Behind the Mask
Pic by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
Aesthetic Medicine
44
Karen Ellithorne looks at the rise of two new skin conditions resulting from the preventative wearing of facial masks, namely maskitis and maskne
W
earing a protective mask daily, covering the mouth and nose area when going out in public, has become a legislated necessity in order to protect the population from contracting COVID-19. Unfortunately, this practice has had a detrimental effect on the skin. Sandton-based dermatologist, Dr Lushen Pillay, says that a skin condition known as maskitis has become very common over recent months and can be easily confused with maskne. He notes that the symptoms and treatments of each condition are very different, with maskitis
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presenting as a dry and flaky rash. This rash can spread if left untreated. It is marked by small bumps, redness, inflammation and
We are seeing that more patients are suffering from maskitis than maskne, and genetic predisposition can be an underlying risk factor for developing the former. dry, flaky skin. “We are seeing that more patients are suffering from maskitis than maskne, and genetic predisposition can be
an underlying risk factor for developing the former. If you have a history of asthma, hay fever or eczema, or a positive family history, you’re more likely to develop maskitis,” comments Pillay. Maskne, on the other hand, says Pillay, often affects those who have a history of acne or oily, blemish-prone skin. However, having said this, maskne can affect anyone.
Cleanliness Lourette du Toit, manager of Dermology in Sandton, suggests that patients only apply clean hands onto clean skin, with the same applying to protective masks. She comments: “Make sure you wash your face morning and
