Case Report: Facial Mask Induced Acne ("Maskne")

¹Clinical Preceptor, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, USA

²Department of Emergency Medicine, Jefferson NJ, Stratford, NJ USA

³Alan Lucerna DO, Program Director, Emergency Medicine Residency, Department of Emergency Medicine, Rowan University SOM, Jefferson Health New Jersey, Stratford, NJ, USA

*Corresponding Author: James Espinosa MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Rowan University SOM/Jefferson, 18 East Laurel Road, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA; Email: [email protected]

Received Date: June 24, 2023

Publication Date: July 15, 2023

Citation: Meister G, Espinosa J, Lucerna A. (2023). Case Report: Facial Mask Induced Acne ("Maskne"). Mathews J Emergency Med. 8(5):65.

Copyright: Meister G, et al. © (2023)

ABSTRACT

A 42-year-old male health care worker presented with complaints of severe mask-related acne vulgaris predominately to the cheeks, chin and nose. Mask-related acne and acne-like eruptions have been referred to as “maskne” in the lay press and on social media. The patient stated that his current position required the use of an N95 respirator to be worn throughout his shifts. His shift lengths ranged from 9-14 hours, 6 days per week. N95 and surgical facial mask use has been a requirement for many occupations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The acne vulgaris onset began after the use of the mask. The acne would improve on vacations and time away from work and would recur within hours of returning to work with associated mask use.  Extended daily use of such masks may lead to changes in the skin which can induce irritation and precipitate infection. This has been called “maskne” in the lay press.

Keywords: Maskne, Mask-induced acne, acne vulgaris, healthcare workers and COVID-19