Face masks can reduce the frequency of face touching: an observational crossover study

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze face-touching patterns with and without a face mask.

Methods: The behavior of face touching with and without a mask during an interview was assessed in 40 individuals. The frequency of touching in different areas of the face covered by the mask was compared with areas not covered by the face mask.

Results: There was an increase in the number of individuals who touched the hair and the eye when they were not wearing the mask. There was an increase in the number of touches on the lips and hair when individuals were not wearing the face mask. When analyzing the area covered by the face mask, no difference was observed in the number of touches while using or not using masks. However, when the area not covered by a face mask was analyzed, a higher number of touches in individuals without masks was observed when compared with individuals wearing masks.

Conclusion: Using a face mask can reduce or change the face-touching patterns in normal individuals, especially in areas not covered by the mask. Using face masks can possibly reduce the chances of being infected by autoinoculation.

Keywords: Face touching; Facemask; Health behavior; Prevention.