Key clinical point: Face masks worn during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the quality of life by covering facial eczemas and increased the efficacy of dupilumab therapy by minimizing exposure to allergens and air pollution in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).
Major finding: Although the prevalence of facial eczema was similar before and after the COVID-19 pandemic ( P = .7618), patients with AD showed improved Dermatology Life Quality Index scores at baseline (13.14 vs. 23.06; P < .0001) along with a higher reduction in Eczema Area and Severity Index scores after 16 weeks of dupilumab treatment (−21.46 vs. −17.83; P = .0001) in the post- vs. pre-pandemic period.
Study details: Findings are from a retrospective study including 64 adults with moderate-to-severe AD who were assessed for facial involvement at baseline and after 16 weeks of dupilumab therapy in both the pre- and post-pandemic periods.
Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Source: Vanessa M et al. Facial dermatoses and use of protective mask during Covid-19 pandemic: A clinical and psychological evaluation in patients affected by moderate–severe atopic dermatitis under treatment with dupilumab. Dermatol Ther. 2022; e15573 (May 10). Doi: 10.1111/dth.15573