Face masks detrimental to skin health? Researchers find long wear intensifies conditions

25 Aug 2022 --- The rise in skin ailments in medical students has been linked to the increased use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the nature of the working environment, mask-wearing cannot be compromised; therefore, guidelines should be set to stop or minimize the occurrence of such manifestations.

This is according to a study from the Pakistan-based Jinnah Sindh Medical University that found that 72.4% of the participants wore their masks for an average of four hours.

“Our findings will help skincare industries to develop products that will keep skin hydrated, healthy and moisturized,” Anusha Ahmed, study author and medical student at the Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan, tells PersonalCareInsights.

“The industries can also introduce new products to cure and restore healthy skin and prevent future skin problems in healthcare workers or the general population using masks due to pandemic or occupational reasons.”

The study findings unveiled that itching (24.6%), redness (27.5%), rash (10.1%), burning sensation (12.3%), acne (24.6%) and pimples (37.7%) were the most frequent skin manifestations mentioned by participants.

Evaluating skin health
A total of 138 medical students participated in the study, with women accounting for 89.9% of the participants. Medical students used a variety of masks, but surgical masks were used by 84.8% of them.

There was a significant relationship between the year of study and the length of time spent wearing the same mask.

Participants in the current study with a history of atopic dermatitis reported increased itchiness and redness from wearing masks.“Guidelines regarding maximum hours to wear masks and then remove them for some time in an open space or safe environment and washing face with water and using skin care products to maintain skin hygiene when wearing a mask is an occupational need,” Ahmed explains regarding the impact that regulations could have.

“Moisture buildup from breathing and sweating inside the mask and eventually this will clog pores and allow bacterial growth as well, so increasing the risk of acne. On the other hand, if someone has dry skin then rubbing against the mask will cause skin break.”

Regarding study limitations, the researchers note that the research was cross-sectional with close-ended questions used in the presented questionnaire. As a result, the manifestations were defined subjectively, requiring additional dermatological evaluation.

Previous skin conditions intensified symptoms
Researchers note that in a separate study, findings revealed that adverse reactions from mask-wearing included acne, facial itching and rash, and pigmentation of the nasal bridge, cheeks and chin.

In the study, 13.8% of participants used several masks, whereas 86.2% wore single masks.Participants in the current study with a history of atopic dermatitis also reported increased itchiness, redness, rash, burning and acne.

In 23.9% of the participants, pressure bruises were recorded; however, there was no connection between them and friction dermatitis-causing skin manifestations. The number of masks worn was connected to sweat accumulation underneath the mask.

In the study, 13.8% of participants used several masks, whereas 86.2% wore single masks. Participants in a study stated that self-medication and applying emollients, oils and other lotions to skin rashes reduced irritations and dermatitis.

Participants in the study who had underlying skin issues utilized systemic and topical medications.

According to the researchers, skin hygiene practices are also crucial in addressing underlying skin issues. The discomfort and friction experienced in the mask-wearing participants were reduced by maintaining clean skin using a fragrance-free moisturizer and cleanser.

Meanwhile, previous research unveiled that new acne treatments and identification tools are “on the horizon.”

By Nicole Kerr