Mask related acne ("maskne") and other facial dermatoses.

### What you need to know The covid-19 pandemic has led to a marked increase in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) both in and out of healthcare settings. The term “maskne” has become increasingly popular during the pandemic, particularly in the media, where it is used to describe several facial dermatoses. Individuals often buy expensive but potentially ineffective treatments for these conditions. In this practice pointer we summarise the most common causes of facial eruptions associated with wearing facial PPE, and highlight the key areas to cover when assessing someone with new or worsening pre-existing facial dermatoses that they attribute to the use of facial PPE. “Facial PPE” in this article includes full face shields, visors, safety spectacles, surgical masks (fluid resistant surgical mask, FRSM type IIR), and respirator masks (eg, FFP3, FFP2, and N95).1 Facial dermatoses related to PPE have been well described, but data about their prevalence are limited, and often a descriptive terminology is used rather than specific diagnoses. Based on the limited available evidence, mask related acne and irritant contact dermatitis are the most common facial dermatoses associated with mask wearing.2345 During the covid-19 pandemic, a prospective cross sectional study of 833 medical school staff in Thailand, including healthcare and non-healthcare workers, showed a self-reported prevalence of 54% adverse skin reactions to surgical and cloth masks.6 Typically, a patient presents with new onset facial eruption, or exacerbation of a pre-existing dermatosis that is most pronounced in the area covered by the mask. Ideally, such an assessment would take place in person, …