Face masks are becoming a regular part of our lives in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. In order to provide a barrier against the new coronavirus, which transmits by respiratory droplets, they are now necessary for many public spaces, including restaurants and grocery shops.
You are not alone if wearing a face mask causes you breakouts. A typical adverse effect of wearing a mask is this ailment, sometimes referred to as “mask” (mask acne).
But make doesn’t only make you break out in pimples. Additionally, it could cause skin problems including redness, bumpiness, and irritation. Additionally, it may cause dermatitis and folliculitis.
Read on if you’re worried about masks, whether it’s acne or other skin eruptions brought on by the usage of face masks. We’ll look into the causes and possible solutions.
Understanding make skin conditions
The word “mask” is often used to refer to a variety of skin issues that may result from covering one’s face or wearing a mask.
Acne is one example. When your pores are blocked with debris, oil, and dead skin cells, acne develops. It may result in blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. It may impact anybody, but it is more likely to do so if you have a history of acne. It appears to be the most typical. People who use respirators and surgical face masks are referred to as Trusted Sources.
Rosacea
Wearing a mask when suffering from rosacea may trigger flare-ups. Pimples and redness may result from this.
Contact dermatitis with irritants
When you have an allergy or sensitivity to the material of your mask, contact dermatitis might result. It could cause a red rash, discomfort, and blisters. The cheekbones and the bridge of the nose are often affected by this most prevalent kind of mask response. More susceptible individuals are those who wear a mask continuously for 6 hours or longer and those with damaged skin barriers. Skin ulceration and dry, scaly areas are only a few symptoms.
Atopic dermatitis
Because of the irritating impact of wearing a mask, skin symptoms, also known as atopic dermatitis, might occur or worsen in those whose skin is sensitive due to eczema.
Dermatitis of the periosteum
In this disease, little pimples form around the lips and eyes. It may occur when wearing a mask, after applying makeup or corticosteroid treatments, or seemingly out of the blue.
Folliculitis
An infection of your hair follicles called folliculitis results in pimples that resemble an acne outbreak. You could also feel itchy or uncomfortable.
Urticaria
Some kinds of face masks‘ downward pressure or exposure to allergens like latex in people who are vulnerable might cause hives or blisters. Pressure urticaria may manifest instantly or over the course of a day. Normally, allergic urticaria develops immediately and goes away 24 hours after the trigger is removed.
Seborrheic dermatitis
The scalp, forehead, brows, and wrinkles around the nose and lips are the major areas where greasy yellow scales appear in this kind of dermatitis.
You may be more prone to getting made if you already have one of these disorders, although wearing a mask often may also cause symptoms to appear for the first time.
Due to the material and the way certain face masks and face coverings, including those used in a medical environment, are fitted, they may induce more severe skin changes.
What triggers it?
The precise reason of your symptoms may differ since maskne may entail a variety of skin disorders.
Mask is often the consequence of blocked pores. On your skin, there are already dead skin cells, germs, and oil. However, these compounds might accumulate more and clog your pores while you’re wearing a mask.
A mask also collects moisture from your respiration and perspiration, which might make acne more likely.
Friction is another conceivable factor. Your skin may chafe and get irritated if a face covering rubs against it.
Alternatively, you can be allergic or sensitive to the material used for your face mask. Some face masks include a chemical pretreatment or have a harsh sensation on the skin. In a similar vein, discomfort might result from washing a mask in a fragrant detergent.
Treatment for maskne
Even if you have the mask, you must continue to wear a face mask. One of the greatest methods to shield yourself and others around you from COVID-19 is to cover your mouth and nose.
Finding the right face masks may aid in the prevention of making, but there are other methods to deal with symptoms should they appear.
Let’s look more closely.
Frequent face washing
Maintain your normal skincare regimen during the pandemic to keep your skin healthy.
This involves washing your face after sweating or donning face masks, as well as once in the morning, once at night, and once in the middle of the day.
Use warm (not hot) water to cleanse your face. With a fresh towel, pat your skin dry. Do not massage your skin as this may irritate it. Use inexpensive cleaners and soaps.
Utilize a mild cleaner
Extra oil, perspiration, and germs may be eliminated with the use of a mild cleaner. Avoid using cleaners with alcohol or scent in them. These components may irritate you and make it more difficult for your symptoms to get better.
Try a medicated cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide if your acne is more severe.
Ask your doctor or dermatologist what sort of medicated cleanser is best for your skin if you have sensitive skin.
Use a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic
Apply a moisturizer to your face after washing it to keep your skin nourished. Use a non-comedogenic product to prevent pore clogging.
Apply a ceramide-containing moisturizer and cortisone cream
If the main symptoms of your acne are itchiness and raw skin, you may wish to treat the region with light cortisone cream and ceramide-containing moisturizer. This may lessen itchiness and irritation while also protecting your skin.
Stop applying makeup
While you are treating mask, avoid wearing makeup. Cosmetics like blush, concealer, and foundation may clog your pores and slow healing.
