Clinical Correlation of Facial Dermatosis with COVID19 Pandemic

Background: Face is a reflection of a persons well being, any imperfection or flawed appearance bears potential to become a source of misery(1). The skin lesions affecting face are termed commonly as facial dermatosis [2]With sudden onset of COVID19 pandemic medical and general population were left with no other option than to cover their faces with N95 masks, face shields and goggles, which led to prolonged usage of sometimes single and mostly multiple masks to cover the face to prevent contagion (as SARS ? COVID 2 transmits eyes nose & mouth). OBJECTIVES: The PPEs of the face usage and clinical presentation has being evaluated by us in this study to as to narrow down types of skin manifestations associated with PPE's usage of the face. Aim: This is a the clinico- epidemiological ,cross sectional study of facial dermatosis of100 patients attending the OPD of department of DVL, at Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences, Research Center & Teaching Hospital in the COVID 19 phase from1st February 2021 ? May 31st 2021 prevalent in the surrounding geographical district of Peeramcheru, Hyderabad, Telangana. Results: Among 100 study participants Mask acne[28/100],was the most common followed by Pigmentory conditions[26/100], next was Contact dermatitis[12/100], and Infection[5/100]. Mostly Females are predominant[64/100], common Age group is 20-30 years[38/100], Semi urban areas[76/100] , in Students group[36/100]. Sleep deprivation[22/100] as common triggering factor followed by emotional stress[13/100] Anxiety[11/100]. Itching[47/100] is the common symptom which is followed by Skin lesions [16/100], Pain[13/100], Burning sensation[10/100] and Flushing[8]/100]. Systemic involvement as Thyroid[12/100] and Anemias[10/100] more prevailing. Conclusions: Wearing PPEs of Face [Mask ,goggles, face shields] during the COVID-19 Pandemic increase the Incidence of Dermatological Conditions ,though PPE's of face usage [Face Masks /goggles, face shields] have provided the main form of essential protection to the respiratory system against COVID-19. The rapid global threat COVID-19 is causing skin damage and the risk of infection may be increased through disruptions in the skin barrier as well as self-contamination through mask adjustments. The highly contagious nature of SARS-CoV-2 increases the likelihood that protective measures may stay in place from this day forward; innovation and advancements in PPE need to be sought to protect the skin and to reduce the currently increasing incidence of dermatological conditions among people. Preventive and therapeutic measures should be established in order to avoid ?face dermatoses?, especially for people with underlying risk factors.