Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with Maskne in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The necessity to always use a mask in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a new term called maskne. Maskne is the appearance of acne that is triggered by wearing a mask. It usually occurs specifically in the area covered by the mask, focused on the cheeks, chin, and nose. This study aims to determine the risk factors associated with the occurrence of maskne. A cross-sectional study was conducted on the Faculty of Medicine students, Universitas Sumatera Utara class 2018. This study uses primary data from questionnaires and observation of respondents' face photos. Based on statistical analysis, 99 out of 221 respondents (44.8%) experienced maskne. Bivariate analysis shows p-values <0.05  for gender, duration of mask use, and previous acne history. On the other hand, it was obtained p-value >0.05 for the type of mask and mask changing habit. Based on multivariate analysis, the p-value <0.05 for gender indicates that gender is the most dominant risk factor in the incidence of maskne. Furthermore, there is a significant association between gender and the occurrence of maskne. Females are twice as likely to experience maskne.