The COVID pandemic has reduced the dermatology outpatient clinic visits, yet acne continues to be the most common condition among patients requesting an appointment. Studies have also suggested that the widespread use of face masks may also lead to acne mechanical and folliculitis mechanica, conditions in which stopping the mechanical insult is essential to treatment. However, COVID-19 presents a unique challenge in this context, as wearing a mask is crucial for safeguarding against viral exposure and preventing viral transmission. While the largest number of mask-associated facial dermatoses are reported in healthcare workers, the general population is also affected by “maskne.”

During the COVID era, even acne-free patients are experiencing first-time breakouts. Maskne is described as patients with a first-time eruption that may represent folliculitis mechanical or acne mechanica. Besides, patients with a history of acne may present with folliculitis mechanical.

The treatment guidelines proposed for the management of maskne include wearing properly fitted masks, applying non-comedogenic moisturizers to the face before wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) to lubricate the skin and reduce friction, and avoiding washing the face with hot water or irritants like ethanol, which breakdown the skin’s protective barrier. In some cases where masks induce pruritus, two-to-three layers of gauze inside the mask can help.

With the increasing use of masks, there may be an increase in the number of cases of maskne. It becomes imperative that the dermatologists counsel patients regarding proper skin hygiene.

1. Avoid over-cleansing; use mild cleanser close to the skin’s natural pH (pH 5)
2. It should be used with non-comedogenic moisturizing creams
3. Exfoliation with alpha or beta hydroxyl acids can be used to decrease hyperkeratosis.

In case the condition persists, conventional acne vulgaris treatments may become unavoidable, particularly in those cases where it is associated with severe hyperseborrhoea. Dermatologists will have to be vigilant about the increasing number of maskne cases with masks the continued sks among the general public.

Resource:

Gomoin TA, Cline A, Russo M. Maskne: Exacerbation or eruption of acne during the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Society for Cutaneous Medicine. 2020 September; 4(5): 438-439.