Facial Acne Vulgaris Exacerbation During COVID-19 Pandemic Due to Wearing Face Surgical Masks

Shahin Hamzelou; Samaneh Torabi  Kachousangi Pharm

doi:10.18502/crcp.v5iS1.6236

Shahin Hamzelou Department of Dermatology, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Samaneh Torabi Kachousangi Pharm Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacy College, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/crcp.v5iS1.6236

Keywords: Acne vulgaris; COVID-19; Surgical mask

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a very common dermatologic disease. Here, we reported at least two cases of facial acne vulgaris exacerbation during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Also, during the other respiratory disaster due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)in Singapore, skin reactions and complications of the personal protective equipment (PPE) were assessed. Acne was the most common complication of N95 masks. In China, where the COVID-19 has begun, the exacerbation of previous facial dermatoses was asked and the most exacerbated dermatoses after rosacea was acne. Two justifications for the exacerbation of acne have been proposed: first, the humid tropical microclimate created by the mask on the facial s kin, which can induce acne and the second is local pressure of the mask on the face, which may cause pressure-induced obstruction of the infundibulum of hair follicles. Dermatologists should expect exacerbations of acne in many patients during the respiratory epidemic and educate their patients.