The use of masks in a hospital environment

Filipa Costeira
Interna de Radiologia, Hospital de Braga 

In the current pandemic context, the use of a face mask is essential in everyone's daily life. In a hospital context, there are different types of masks available, depending on the type of activity performed and the proximity of the contact that it requires.

The high number of hours of use causes some difficulties associated with the use of this type of protective material, namely the adaptation of the material to the face contour, which can decrease its effectiveness. In association, I highlight the potential development of contact dermatitis at the points where the material touches the skin surface, as well as other skin pathologies, such as acne, that develop due to the humid and hot environment that is generated inside the mask.