key: cord-0852763-x2klzrdz
authors: Zuo, Ying; Hua, Wei; Luo, Yaxin; Li, Li
title: Skin Reactions of N95 masks and Medial Masks among Health Care Personnel: A self‐report questionnaire survey in China
date: 2020-04-16
journal: Contact Dermatitis
DOI: 10.1111/cod.13555
sha: 8a9b69023321eeede6c8bfc185fc1eb50113749c
doc_id: 852763
cord_uid: x2klzrdz

nan

University (2020-225).

Altogether, 198 (49.0%) reported mask-related skin reactions, of which 169 (41.8%) had facial skin problems. Sixty-nine (17.1%) reported respiratory tract problems, 25 (6.2%) had eye symptoms. Suspected risk factors are listed in Table 2 . Out of all the invested HCP 45.0% (N=182) admitted touching the mask surface occasionally owing to discomfort, and 8.9% (N=36) removed their masks becausethey could not tolerate it. Of 129 participants with underlying IFD, 44.2% (N=57) reported exacerbation, including 43.6%(N=44) of acne patients, 37.5% (N=9) with seborrheic dermatitis, and all 14 acne rosacea patients.

Our study describes mask-related adverse reactions in HCPs. The higher prevalence of skin symptoms among women might be related to a lower threshold for reporting adverse reactions [1] . The most frequent symptoms were pressure-related. Symptoms suggesting allergic or irritant reactions, such as itch, redness and rashes, were also prevalent. Previously, N95 and surgical masks have been documented to contain formaldehyde and other preservatives [2, 3] , which might induce contact dermatitis. Friction, warmth, and moisture from respiration may enhance symptoms [4] .

Skin barrier dysfunction and potential skin microbiota disorder of IFD might make patients more vulnerable to the mask side-effects. A survey in Singapore [5] reported acne to be the most common adverse reaction (59.6%, N=65) to N95 masks. This is consistent with our findings of a high exacerbating rate (43.6%,N=44) of acne. Meanwhile, it should be noted that use of masks could be a great risk for acne rosacea since all the HCP with acne rosacea (N=14) reported exacerbation. N95 masks have higher air impermeability and more local pressure, which may relate to more skin symptoms. Our survey revealed high mask incompliance out of discomfort, which could cause transmission of pathogens.

In conclusion, this survey found that mask-related skin symptoms were common in Chinese HCP and that those with underlying IFD should be particularly cautious, as flares were associated with prolonged use. N95 masks were associated with more reactions than medical masks. This indicates a need to provide affected HCP with effective dermatological treatment and establish prevention for occupational skin disorders at a national level.

protective equipment against severe acute respiratory syndromescriptive study in Singapore. Contact Dermatitis, 2006; (5), 291-294. Ear and scalp adverse discomforts caused by mask straps were excluded as we focused on the side-effect of the mask on the face; ‡ Multiple logistic regression analysis was used; CI, confidence interval; OR, odds ratio.

Original questionnaire, please refer to the Questionnaire File Complete version of Table1 and Exacerbation of underlying IFD, please refer to the TABLE1&3 File 

Skin reactions among Bulgarian dental students: A self-report questionnaire survey

Skin reactions following use of N95 facial masks

Surgical mask contact dermatitis and epidemiology of contact dermatitis in healthcare workers

Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Formaldehyde Textile Resins in Surgical Uniforms and Nonwoven Textile Masks

Adverse skin reactions to personal

This work was supported by 1.3.5 project for disciplines of excellence, West China Hospital, Sichuan University. The authors express sincere appreciation to all the HCP who completed the questionnaire. We give most sincere respect to the health workers who are fighting against the epidemic in the front line.

The authors declare no conflicts of interests.