TAMPA, Fla. — While a mask can help provide a layer of protection from coronavirus, the facial coverings can cause a different type of problem for some people.
What You Need To Know
- Tampa dermatologist seeing more patients with skin issues due to masks
- Skin issues include acne, rosacea, parioral dermatitis
- Dr. recommends tips like, wash face with gentle soap, use mild moisturizer, wear mask properly
-Advertisement-
- More coronavirus news
A local dermatologist says patients are complaining of skin conditions as a result of wearing the masks.
“We are seeing different conditions, starting from the normal acne, some other ones called rosacea, which is more of a pimply rash on the face in patients that have sensitive skin, another one called parioral dermatitis,” said Dr. Maria Hicks, a Dermatologist at ForCare Medical Center.
The results mean rashes, red, itchy, and irritated skin.
“The mask is a close fit when we put it around our face,” said Dr. Hicks. “We’re breathing into it, we sweat, so there is more moisture, and if people wear more makeup or heavy moisturizer everything is going to create more occlusion, so it might occlude or block the pores a little more.”
With more mask mandates in effect across the Bay Area, Dr. Hicks said there are things you can do to protect your skin while following guidelines.
“Use a gentle wash, unscented, not so strong so you’re not stripping the oils from the skin,” said Dr. Hicks. “You can apply a mild gentle moisturizer or sunscreen.”
The doctor has some tips if you do start to notice a problem.
“Soaps that have sulphur in it are gentle and they help with inflammation,” suggests Dr. Hicks. “Things that have like benzoyl peroxide that you treat acne with but be very careful what you do, it will be the lower concentrations the ones that are best.”
And of course, one of the best things you can do is make sure you are wearing your mask correctly.
Dr. Hicks reminds the darker part of the disposable mask goes toward the outside, the lighter side goes toward your face.
Press the mold of the nose to your face and pull down the lower portion of the mask. Dr. Hicks says one of the biggest mistakes she sees is people wearing the mask so it does not cover the nose.
“This is not helping at all,” said Dr. Hicks.
She reminds people to wash their hands after touching their masks and recommends face washing morning and night to help protect it from that mask.
