlights
SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus, or the novel coronavirus are the various names given to the virus that originated in December 2019 in a small town in China called Wuhan [1]
The COVID-19 virus is spread by droplets or via fomites, creating the necessity to wear personal protective equipment, even if not directly in contact with patients affected by COVID-19 [1]
A great number of subjects who participated in this study reported adverse reactions to prolonged mask use during COVID-19
Summary
SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus, or the novel coronavirus are the various names given to the virus that originated in December 2019 in a small town in China called Wuhan [1]. Being highly infectious, it affected hundreds of thousands of people within a short amount of time worldwide, causing the World Health Organization to announce it as an infectious disease pandemic on January 30, 2020 [2]. We report preliminary data on individuals experiencing various facial dermatoses due to the use of face masks. Objective: The aim was to study the various facial dermatoses associated with the use of a face mask. Conclusion: In spite of contact dermatitis arising due to masks, it is recommended to use well-fitted and comfortable masks for sufficient periods of time to reduce the risk of transmission, ensure safety, and reduce maskrelated side effects
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