Facial Acne Vulgaris Exacerbation During COVID-19 Pandemic Due to Wearing Face Surgical Masks

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a very common dermatologic disease. Here, we reported at least two cases of facial acne vulgaris exacerbation during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Also, during the other respiratory disaster due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)in Singapore, skin reactions and complications of the personal protective equipment (PPE) were assessed. Acne was the most common complication of N95 masks. In China, where the COVID-19 has begun, the exacerbation of previous facial dermatoses was asked and the most exacerbated dermatoses after rosacea was acne. Two justifications for the exacerbation of acne have been proposed: first, the humid tropical microclimate created by the mask on the facial s kin, which can induce acne and the second is local pressure of the mask on the face, which may cause pressure-induced obstruction of the infundibulum of hair follicles. Dermatologists should expect exacerbations of acne in many patients during the respiratory epidemic and educate their patients.