Mask ACNE

The Recommended Face Mask and the associated skin problems

by D Kishore Yellumahanthi, MD, MPH, FAAFP

The Covid-19 pandemic, needless to say, has changed many ways we live. One of the significant changes that it brought into our lives is daily usage of facial masks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people wear masks in public settings, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people. Currently, masks are also required on air planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

While, undoubtedly, wearing these masks reduce our risk of contacting corona virus, they seem to be causing some skin issues in certain individuals.

In this article, we will discuss briefly the type of skin issues that can occur secondary to wearing facial masks, how masks cause these skin issues and what can be done to reduce their chances of occurrence.

What skin issues can facial masks cause?

The common skin issues that are being encountered due to wearing masks are acne and other break outs of the skin, itching, dryness of the skin that is right under the mask. ‘Maskne’ is the word coined during Covid-19 pandemic to describe the acne that occurred secondary to wearing facial masks.

How do facial masks cause skin issues?

Acne: There are two ways how masks can cause acne. 1. Wearing masks can create a humid “tropical” skin microclimate. This humid environment causes acne as it leads to build up of sweat and oil on the skin under the mask. 2. By simple pilosebaceous duct occlusion due to local pressure on the skin from the close‐fitting masks.

Non-acne breakouts of the skin: Sometimes skin break out in the mask area can occur due to contact dermatitis to the material of the mask that is right above the skin.

Dryness: Some masks can absorb the natural moisture on the face and can cause drying out of the skin in the area.

Itching: Any of the above can cause itching.

What can be done to prevent them?

Cleanse your face daily. Gentle skincare can prevent skin problems. When washing the face, usage of a mild, fragrance-free cleanser is recommended.

As dry skin is a common face mask skin problem, applying moisturizer daily would be also helpful.

Skip the makeup when wearing a mask. Beneath a mask, makeup is more likely to clog the pores and leadto breakouts. If makeup is really necessary, please make sure products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won't clog pores.” are only used.

Take a 15-minute mask break every 4 hours. Please make sure you remove your mask when it’s safe to do so and after washing your hands.
Examples of safe places to remove your mask include: at home, inside your car when you are alone, outdoors, when you can stay atleast six feet away from people.

Wear the right mask. To reduce the possibility of having skin problems, choose the masks that offer the following: at least two layers of fabric 100% cotton fabric, on the inside layer that rests against your skin, a snug, but make sure it is a comfortable fit.

If a cloth mask, is allowed in your work area and you wish to wear one, wearing a 100% cotton cloth mask is recommended. Also, washing your cloth masks daily is recommended.

Washing it removes oils and skin cells that collect inside the mask, that could lead to askin problem.
You can wash a cloth mask in a washing machine or by hand. Both ways remove germs and other particles. Make sure to follow the washing instructions on each mask. Washing the masks in hot water is preferable, unless the instructions say otherwise. Use a fragrance free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent.

Despite following the above measures, if still skin issues are persisting, please contact your healthcare provider for advice. Also, I would like to emphasize that these skin issues caused by facial masks, should not prevent you from wearing them and facial masks need to be worn at all times and at all places recommended by CDC and your State Public health professionals.

Reference: www. aad.org

Inside Medicine | Volume 3 Issue 19 25