Since the start of Covid-19 its been mandatory for everyone to wear a face mask in order to stay safe.
The use of masks was a regular habit for some people like health professionals but now required in many public places, such as restaurants and grocery stores, as a barrier against the new coronavirus that spreads through respiratory droplets.
However, if used thoughtlessly, the masks can also cause unwanted side effects. If you develop breakouts from wearing a mask called Maskna, you’re not alone.
Maskne (mask acne) is a common side effect of using a mask. From obscured vision and generalized discomfort to skin irritations and restricted airflow, constantly wearing cloth masks, disposable masks, N-95 masks, and face shields can cause their own series of problems.
The most common problem that many people face is acne. This happens when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and dirt resulting in pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads.
Mask is also known to cause Rosacea ( Facial redness) which can lead to pimples and redness. The face skin is very sensitive and people can have allergies due to the material of the mask which can again cause a red rash along with irritation and blisters.
Regular use of mask can also cause Folliculitis. This is an infection of your hair follicles which causes bumps and looks like an acne breakout. You might also experience itchiness or pain.
Apart from this, you also might face difficulties in breathing normally, uneasiness, and pain in your ears due to the mask strap.
It’s important to take good care of our skin in order to control and prevent such mask acne.
1. Use gentle cleansers which are pH friendly for the skin. Excessive Use of skin cleansing products can induce changes in the skin surface pH and microflora negatively leading to acne
2. Use a pH balanced moisturiser that is not too oily and preferably in a lotion form
3. The oil and make-up clog the pores and causes pus-forming acne many times
4. Friction allergic dermatitis. Use appropriate max that suits your face and provides good protection. Make sure you clean or change your mask after every use. Selecting the mask wisely will give you a confirmation as if the Mask is too tight, the strap loops can cause friction burns on the backs of your ears.
5. Try not to wear a mask for too long continuously. When at home or not in the crowd, try to take a break after every 4 hours from the mask and expose the skin to the fresh air.
Some skin problems might take longer to get fixed. It’s always advised to consult your dermatologist and follow the treatment plan for quick results.
