key: cord-314422-u2elzgl8
authors: Bothra, Atul; Das, Seujee; Singh, Mehak; Pawar, Manoj; Maheswari, Anshu
title: Retroauricular dermatitis with vehement use of ear loop face masks during COVID19 pandemic
date: 2020-06-03
journal: J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16692
sha: 
doc_id: 314422
cord_uid: u2elzgl8

The COVID‐19 pandemic forged theexponential use of masks of various kinds, not just by health workers but also by general population as a personal protective equipment (PPE). Although contact dermatitis due to PPE is well reported, mask induced dermatitis is a relatively unexplored phenomenon. In this article, we report a preliminary data of patients experiencing retroauricaular dermatitis due to ear loop face masks.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved To the Editor: The COVID-19 pandemic forged theexponential use of masks of various kinds, not just by health workers but also by general population as a personal protective equipment (PPE). Although contact dermatitis due to PPE is well reported, mask induced dermatitis is a relatively unexplored

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved phenomenon. In this article, we report a preliminary data of patients experiencing retroauricaular dermatitis due to ear loop face masks. documented. 4 Komerickiet.al reported cocopropylenediamin-guanidium-diacetate , used to disinfect medical instruments and apparatus, responsible for ACD to non-disposable face masks. 5 Similar effects on the face by PPE in healthcare workers managing COVID-19 cases has been documented, but no study has elaborated the retroauricular involvement. 6 Frequent frictions due to the straps,

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved trapping of sweat, use of disinfectant to reuse masks, application of dyes to colour homemade masks are frequent causes of dermatitis using ear loop face masks. The strap material including thermoelastic polymer, rubber, latex etc. further leads to contact dermatitis. Moreover, the masks can cause exacerbation of pre-existing dermatoses.

The authors would like to suggest the use of headband face masks for health care professionals using the mask for prolonged periods. The general population, using homemade face masks should use cotton cloth based masks with gaiters of appropriate elasticityand avoid any disinfectant application.

Persons with preexisting dermatoses including atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and chronic urticaria need to take special precautions and use of disposable surgical masks should be encouraged.

Donning of masks should be done after proper absorption of the emollient to prevent leeching of strap polymers. 

Adverse skin reactions to personal protective equipment against severe acute respiratory syndrome-a descriptive study in Singapore

Skin reactionsfollowing use of N95 facial masks

Surgical mask contact dermatitis and epidemiology of contact dermatitis in healthcare workers. Current Allergy & Clinical Immunology

Accepted Article This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis in an obstetrics and gynecology resident

Face dermatitis from contaminants on a mask for anaesthesia

Personal protective equipment induced facial dermatoses in healthcare workers managing COVID-19 cases

Acknowledgement-The patients in this manuscript have given written informed consent to the publication of their case details.