COVID-19 related masks increase severity of both acne (maskne) and rosacea (mask rosacea): Multi-center, real-life, telemedical, and observational prospective study.

Background Masks are essential for COVID-19 prevention, but recently they were suggested to modify cutaneous facial microenvironment and trigger facial dermatoses. Objective To evaluate mask- related rosacea and acne (maskne) in untreated patients during lockdown METHODS: In this multi-center, real-life, observational prospective study, we enrolled stable, untreated acne and rosacea patients that wore masks during lockdown at least 6h/day. They underwent two teledermatological consultations, at the baseline and after 6 weeks. Clinical, pharmacological and psychological data were recorded. Results A total 66 patients, 30 (median age: 34.0 [30.25-29.75] yoa) with acne and 36 patients (median age: 48 [43-54] years) with rosacea, were enrolled in this study. After 6 weeks of mask and quarantine, patients with acne displayed an increased Global Acne Grading Scale (GAGS) score in mask-related areas (P Conclusions Masks appear to trigger both acne and rosacea flares. Additional studies are needed to generate evidence and inform clinical decision-making. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.