Case Reports of Treating Auricular Keloids from Prolonged Mask Use in Hong Kong: Mask-Induced Ear Keloids

The COVID-19 pandemic mandated the widespread and prolonged use of facial masks, particularly in regions with stringent public health measures like Hong Kong. This report documents two cases of auricular keloids secondary to repetitive, mask-related ear trauma, a novel complication not yet widely documented in dermatological literature. Both patients, a 32-year-old male security worker and a 32-year-old male engineer, had no prior history of keloids but developed them on their ear helices after sustained mask use. Case 1 experienced recurrent keloids despite initial treatments but achieved resolution with a multimodal approach. Case 2 was treated successfully with a combination of cryosurgery, excision, and pressure therapy. These cases highlight mechanical friction and pressure from mask straps as emerging aetiological factors for keloid formation. The success of the multimodal therapeutic approaches suggests promising avenues for managing similar complications and underscores the need for preventive strategies in occupations requiring prolonged mask use.