Do you know, prolonged wearing of a facemask can cause skin problems?

25 Oct Do you know, prolonged wearing of a facemask can cause skin problems?

Your face mask is working double duty to protect everyone from an infection or viruses: It protects you from spreading your germs and can stop other germs from getting into you. The government has made it mandatory to wear a face mask in public as a health intervention to restrict the spread of coronavirus. However, if used inconsiderately, face masks can also cause unwanted side effects. Here’s what Dr. Lipy Gupta, the best dermatologist in Delhi says about what they are and how to prevent them.

Important potential side effects of wearing face masks:

1. They can cause skin irritation: When vapor, saliva, sweat, moisture gets stuck between the mask and the skin. It causes irritation which leads to rashes, redness, scaling near the nose areas.
2. Change in the skin pigment: As a result of excessive outbreaks, repetitive friction, and dry skin, the pigment of skin might change.
3. Sores or infections on the nose and behind the ears: Long time usage of masks can cause redness on the nose and behind the ears as the elastic pressure starts to hurt these areas.
4. Breathlessness: Face masks can make breathing more difficult especially when the weather is hot and humid. You should not wear masks while exercising as masks may reduce the ability to breathe, may cause allergies, itchiness, and redness on the skin.

How to protect yourself from the side effects of wearing a face mask?

• Do not touch your face constantly, it can not only spread the disease, but it can also spread germs that can cause skin infections.
• Eat fresh fruits and veggies.
• Drink lots of water to avoid acne and dryness of the skin.
• If you have oily skin, keep washing your face regularly.
• If you have dry skin, it’s best to put on moisturizer before wearing a mask.
• If you have sensitive skin, you have to avoid makeup under your mask and to cleanse your face before and after wearing a mask, because makeup you use on your face can rub off on your mask, making your skin difficult to breathe.
• If you are a continual use of the mask, massage your face with a good moisturizer at bedtime.
• Do not use any kind of chemicals if you have a rash on your skin.
• Wash and moisturize your ear lobes regularly.
• Use a correctly-fitted and comfortable mask.

So what’s the best kind of face mask, we use?

We should use the face masks that—

• fit comfortably against the side of the face
• is secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restraint
• is easily washable without damage or change to the shape

Wearing face masks is the ‘new normal’, and this is possible to continue for quite some time. During this time, it is important for us to take all the precautions we can to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being. If you are having a continuous burning sensation, then it’s time to consult Dr. Lipy Gupta, one of the best dermatologist in Delhi, and book an appointment.