Frequency of acne formation with usage of face masks and its associated factors.

Objective To determine the frequency of acne formation with usage of face masks among health care workers and to determine factors associated with acne formation in relation to usage of face masks. Methods This was a cross sectional study, conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Study participants were 191 healthcare workers in different categories. Data was obtained on the face mask related factors and acne development or exacerbation. Chi Square test will be applied to see the relationship between acne formation and usage of face masks. Results Among the participants 70% were female and 30% are male. Surgical mask were the most common type of mask used by them. on average the duration of mask use was 6 to 12hrs/day and majority was using facemasks for more than 6 weeks. Among the participants 20% of those experienced acne at O-Zone of face. Conclusion There is an association of acne formation at O-zone of the face and duration of mask wearing per day among healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]