Dermatitis associated with the use of the mask during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The use of a personal mask by health personnel and the general population is necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, it has resulted in a significant increase in the prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, dermatitis seborrheic, contact urticaria and exacerbation of acne and skin infections. Methodology: non-systematic review on allergic contact dermatitis associated with the use of masks and N95 respirators during the COVID 19 pandemic, the terms, and descriptors "dermatitis and mask" and "dermatitis and Covid-19" were used in the databases. ScienDirect, PubMed, SciELO and Redalyc; Works published in Spanish and/or English, valid for no more than 5 years, were considered. Results: The use of the mask for a period of more than 6 hours has been shown to increase the incidence of allergic dermatitis, presenting lesions on the cheeks, dorsum of the nose, forehead and retroauricular area. Conclusions: This is a pathological entity of high incidence and underdiagnosis. It constitutes a form of type IV hypersensitivity, which if not treated in time can lead to complications associated with superinfection; Health personnel and the community in general must be educated in measures to prevent this type of injury and guide them to seek timely medical attention if necessary.