In the face of the increasingly complicated Covid-19 epidemic in many countries around the world, most people choose to use a mask to prevent the risk of infection. However, wearing a face mask continuously like this can easily cause some people to develop skin irritation or breakouts.
During the current Covid-19 epidemic, medical face masks are being used more and more. But we must also note that wearing must ensure standard to promote disease prevention and safety for the health of users.
Wear a medical mask properly
Quality medical masks need to ensure a clean and properly disinfected surface, with no holes or linters, and at the same time not cause skin irritation to the wearer’s face. In addition, the mask strap must be sewn firmly to the 4 corners, with good elasticity to be worn easily. The nose splint part is made from plastic or metal, with the effect of clamping the mask snugly on the bridge of the nose.
Although there are no mandatory requirements on the design, the design of the medical mask must ensure that the nose and mouth are covered, and the face is tightly held when worn. Medical face masks today usually have about 3-4 layers of non-woven, air permeable without water, flat and pleated. In addition, antibacterial medical face masks need to add an additional layer of antibacterial effects.
There are many users complaining about acne and allergies from wearing masks
Allergy and acne due to wearing a surgical face mask
Head of Social Work Department, Doctor of Stem Cell Technology Research and Application Department, Dermatology Central Hospital Dang Bich Diep said that wearing a mask too much will cause Our skin is breathless, sweat-free and prone to infection. In addition, poor quality face masks and substandard materials can also cause skin irritation and acne.
There are also some cases of wearing a mask and then a red, itchy rash develops. This is an allergic reaction of the skin to contact with substances or objects containing allergens. The most obvious manifestation is red, watery, itchy, inflamed skin at many exposed sites.
Skin reactions may appear the first time they are exposed, but usually appear after intermittent contacts, 5-7 days after the first exposure. In the masks you use every day can contain a lot of chemicals that cause skin allergies, such as dyes, chemical preparations, bleach, disinfectants …
Depending on the level of reaction, the symptoms in each person. a different one. For example, common local symptoms are itching, red inflammation, edema oozing in the exposed skin, the itch is especially uncomfortable. If it appears many times, the skin will thicken because of frequent scratching and rubbing.
If the skin reaction is severe, often caused by chemicals in industry or agriculture, the symptoms listed above can be scattered all over the body. Sometimes the disease is accompanied by hives. Or in people who may have allergies, bronchial asthma before, there will be an asthma attack.
To get better, you must find chemicals or items that contact dermatitis. After that, we can eliminate, if we do not use the reactive products anymore, the disease will naturally improve or heal.
Face Mask material can also cause allergies
Treatment for patients with mild contact dermatitis
If the person with contact dermatitis only oozes and itchy in small areas of skin, you can apply Milian solution, Gentian purple, wash purple or mild corticoide cream like Cortibion. However, it is very important to note that if it has been applied for 3 days but does not improve, it should be examined immediately. Absolutely do not apply the drug more than 3 days or too many times.
In addition, you must also avoid applying antibiotic powders such as Penicilline or Tetracyline … on the itchy, watery skin. For severe, widespread, and more reactive itching, patients need to see their doctor right away for proper treatment. Doctor Dang Bich Diep also recommends that people do the following to limit skin irritation or acne caused by wearing a face mask:
- Before wearing, before and after removing the mask, hands should be washed.
- You must also avoid touching the outside of the mask after removing it as it can contain germs.
- After removing the mask, fold it so that the outside folds inwards. Then put them in plastic bags or paper bags before disposing of them in the garbage with a lid.
- If the mask is dirty or contaminated (splashed secretions, blood …) or is torn, replace it immediately.
- To limit uneven skin color caused by wearing a mask, you should use extra sunscreen.
- When wearing a mask, limit excessive moisture or heavy makeup.
- After using, be sure to wash your face with clean water.
Dirty or contaminated masks must be replaced immediately
Hopefully with the above information, we have somewhat known how to limit acne and allergies when wearing a medical face mask regularly during the Covid-19 epidemic season. If you accidentally get it, you will also know how to handle it early to avoid worsening the skin condition.
