Patch tests ‘essential’ for diagnosing face-mask dermatitis
The occlusive humid environment within the mask could increase the risk for dermatitis, researchers say
The chemical components of disposable facemasks can cause allergic and irritant skin reactions, and patch tests are key to making the correct diagnosis, say clinicians from South Korea.
Dr Hye One Kim and colleagues from the dermatology department at Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital in Seoul did a case-control study of adults diagnosed with facial dermatitis after the COVID-19 outbreak.