Short‐term skin reactions following use of N95 respirators and medical masks

Abstract

Background: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of adverse skin reactions related to masks have been observed. Objective:To analyze the short-term effects of N95 respirators and medical masks, respectively, on skin physiological properties and to report adverse skin reactions caused by the equipment.Methods: This study used a randomized crossover design with repeated measurements. Twenty healthy Chinese volunteers were recruited. Skin parameters were measured on areas covered by the respective mask and on uncovered skin 2 and 4 hours after donning, 0.5 and 1 hour after doffing, including skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema, pH and sebum secretion.Adverse reactions were clinically assessed, and perceived discomfort and incompliance measured.Results: Skin hydration, TEWL and pH increased significantly after donning. Erythema values increased from baseline. Sebum secretion increased both on the covered and uncovered skin with equipment-wearing. There was no significant difference between the physiological values between the two types of equipment. More adverse reactions were reported following N95 mask use that following use of medical mask, and a higher score of discomfort and incompliance.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that skin biophysical characters changes owing to mask and respirator wearing. N95 respirators were associated with more skin reactions than medical masks.

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