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Mask‐induced skin changes during COVID pandemic: A cross‐sectional web‐based survey among physicians in a tertiary care teaching hospital
Author(s) -
Dash Gaurav,
Patro Nibedita,
Dwari Binayak Chandra,
Abhisekh Kumar
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of cosmetic dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.626
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1473-2165
pISSN - 1473-2130
DOI - 10.1111/jocd.14881
Subject(s) - cross sectional study , medicine , covid-19 , acne , tertiary care , family medicine , pandemic , fraternity , dermatology , pathology , disease , political science , infectious disease (medical specialty) , law
Background The COVID pandemic has affected the human race both physically and mentally. Mask use remains the standard way of preventing the spread of this virus. The continuous mask use has led to the emergence of various dermatoses like acne, pigmentation, and seborrhea in mask contact areas. The present survey has been undertaken to describe the various dermatoses encountered in the medical fraternity especially doctors, who are frequently exposed to prolonged mask use. Aims To estimate the frequency of various cutaneous manifestations seen among doctors following mask use via web‐based online questionnaire survey. Methods It was a cross‐sectional web‐based study conducted at a tertiary care teaching institute from June 2021 to August 2021. All the doctors of the hospital completing the questionnaire were included in the study with informed consent. Results A total of 178 participants completed the survey. The most common complaint was increased sweating (55.6%) followed by acne (34.3%) and oily skin (34.3%). Significant association was found between skin changes and duration (>6 h/day) of mask use, increasing number, and type of mask (N 95) used ( p value <0.05). Conclusion The knowledge of various mask‐induced/aggravated dermatoses will help formulate proper precautionary protocols enhancing efficient mask usage for prolonged periods.