Dermatologic surgeons should be aware that patients might be
in danger of compromised wound healing because of masks
that are in constant contact with a healing procedural site.
Physicians should educate patients regarding the possibility of
poor wound healing due to excessive tension or irritation by
masks. Further, masks should be changed daily, particularly if
obviously soiled. Should poor healing occur, patients should
seek immediate medical attention in an effort to decrease
adverse aesthetic outcomes including changing to masks that
tie around the scalp rather than loop around the ears. Also,
injury can be prevented by adhesive tape strips or non-adherent
dressings that can reinforce wounds and protect fragile skin.
There are several masks designs available on the market with
loops placed around the ears or scalp for security. Based on the
location of surgery, patients should be counseled to use a mask
that does not interfere with the healing of the procedural site.
DISCLOSURES
The authors received no funding for this research.
The authors have no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose.
REFERENCES
1. Chaiyabutr C, Sukakul T, Pruksaeakanan C, Thumrongtharadol J, Boonchai W. Adverse skin reactions following different types of mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol (2020) doi:10.1111/ jdv.17039.
2. Suzuki JB, Resnik RR. Wound Dehiscence. in Misch’s Avoiding Complications in Oral Implantology 402–439 (Elsevier, 2018). doi:10.1016/B978-0-323- 37580-1.00011-1.
2. Suzuki JB, Resnik RR. Wound Dehiscence. in Misch’s Avoiding Complications in Oral Implantology 402–439 (Elsevier, 2018). doi:10.1016/B978-0-323- 37580-1.00011-1.
AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE
Joel Cohen MD jcohenderm@yahoo.com
