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

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundCOVID‐19 pandemic has caused mask‐related skin problems on health‐care professions, yet very few studies have investigated the prevalence in oriental general population.ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of mask‐related adverse skin reactions in Orientals, to explore psychological influence, to identify risk factors for mask‐related acne exacerbation.MethodsWe 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.ResultsSix 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.ConclusionsMask‐related adverse skin reactions are common in Orientals, and could lead to negative social‐psychological effects.