Background: Acne is one of the most common skin adverse effects associated with face mask wearing, which was initially reported among healthcare workers but later found in the general population.

Objective: To explore the prevalence and possible related factors of acne exacerbation from face mask wearing during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Materials and Methods: The present research was a cross-sectional analytic study. Data were collected by surveying the general population who wore masks regularly.

Results: The prevalence of face mask-related acne was 223 participants (49.6%). Gender, occupation, type of face mask, mask-wearing method, reuse of masks, mask cleaning method, cosmetic usage, attitudes about skincare, and risks of acne were not significantly associated with acne. The major risk factors for acne exacerbation were being younger than 30, wearing a mask more than four hours per day, and at least five days per week. Wearing a mask at least five days per week showed a higher risk of acne 3.26 times compared to wearing a mask less than five days per week (AOR 3.26, 95% CI 1.36 to 7.84, p=0005). People under the age of 30 were 1.96 times more likely to develop acne than those over the age of 30 (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.87, p<0.001).

Conclusion: The present study illustrated the significant relationship between face mask wearing and acne exacerbation. Face mask wearing duration and age are factors associated with acne exacerbation.

Keywords: Acne; Face mask; Acne-related factors; COVID-19

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2022.07.13333

Received 21 March 2022 | Revised 5 May 2022 | Accepted 10 May 2022