A multi-center, cross-sectional study on the prevalence of facial dermatoses induced by mask use in the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The use of face masks and coverings has been recommended in public settings to minimize the risk of the transmission of coronavirus. The rampant surge in the use of masks for a prolonged duration has resulted in various facial dermatoses. Materials and Methods: The present study was an outpatient, multicentric, observational survey conducted over the period of one year. A total of 350 patients were enrolled. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect data identifying adverse skin reactions that had occurred in the area covered by a face mask. Results: Most of the facial dermatoses were observed in the urban population (78.85%). Maskne was the most common facial dermatosis, detected in 62% of the participants, followed by hypopigmentation (11.42%), hyperpigmentation (8.28%), contact dermatitis (5.42%), non-specific erythema (4.28%), desquamation (3.71%), urticaria (2.57%), and cheilitis (2.28%). The mean duration of mask use was 5.76 hours. A majority of the participants reported maskne in the U zone (both on the cheeks and the chin area) of the face (34%), followed by isolated involvement of the chin (26%), cheeks (20%), mandible region (14%), and bridge of the nose (6%). Conclusion: The use of face masks for extended hours without adequate precautions causes various cutaneous adverse effects. Thus, it is important to identify the risk factors precipitating mask-related facial dermatoses.

A study of topical steroid induced facial dermatosis in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and to analyse the role of Demodex mite in its pathogenicity

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are widely abused all over our country due to its short term benefits and effortless over the counter availability. The rate of its abuse is more so in Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands (A&amp;N). Henceforth we conducted a study<strong> </strong>to evaluate the topical steroid induced facial dermatosis (TSFD) in A&amp;N and to analyse the role of demodex mite in its pathogenicity.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 58 patients with TSFD participated in this study. Details such as demography of patient, topical steroid used, duration of usage, reason behind its usage and facial dermatosis of the TSDF developed were collected. Following this, standardized surface skin biopsy (SSSB) was performed to assess the density of demodex mite. The details were statistically analysed.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> TSFD were predominantly seen in female of age group between 20 and 30 years. It was commonly misused to get rid of acne, pigmentation, tinea faciei and as a fairness cream. The commonly misused TCs were betamethasone cream followed by mometasone. It was commonly advised by pharmacists, friends, relatives, beauticians and GPs. Papules, pustules, photosensitivity and erythema were the commonly encountered adverse events. Microscopic examination of SSSB was negative in all the patients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The study depicts rampant and irrational use of TCs in our population. Though the demodex mites were absent in the patients studied, further studies with larger sample size and in different ethnicity needs to be done to affirm its role in the pathogenicity of TSFD.</p>

Otophyma, Rhinophyma and Telangiectatic Rosacea – A Rare Combination in a Female Patient

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is an inflammatory facial dermatosis seen more frequently in adults in their second half of life. The phymas are a particular subtype with sebaceous gland hyperplasia and progressive fibrosis.CASE REPORT: We report on the rare simultaneous occurrence of telangiectatic rosacea, otophyma and rhinophyma in a 50-year-old female with psoriatic arthritis, chronic lymphedema of the legs, and metabolic syndrome.CONCLUSION: Despite the preference of rhinophyma and otophyma to the male gender, their occurrence in females needs to be considers in the differential diagnosis of dermatoses of head and neck. Early diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment improve outcome and help to avoid surgery.