Korean J Dermatol.  2024 Jun;62(5):263-268.

Impact of Mask on Patients with Facial Skin Disease in University Hospital after COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Questionnaire-Based Study

• Jang SH
• Ahn SW
• Hong SM
• Park SH
• Jung SY
• Wang HY
• Seol JE
• Kim H

Abstract

Background
As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues, wearing masks has become a daily routine. As the mask-wearing time increased, the mask-covered skin was more likely to be influenced.
Objective
This study aimed to identify face mask-wearing behaviors and their effects on patients with facial skin diseases.
Methods
Patients with facial skin disease were surveyed at two institutions. The patterns of mask use, mask-associated skin problems, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were investigated.
Results
A total of 174 participants were enrolled and the mean age was 42.2 years. Rosacea (35.6%) was the most common condition, followed by acne (25.3%) and contact dermatitis (17.2%). Ninety-four subjects (54.0%) reported that they wore masks for less than 6 hours a day, and 96 subjects (55.2%) wore masks to fit tightly against the face. Regarding the mask type, KF-99, 94, and 80 (62.6%) were the most common. Nearly three-quarters (n=128, 73.6%) of patients complained of mask-associated skin problems. Pimples were the most common symptom (59.4%), and the cheek was the most commonly affected area (67.2%). The mean DLQI score was 9.90.
Conclusion
We investigated the current patterns of mask use in patients with facial skin diseases. Moreover, it is necessary to recognize newly encountered relationships and seek strategies for relevant patients.

Keyword

COVID-19; Dermatitis; Masks; Skin diseases