What’s Hiding Behind My Mask?
Mask-ne!
There's no doubt that wearing a mask is beneficial to our health and safety as it protects us from various infections. Especially now, during our COVID19 pandemic, a mask plays a vital role in preventing person-to-person transmission and is essential. However, it has its fair share of annoying side effects.
Difficulty breathing, skin rashes, itchiness, swelling, sweating, and headache are some of the adverse effects of prolonged mask use. But one thing's for sure; skin-related conditions take the lion's share of the side effects when wearing face masks.
This post gives insights into the skin conditions that can get worse under your mask, how to prevent, as well as treat them.
Acne
Acne is a common skin condition causing pimples, cysts and scars on the face, back, arms, neck, shoulders, and chest. It mostly affects teenagers in puberty, and often adults as well. Some of the causative effects include genetics, stress, humid and hot climates, menstrual cycle, using oily make-ups, and now prolonged use of masks.
How to Prevent Acne
Keep your face clean - whether you have acne or not, it's paramount to wash your face at least twice a day to lift impurities, dead cells, and excessive oil.
Moisturize - if you're already using an acne treatment, it's essential to moisturize because most acne treatments have ingredients that dry your skin. Moisturizing also adds another barrier to irritants harboring in your mask. Healthy eating – Avoid dairy and high sugar foods.
Avoid direct sunlight - UV rays cause excessive inflammation, redness and burning.
How to Treat Acne
A combination of over-the-counter medications, prescription medications or in-office peels, lasers are needed. These include:
OTC treatments for acne contain ingredients like lactic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid.
Laser treatment – reduces redness, scarring and active acne.
Dapsone - a gel used to curb the inflammatory effects of acne.
Oral antibiotics - recommended if inflammation is severe.
Retinoids - drugs that prevent the clogging of hair follicles, thus limiting pimples.
Acne extraction - this involves the use of specialized procedures to extract pimples. Dermatologists also use corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation and scarring.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is another skin disease that can get worse under your face mask. The condition causes itchy, scaly patches, skin redness and rashes. Though it predominantly affects the scalp, it can also effect oily parts of the skin like the ears, face, eyebrows, and chest.
How to Prevent Seborrheic Dermatitis
Eat foods that boosts your immunity. Make a habit of eating green veggies, almonds, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, foods and fruits rich in antioxidants, Vitamin E and C.
Opting for fabric caps and sweaters instead of wool ones.
How to Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
If symptoms persist, you should see a dermatologist for recommendations and prescription medications. These include:
Anti-fungal medications, gels and shampoos
Corticosteroid lotions
Sulfur products
Irritant Dermatitis
When skin contacts an irritant or allergen, it may become red, itchy, or inflamed, a condition known as irritant dermatitis. For instance, when wearing a face mask for too long, your skin gets exposed to such substances as sweat, makeup, and carbon dioxide emissions, which may cause irritation.
How to Prevent Irritant Dermatitis
If you apply makeup under your mask, purchase products labelled "unscented" or "hypoallergenic" and use mineral make-up.
Cease from using a new product should you notice early signs of irritant dermatitis.
How to Treat Irritant Dermatitis
If skincare techniques fail to deliver results, then visit a dermatologist for:
Anti-itch creams - corticosteroid creams will help treat inflammation and itching.
Oral steroids - if the symptoms don't go away, oral steroids like Prednisone can relieve symptoms.
Immunosuppressive medications - dermatologists usually administer this treatment when symptoms are severe.
Rosacea
Do ever notice redness or visible blood vessels on your skin upon removing your face mask after a long day at work? That could be a sign that you have or are at risk of getting rosacea. It's a skin condition that causes bumps and acne-like symptoms on affected areas, usually the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, ears, and chest.
How to Prevent Rosacea
More often than not, symptoms come and disappear after a few weeks. But prevention and avoiding triggers is key to keep rosacea from flaring.
Avoid products containing alcohol, exfoliating agents, or menthol.
Avoid direct sunlight as UV rays may accelerate inflammation.
Wear wide-brimmed hats when going outside.
Avoid overheating.
Avoid hot beverages.
How to Treat Rosacea
Some common treatments include:
Oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, erythromycin, and metronidazole.
Skin cleansers, moisturizes, and oil-free cosmetics.
Lasers and light treatments.
Wrap Up
Acne, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Irritant Dermatitis, and Rosacea are just a few skin conditions that may be hiding behind your mask. Other side effects that are equally discomforting include limited aeration, carbon dioxide toxicity, compromised immunity, visual impairment, etc.
The good news is a dermatologist can help you overcome all of these conditions while wearing a mask. Here at Pacific Coast Dermatology, we specialize in medical and cosmetic dermatology. We have medical grade skincare products to help keep your skin healthy and vibrant. Schedule an appointment today to restore your skin health as you keep safe from coronavirus and continue to wear your mask. Wearing a mask helps keeps you and everyone around you safe and healthy.