‘Cell‐phone acne’ epidemic during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

As the world plunges into the longest and the biggest lockdown in world’s history, most of us are turning towards an increased use of mobile phones as the most convenient way to stay connected. However, this convenience is also taking a toll on the overall skin health, particularly in the patients of acne.

Cell Phone Acne: New Acne Clinical Features in the Coronavirus Disease-19 Era

“…Acne generally experienced by adolescents and young adults (12-25 years old) [10]. The ratio of the incidence of cell phone acne between women and men in this study is 8:5 [4].…”

“…Singh et al recently in 2020 reported an acne epidemic with unilateral predominance due to cell phone use during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, acne lesions were in the form of new acne eruptions or acne flares with a more severe degree of severity on the side of the face that was more frequently in contact with cell phone [4].…”

“…Cell phone acne is a condition characterized by the appearance of new acne eruptions or acne flares that are more numerous and/or with a more severe degree of severity on one side of the face due to increased contact between cell phone and skin for a certain period [4].…”

“…This then triggers an increase in the use of electronic devices, especially mobile phones. Mobile phones are the easiest tool to use to stay connected [4]. Smartphone, tablets, laptops, and lightemitting diode (LED) screens are the sources of visible lights that can emit high levels of short-wavelength visible light (blue region in the light spectrum) [1].…”

“…The tendency of acne lesions to be more numerous and/ or with a more severe degree of severity on the side of the face that more frequent contact with cell phone, the duration of using the cell phone to the cheek, the habit of using the cell phone against the cheek while charging, and a history of acne need to be considered. Other data regarding cell phone acne are still very limited [4].…”