Cotton versus medical face mask influence on skin characteristics during COVID-19 pandemic: A short-term study

Abstract

Background: In the still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, one of the main prevention strategy remain to be the use of protective face masks. Changes in skin characteristics and dermatological problems related to wearing different types of masks have been observed. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term effects of cotton versus medical masks on skin biophysical parameters in general population. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight human volunteers were enrolled and divided in cotton mask and medical mask wearing groups. We measured four skin biophysical parameters: trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), skin pH, and erythema index (EI) before and 3 h after wearing masks on both uncovered and mask-wearing face area. Results: TEWL increased after 3 h on exposed skin in cotton mask group and slightly decreased in medical mask group There was an increase in SCH after 3 h of wearing protective face masks in both groups. pH of the covered skin slightly decreased while EI increased after 3 h in both groups; changes were not statistically significant. Parameters did not change significantly on uncovered skin. Conclusion: There were no differences between the influence of cotton versus medical protective masks on the skin of healthy volunteers in our study. Both types of masks could be recommended for short-time protection in individuals with healthy skin during COVID-19 pandemic.