Dermatoses caused by face mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Attitudes of preschool children and their families towards face mask during the COVID 19 pandemic

Aim: The use of face masks, compliance with hygiene and distance rules were among the leading measures during pandemic. But some authorities didn’t recommend face masks to preschool children. In this study we aimed to evaluate the attitudes of preschool children and their families towards face masks. Materials and Methods: We performed a survey between February-March 2022 to 189 volunteer participants who have preschool children,in pediatric health and diseases outpatient clinics in two different centers. Survey was consisted of 40 questions and 4 parts: 1. Demographic characteristics 2. Covid 19 3. Use of face masks 4.Compliance with hygiene and distance rules Results: Fifty three percent of the children used face mask. It was observed that the presence of a family member obsessed with cleaning caused a statistically higher increase in the number of handwashing in children(p:0,019). Mothers who were university graduates taught the children more distance rules(p.0.014), the number of handwashing increased in their children (:0.001) and the rate of using face masks was higher (p:0.036). Having a family member who have had Covid 19 was inversely proportional to the use of face masks in children (p:0.001) and correct use (p:0.033). It was observed that the rate of wearing masks was higher in children who used glasses (92%, p:0.006). Discussion: Half of the preschool children used face masks regularly. Covid 19 rate was higher in the families whose children didn’t use face masks in community. Face masks can be recommended to preschool children who can use it, during the pandemic.

What type of face mask should we choose in coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic considering photoprotective effectiveness?

BACKGROUND

Wearing a face mask is one of the most effective personal protective strategies to diminish the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several dermatological outcomes were reported because of the prolonged use of face masks, especially due to the constant mask-on policy, but the photoprotective effect of face masks has received less attention.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to provide guidance in the use of face masks by comparing the photoprotective effects of routinely used masks.

METHODS

A total of 12 frequently used face masks were tested, including certified respirators, Korea filter (KF)94, KF-anti-droplet (KF-AD), and KF80. The amount of light that penetrates each face mask was measured using a light sensor that can quantify Ultraviolet A (UVA), visible light (VL), and infrared A (IR-A) rays.

RESULTS

Black-colored KF94 masks and surgical masks reduced penetration of UVA, VL, and IR-A by approximately 100%. The UVA penetration decreased on average by 95.51%, 90.97%, 85.06%, and 86.41% with white-colored KF94, KF-AD, KF80, and surgical masks, respectively. The VL and IR-A were blocked by approximately 75.58%, 66.16%, 59.18%, and 64.48% with white-colored KF94, KF-AD, KF80, and surgical masks, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the different photoprotective effectiveness of face masks was mainly determined by colors, and therefore, black-colored, multi-layered respirators can be recommended in terms of photoprotection in the COVID-19 pandemic. The quantified comparative results will be helpful to the person with pre-existing photo-aggravated dermatosis, especially in the season of the high intensity of sunlight.

The Change in The Frequency and Severity of Facial Dermatoses and Complaints in Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has led to a dramatic increase in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). However, the increased use of PPEs may lead to facial skin complaints.

Aims

This survey study aims to evaluate the effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on facial dermatoses and complaints.

Methods

A total of 1017 volunteers (age 18–60 years), consisting of healthcare workers, participated in the study. In the present study, healthcare professionals were screened for facial dermatoses and complaints between 1 and 15 April 2021 with an online survey.

Results

The vast majority of the survey were women (82.4%) and between 26 and 35 years old (49.2%). The most new‐onset facial complaints were acne (25.3%) and lip dryness (29.2%). Along with the pandemic, 50.9% of patients with seborrheic dermatitis had an increase in lesions. Another remarkable result was a 60.5% increase in acne complaints. Moreover, the rate of exacerbations of rosacea, melasma, and lip dryness was increased after the COVID‐19 pandemic (39.1%, 22.0%, and 42.7%, respectively). Exacerbations of seborrheic dermatitis, acne, and lip dryness have occurred more frequently in females when compared to males (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The current pandemic has had serious impacts on facial dermatoses which had to be managed carefully. Compared to the pre‐pandemic period, there was a significant increase in the frequency and severity of complaints in facial dermatoses related to PPE. If the complaints that may develop due to PPE are known in advance, their development can be prevented by taking precautions against them.

The Association Between Facial Dermatosis and Face-Mask Wearing During COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia

Background: During the coronavirus pandemic of 2019, there has been an upsurge in the number of reported cases of facial dermatosis caused by face masks wearing within the general population. Face mask-induced facial dermatosis has been investigated previously in healthcare workers without involving the general population. However, as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, wearing a face mask has become mandatory for the general population, similar to healthcare workers. 

Objective: To measure the prevalence of COVID-19 pandemic-induced facial dermatosis. Also, to determine the type of face mask used that causes the most facial dermatosis and the association between prolonged usage of face masks and facial dermatosis in Western Saudi Arabia's population.

Methods: The study covers the Western region of Saudi Arabia. A self-administered Google survey was shared on social media. The study used prior surveys from similar studies. The data collection included participants’ demographic information, pre-existing skin conditions, mask type, and mask-related skin conditions. The data were analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).

Results: The median age was 30 years (interquartile range {IQR} 23-43). Females represented 65.5% of our sample. Face mask-wearing was associated with skin changes in 41.7% of the population. The most common skin condition associated with mask use was pimples and pustules representing 28.7%, of which the most common site was on the cheeks 31.4%. Acne vulgaris was the most common pre-existing skin condition, affecting 8.7% of the total population. Of the total, 46.2% experienced an exacerbation of their pre-existing skin condition with or after wearing masks. Skin changes were significantly associated with skin type and duration of wearing the mask (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The prevalence of facial mask-induced facial dermatosis is 41.7% of the general population in which surgical mask was responsible for most cases. In addition, there is a strong association between the duration of wearing the mask and facial dermatosis.