Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder affecting about 9.4% of the global population and ranked eighth in the global most prevalent disease.                 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first recognized in December 2019 and was later declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO has recommended wearing a face mask in areas with a high risk of exposure to COVID-19, widespread transmission, and vulnerable population and areas with high population density. Thus, a face mask in this pandemic is inevitable as it can contribute to potential protective benefits.

One case report and one self-survey study show acne occurrence and exacerbation associate with a facial mask. To study the prevalence and possible associated factors of acne vulgaris which includes the use of face masks in the COVID-19 situation, the authors conducted a self-survey online questionnaire with participants in Thailand (n=921) acne severity and possible associated factors. The authors define March 2020 as a time point for the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic as in March the situation is significantly acknowledged and concerned by Thai people. Of 921 participants, nine were excluded due to the absence of mask-wearing since March 2020. The prevalence of self-reported acne before and after March 2020 is 84.97 and 88.48%, respectively. Moreover, the authors assess possible associated factors of acne by categorized the participants into 2 groups; unchanged or better acne group and worse acne group, defined by a severity level (IGA score) comparing between before and after March 2020. The odds ratio and p-value are calculated to compare possible associated factors between the 2 groups. The statistically significant associated factors include age, gender, acne family history, and type of mask.