Behind the mask

Pic by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

Karen Ellithorne looks at the rise of two new skin conditions resulting from the preventative wearing of facial masks, namely maskitis and maskne

Wearing 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 presenting as a dry and flaky rash. This rash can spread if left untreated. It is marked by small bumps, redness, inflammation and 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.

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

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

evening with a good skin cleanser to ensure all the sweat, dirt and make-up that got trapped under the mask during the day are completely removed. A clean mask is super-important, as it will help prevent the spread and cause of new breakouts.”

Pillay adds: “Rather use a disposable mask every day and try to remove the mask when alone in a room, to give your skin time to breathe and recover. Keep your skin regime simple and avoid applying too many products. Your night time regime is probably the most important – cleanse gently and try using an anti-inflammatory product with niacinamide, and try to avoid alcohol based products.”

Du Toit suggests a soft cloth mask, buff or even a face shield as a better option for those suffering from maskitis, as you want to avoid or limit the constant friction on the skin.

Treatment

“We have seen multiple patients at Dermology who think they have maskne, but in fact they had maskitis,” she continues. “Because the two are very different, they need to be treated entirely differently. A maskne antibacterials, which will help to target bacteria and inflammation caused by blemishes. He advises that you see your doctor if it doesn’t clear up to prevent the formation of scars.

“As we are dealing with active breakouts and excess oil production, a combination of peels and light works very well in salon. My favourites are DermaQuest’s Pumpkin Peel and our Forever Clear BBL,” says du Toit.

Pillay suggests that when it comes to dealing with maskitis, it’s important to keep the skin hydrated and to use a gentle, soap-free cleanser twice a day. Use a good sunscreen and try to minimise make-up or pore clogging products in the mask area. Use products with anti-inflammatory ingredients, especially those containing niacinamide. Avoid using detergent or products with fragrance, which cause irritation.

Du Toit highly recommends Thoclor’s GF1 when treating maskitis. “Its anti-inflammatory properties helps to reduce inflammation and heal the skin quicker with much less risk of complications such as infection or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” she says.

The very best option for both conditions, says du Toit, is PDT Light. “This treatment often gets underrated in clinics, but I have seen major improvement in inflammatory skin conditions

Because maskne and maskitis are very different, they need to be treated entirely differently. A maskne treatment on skin presenting as maskitis can worsen the condition dramatically.

treatment on skin presenting as maskitis can worsen the condition dramatically.”

When treating maskne, Pillay recommends that you use products that target acne, focusing on acids like salicylic acid, azelaic acid, retinoids and topical by adding this simple treatment protocol.”

Prevention is ultimately better than cure, so take this opportunity in your practices and salons to educate your customers on the importance of daily skin hygiene and regular professional treatments.

Photo by Engin Akyurt on Unsplash

Contributors

Dr Lushen Pillay

is a consultant dermatologist at Wits University, where he completed his postgraduate degree as well as a Masters in Dermatology. He founded Skinderm, a discrete skin clinic based in Morningside, Sandton.

Lourette du Toit is an award winning manager and dermal aesthetician with over 14 years’ experience in the industry. She currently runs a big medical aesthetic practice in the heart of Sandton, and helped grow the business from strength to strength for the past seven years. She is also actively involved in the industry by writing articles for wellknown magazines, presenting at aesthetic congresses and lecturing at educational institutes.

A qualified aesthetician, Karen Ellithorne has been actively involved in the skincare industry since 1992, working as a lecturer and therapist, as well as successfully importing and distributing various products throughout South Africa.

karen@spaandsalonsolutions.co.za