Mask-related adverse skin reactions in orientals during COVID-19: Prevalence, social-psychological impacts and risk factors for acne exacerbation

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has caused mask-related skin problems on health-care professions, yet very few studies have investigated the prevalence in oriental general population. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of mask-related adverse skin reactions in Orientals, to explore psychological influence, to identify risk factors for mask-related acne exacerbation. Methods: We performed a survey through social media. Participant demographics, skin condition before and after COVID-19, and the influence of adverse skin on social-psychological conditions were collected. We compared characteristics between individuals with or without acne exacerbation, and we performed a logistic regression to identify risk factors. Results: Six hundred and six participants (62.3%) responded the survey and 23.3% complained their facial acnes become exacerbated since COVID-19. The social-psychological impact of acnes is more prevalent in women. Risk factors for mask-related acne exacerbation were occupation as health-care workers (OR = 1.861, p = 0.027), prolonged wearing of N95 masks (OR = 3.167, p = 0.001), and touching of acnes (OR = 2.65, p = 0.002). Sex, pre-existed acnes, and prolonged wearing time per day are also associated with acne exacerbation. Conclusions: Mask-related adverse skin reactions are common in Orientals, and could lead to negative social-psychological effects.