The impact of using a protective mask on the occurrence of maskne (mask acne) during the Covid-19 pandemic

Bibliographic Details
Title: The impact of using a protective mask on the occurrence of maskne (mask acne) during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Eliza Jakubowska, Tomasz Nowak, Patrycja Łazicka, Joanna Jasińska, Marta Miziniak, Aleksandra Karolak
Source: Journal of Education, Health and Sport, Vol 38, Iss 1 (2023)
Publisher Information: Kazimierz Wielki University, 2023.
Publication Year: 2023
Collection: LCC:Education
LCC:Sports
LCC:Medicine
Subject Terms: maskne, acne, facemask, covid-19, Education, Sports, GV557-1198.995, Medicine
More Details: Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a increase in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The term "maskne" was coined to describe acne caused by long-term wearing of a mask. It is a type of mechanical acne caused by the pressure and friction of the mask material against the skin. Although it’s prevalance is not well known, the maskne problem is becoming more and more significant. Aim of study The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence and factors affecting the occurrence of mask acne. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic among 148 residents of Poland. The results were obtained thanks to a self-conducted questionnaire distributed in both electronic and traditional form. Results In total, 148 participants took part in the study. 106 (71.6%) were women and 42 (28.4%) were men, with the dominant age group being 26-40, 70 (47.3%). Most participants wore a mask seven days a week, 62 (41.9%), four to eight hours a day, 70 (47.3%). Surgical masks were the most frequently used masks – 60 (40.5%). Ninety (60.8%) participants had no prior facial skin disease. Only 58 (39.2%) of participants had prior facial skin lesions. Of these, acne vulgaris was the most common, 48 (82.8%), followed by rosacea, 6 (10.4%), and psoriasis, 4 (6.8%). Fifty-three people (35.8%) who had facial acne before the pandemic said their acne got worse. Conclusions This study showed a significant association between the worsening of existing acne and frequent and long-term use of face masks. Therefore, certain measures should be taken to prevent the formation of new acne or the aggravation of existing acne while maintaining protection with face masks, especially for those working in the healthcare sector.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
Spanish; Castilian
Polish
Russian
Ukrainian
ISSN: 2391-8306
Relation: https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/44946; https://doaj.org/toc/2391-8306
DOI: 10.12775/JEHS.2023.38.01.012
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/957223a129424c5ebb0eddf48ca8d537
Accession Number: edsdoj.957223a129424c5ebb0eddf48ca8d537
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:23918306
DOI:10.12775/JEHS.2023.38.01.012
Published in:Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Language:English
Spanish; Castilian
Polish
Russian
Ukrainian