Embedded Files
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Beginning in March of 2020, mask-wearing has become mandatory while out in public to millions around the world, especially in the United States, due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, this can result in irritated skin and breakouts.
ATTACK PATHS
ATTACK PATHS
Economic: People are spending excessive amounts of money on masks and skincare products.
Technical: People are complaining about itches, rashes, and acne breakouts because of mask wearing.
Health & Safety: Masks are causing skin breakouts on those who wear them for excessive amounts of time.
ARTIFACTS
ARTIFACTS
Artifact 1:
Attack Path: Health and safety
Title: Skin Conditions, Explained
Citation:
Skin Conditions, Explained. (2017, May 01). Retrieved September 17, 2020, from https://www.health.com/condition/skin-conditions/skin-conditions
Abstract:
This article talks about the different skin conditions that people can have. They also discuss how they happen like that causes them. They also discuss how some are chronic conditions, but some like acne can have some ways that can help get rid of it. Like for acne, “Acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog the pores. Pimples under the skin’s surface that erupt with a white center are called whiteheads, while pimples exposed to air (called blackheads) look black. Other skin blemishes, including pink bumps; red, pus-filled pimples; nodules; or cysts, may form. Acne usually appears on the face, back, neck, chest, and shoulders. Teens are more prone to getting acne. Bacteria (P. acnes) and inflammation can play a role in determining when pimples crop up, as can changes in hormones (they trigger excess oil production, resulting in clogged pores). Topical treatments and other medicines can help unclog pores and prevent new breakouts.”
Evaluation:
This shows the background like different skin conditions people can get even without masks. This can help us see how skin conditions work and different solutions that may or may not work, and how masks can intensify these conditions like acne, and eczema.
Artifact 2:
Attack Path: Health and safety
Title: Suffering from breakouts under your mask? How to fight ‘Maskne.’
Citation:
Potts, D. J. (2020, August 17). Suffering from breakouts under your mask? How to fight 'maskne'. Retrieved September 17, 2020, from https://news.llu.edu/health-wellness/suffering-from-breakouts-under-your-mask-how-fight-maskne
Abstract:
This article shows us that masks can make people have acne like it says, “Allergic contact dermatitis – Some manufactured masks may contain a chemical that causes an allergic reaction. Formaldehyde and bronopol can be found in polypropylene surgical masks. Rosacea – Classically worsened by heat and stress, mask wearing can increase flares. Seborrheic dermatitis – It causes scaly plaques, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff. Folliculitis – When yeast or bacteria infect hair follicles.”
Evaluation:
This shows us that it is a problem because people are getting acne from masks. It gives us examples of what people can get from masks. Also shows that masks can intensify this problem when consent wearing for long hours.
Artifacts: Technical Attack Path (these also pertain to health and safety)
Artifact 3:
Attack Path: Technical (and Health)
Title: Maskne 101
Citation:
Sherwin, A. (2020). Maskne 101. Dance Spirit, 30.
Abstract: The article explores how to avoid pesky pimples while protecting ballet dancers under the preventive measures such as social distancing and medical masks for Covid-19, and informs about 'maskne', an increased irritation and acne from frequent mask-wearing during lockdowns. Topics include acne causing bacteria can transfer onto the mask or face; and using lightweight, oil-free sunscreens to avoid breakouts.
Evaluation: This artifact validates the issue of skin breaking out because of masks, revealing that many people complain about and face this issue. While this article solely talks about ballet dancers, anyone who is wearing a mask excessively throughout the day can face these same skin issues. This adds validity to our topic, as it is very relevant in today’s world.
Artifact #4:
Attack Path: Technical (and Health)
Title: Face Mask-induced Itch: A Self-questionnaire Study of 2,315 Responders During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Citation: SZEPIETOWSKI, J. C., MATUSIAK, Ł., SZEPIETOWSKA, M., KRAJEWSKI, P. K., & BIAŁYNICKI-BIRULA, R. (2020). Face Mask-induced Itch: A Self-questionnaire Study of 2,315 Responders During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 100(5), 1–5. https://doi-org.lrc-proxy.abtech.edu/10.2340/00015555-3536
Abstract: Little is known about itch related to the use of face masks. This internet survey study investigated the prevalence, intensity and clinical characteristics of itch related to the use of face masks by the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 2,315 replies were received, of which 2,307 were included in the final analysis. Of the respondents, 1,393 (60.4%) reported using face masks during the previous week, and of these, 273 (19.6%) participants reported having itch. Subjects who reported sensitive skin and atopic predisposition, and those with facial dermatoses (acne, atopic dermatitis or seborrhoeic dermatitis) were at significantly higher risk of itch development. The highest rating of itch for the whole group on the Itch Numeral Rating Scale was 4.07 ± 2.06 (itch of moderate intensity). Responders who wore masks for longer periods more frequently reported itch. Almost 30% of itchy subjects reported scratching their face without removing the mask, or after removing the mask and then scratching. Wearing face masks is linked to development of itch, and scratching can lead to incorrect use of face masks, resulting in reduced protection.
Evaluation: This article brings up not only acne, but itching resulting from wearing COVID masks. It also provides statistics, charts, and tables to depict all of this. It is shown that mask wearing can cause several kinds of problems, such as acne, irritation, AND itching, which is not ideal for anyone.
Artifacts: Economic Attack Path
Artifact 5:
Attack Path: Economic
Title: Cost-effectiveness analysis of N95 respirators and medical masks to protect healthcare workers in China from respiratory infections
Citation:
Mukerji, Shohini et al. “Cost-effectiveness analysis of N95 respirators and medical masks to protect healthcare workers in China from respiratory infections.” BMC infectious diseases vol. 17,1 464. 3 Jul. 2017, doi:10.1186/s12879-017-2564-9
Abstract:
There is a huge price difference between N-95 maks and regular surgical ones. Cost-effectiveness analysis is required to assist decision-makers evaluating alternative healthcare worker (HCW) mask/respirator strategies.This study was conducted to see if there is any difference in wearing one mask over the other because of how much more expensive one is.
Evaluation:
This helps us know what specifically our product should be like cost wise. It gives the amount that people are spending on masks which helps us know our target market. This will allow us to know the pricing of our product and what people will buy.
Artifact 6:
Attack Path: Economic
Title: Low-Cost Measurement of Face Mask Efficacy for Filtering Expelled Droplets during Speech
Citation:
Fischer, Emma P. “Low-Cost Measurement of Face Mask Efficacy for Filtering Expelled Droplets during Speech.” ScienceAdvances , 2 Sept. 2020, https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/36/eabd3083.
Abstract:
Mandates for mask use in public during the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, worsened by global shortage of commercial supplies, has caused people to start making products such as masks from home. The CDC recommends wearing masks so people have spent their time figuring out new at home solutions instead of paying for expensive masks from stores.
Evaluation:
This article helps with discussing the homemade options for COVID-19 masks. We can use this towards our project to help us find what has already been created and the costs of each of these, plus their impact on the economy. With all the missing supplies such as fabrics and specific elastic, this could create a potential issue in the future.
MARKET RESEARCH
MARKET RESEARCH
Chart 1: What kind of masks do our respondents wear? This is important to determine what is most commonly worn by people experiencing breakouts.
Chart 1: What kind of masks do our respondents wear? This is important to determine what is most commonly worn by people experiencing breakouts.
Chart 2: Our second question asked how long our respondents wore their masks. Our data concluded that it was almost a three-way tie, but the majority wear their masks for four or more hours. This is important to see the correspondence between the number of hours of wearing masks and acne breakouts.
Chart 2: Our second question asked how long our respondents wore their masks. Our data concluded that it was almost a three-way tie, but the majority wear their masks for four or more hours. This is important to see the correspondence between the number of hours of wearing masks and acne breakouts.
Chart 3: Our next question asked the age of our respondents. The majority of our respondents were 17, followed by 16, then 18. This is important to know who our product will be most helpful to.
Chart 3: Our next question asked the age of our respondents. The majority of our respondents were 17, followed by 16, then 18. This is important to know who our product will be most helpful to.
Chart 4: We then asked about skin type. From this question, we were able to determine that the majority of our respondents had normal/combination skin which can help us in developing our solution.
Chart 4: We then asked about skin type. From this question, we were able to determine that the majority of our respondents had normal/combination skin which can help us in developing our solution.
Chart 5: Lastly, we needed to know if people were actually experiencing breakouts. Almost 75% of our respondents said that they had experienced breakouts since mask-wearing has been mandated. This reveals that this topic is very relevant in today's world.
Chart 5: Lastly, we needed to know if people were actually experiencing breakouts. Almost 75% of our respondents said that they had experienced breakouts since mask-wearing has been mandated. This reveals that this topic is very relevant in today's world.
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