Francesca Ghini, Mehul Thakkar, Florin Panduru, Bartlomiej Bednarz
Dangers of wearing facial mask with facial burns – two case reports
Objectives
Recent Covid 19 pandemic saw governments enforce mask wearing as a preventive measure. Although Europe is now recovering from the latest wave and new variants seem less virulent, there is a chance that wearing face masks will be reintroduced at some point. Although there are some exceptions, majority of people are required to wear a face mask. This can present a problem in some subgroup of plastic and burn surgery patients. We present two cases where such mask could potentially create a scar.
Methods: A case presentation based on the medical notes and medical photographs. Literature research was performed by searching Medline with the terms facial [and] cover [or] mask [and] burn.
Results:
We present a case of facial superficial partial thickness sun burn, in a fit and well 14 yo who went paddle boarding without any sunscreen for 4 hours. This resulted in erythema on his arms and legs and face but significant blistering around the posterior part of the ears where his mask was worn.
The second case was a 51yo female with background of diabetes and hypertension. She presented with chemical burn to her left cheek following accidental application of anti-wart cream consisting of 12% salicylic acid and 4% lactic acid. At the point of presentation her burns were considered superficial but with areas corresponding to contact/pressure zone with the mask which looked slightly deeper. This can be seen on the photographs. Patient was advised to not to wear a mask and she was treated conservatively without any significant sequelae. No literature was found describing similar cases.
Conclusion:
Face masks can cause facial burns to deepen due to both pressure and friction over contact points. We suggest that at the point of referral patients are exempted from wearing facial covering to decrease a chance of potential scarring from deeper burn. Literature research provides no significant reports on facial masks and burns however there are some reports with regards to other surgical wounds around face.

P.090 Dangers of wearing facial mask with facial burns - two case reports

Dear friends and colleagues,

We will be pleased to welcome you in Turin (Italy) for the 19th European Burns Association´s Congress in 2022. Italy is honored to hold the meeting of the European Burns Association for the second time, after Verona in 1995. Turin is easily reachable from everywhere in Europe, either travelling by car, train or choosing flight connections. During the meeting, held in the renewed industrial center of the main Italian historical automotive factory (i.e. Lingotto-FIAT), we will meet international burn specialists, focusing on standards of care, progresses in burn treatment, strategies to face disaster situations, with a special attention to education of younger colleagues. However, in your spare time, you might enjoy the sweet days of Italian late summer, simply wandering in the green parks and gardens along the two rivers which cross the city, or you might decide to discover the numerous art galleries, churches, palaces, libraries, walking across elegant squares and large boulevards, passing through centuries of art and history; finally, you may choose to immerse yourself in some of the most exciting museum experiences, such as the Cinema Museum and the Turin’s Egyptian museum.

Looking forward to seeing you all in Turin for the 19th European Association´s Congress in 2022!
Maurizio Stella, Congress President, Turin Burn Centre