Contact dermatitis due to masks and respirators during COVID-19 pandemic: What we should know and what we should do.

Abstract

Given the current lack of a therapeutic vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), preventive measures including mask wearing are crucial in slowing the transmission of cases. However, prolonged wearing of protective respirators, medical and fabric masks can easily generate excessive sweating, moisture and friction. Closed and warm environments heighten the skin's permeability and sensitivity to physical or chemical irritants, leading to chronic cumulative irritant contact dermatitis or, rarely, even allergic contact dermatitis. Although not representing a life-threatening condition, contact dermatitis can have a significant impact on emergency management, as it is potentially able to reduce work performance and create emotional discomfort due to the involvement of evident body areas. To minimize the skin breakdown, adherence to standards on wearing protective and safe equipments and avoidance of overprotection should be performed. At the same time, some measures of skin care are recommended. Here, we offer some tips on how to prevent and manage contact dermatitis due to masks not only in health care workers, but also in the general population during this COVID-19 outbreak.

• Authors: Ambra Di Altobrando, Michelangelo La Placa, Iria Neri, Bianca Maria Piraccini, Colombina Vincenzi
• Journal: Dermatologic therapy (Dermatol Ther) Vol. 33 Issue 6 Pg. e14528 (Nov 2020) ISSN: 1529-8019 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 33174266 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Anti-Allergic Agents
• Anti-Bacterial Agents

Topics

• Administration, Cutaneous
• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (administration & dosage)
• Anti-Allergic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (administration & dosage)
• COVID-19 (prevention & control, transmission)
• Dermatitis, Contact (diagnosis, etiology, prevention & control)
• Dermatitis, Occupational (diagnosis, etiology, prevention & control)
• Facial Dermatoses (diagnosis, etiology, prevention & control)
• Humans
• Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional (prevention & control)
• Inhalation Exposure (adverse effects, prevention & control)
• Masks (adverse effects)
• N95 Respirators (adverse effects)
• Occupational Health
• Protective Factors
• Risk Assessment
• Risk Factors
• Skin Care
• Treatment Outcome