Dermatológia pre prax 1/2021

Face masks and skin – the side effects and their prevention

The Covid-19 pandemy possess novel challenges for all healthcare workers, including dermatologists. Several skin conditions have emerged, not only as a part of clinical picture of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but also as a result of prolonged contact with personal protective equipment and excessive personal hygiene. Skin complications of wearing face masks may be caused by pressure effect of personal protective equipment, friction, epidermal barrier breakdown, and contact reactions, all of which may affect healthy skin or aggravate an existing skin disease. Itch, pressure injury, contact dermatitis, pressure urticaria, and exacerbation of acne, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea are most common. Skin care plays an important role in prevention of these side effects.

Keywords: face mask, skin, side effect, prevention