Prevalence and Associated Factors of Maskne in Dentistry Students

INTRODUCTION: Maskne (mask-related acne) is a prevalent occupational dermatosis among healthcare trainees. This study aimed to investigate the clinical prevalence, associated factors, and the association between maskne and disease-specific quality of life among dentistry students.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 335 actively mask-wearing dentistry students. Maskne was definitively diagnosed via direct physician examination using standardized clinical criteria. Sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral risk factors were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression identified factors independently associated with maskne. The impact of the condition on psychosocial well-being was assessed using the Turkish Acne Quality of Life Scale (T-AQOLS) via multiple linear regression.
RESULTS: The overall clinical prevalence of maskne was 39.4%. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that prolonged daily mask usage duration (OR = 1.189, p = 0.014), application of sunscreen (OR = 3.155, p = 0.007), and use of facial cleansers (OR = 3.704, p = 0.010) under the mask were major independent risk factors. Interestingly, smoking emerged as a protective factor against maskne (OR = 0.481, p = 0.023). In the multiple linear regression model, adjusting for confounding factors, the clinical presence of maskne was independently associated with a 7.02-point higher T-AQOLS score (p < 0.001), demonstrating a severe impairment in the students' psychological and social well-being.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Maskne represents a significant occupational and psychological burden for dentistry students. Preventive strategies should focus on optimizing mask-wearing durations within safe limits and avoiding the application of potentially comedogenic dermocosmetics under the mask, alongside providing early psychosocial support for affected individuals.

Keywords: Dentistry, students, masks, acne vulgaris, quality of life