Dermatosis related to the use of face masks during Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: A global pandemic has been brought about by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the new corona virus disease. Face masks should be worn as the virus can spread via respiratory droplets and aerosols. Aim: To determine the prevalence of face-mask dermatosis in Ha'il City population and the related risk factors. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study (1st December 2021 to 1st May 2022) was conducted. Using online Google form, the retrieved data included patient's occupation, daily mask-wearing duration, pre-existing skin disorders, recently noticed mask-related skin reaction, and types of masks. Then after, data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Result: The study included 679 participants from different age groups. Face mask wearing was responsible for about 55.2% of dermatosis among the participants, with contact dermatitis being the most common disorder. There was positive correlation between suffering from previous skin conditions and aggravating the skin disease due to wearing a mask with 0.288 correlation coefficient (P= 0.001). Conclusion: A high rate of facial dermatosis is accompanying to utilization of the face masks. Using a face mask causes skin eruptions, and this may help characterize their appropriate usage.