Maskne: What is it and how to avoid – Medical News Today

Health authorities worldwide recommend people wear face masks to slow the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. While face coverings help keep individuals safe, they may also irritate the skin. Regularly washing masks and following a skin care routine may help reduce maskne.

Many places may require people to wear face masks in public, including restaurants, bars, and grocery stores. Although face masks help keep individuals safe from the novel coronavirus, they can cause a condition known as maskne.

The humid and occlusive environment inside the mask, in combination with friction, can trap moisture from breathing, talking, or sweating. These factors may also lead to the skin becoming irritated. This can then result in several skin conditions that people may refer to as maskne.

This article explores maskne and its potential causes. It also suggests how individuals may treat and prevent possible skin irritation.

The term maskne was originally a reference to the development of acne after wearing a face covering or mask. Previously, people may have used the term acne mechanica to describe acne due to friction and pressure on the skin, such as from wearing a mask.

However, the term maskne now encompasses several skin conditions that wearing a face mask can cause, including:

In addition to irritating the skin and potentially causing skin conditions, people who are already living with skin conditions may find that wearing a mask worsens symptoms.

Various causes can lead to an individual developing maskne. Acne or facial rashes can occur due to a mask trapping sweat and humid moisture, in addition to friction from the mask repeatedly rubbing against the skin.

The occlusive environment can trap moisture and sebum, which can aggravate existing acne or cause new breakouts by clogging pores. Heat and sweat may also cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and raw.

Friction may also lead to chafing, redness, flaking, and peeling skin. In some cases, it can also cause sores.

Additionally, if an individual is allergic to the material in certain masks, this can also cause skin irritation or an allergic outbreak. Using a scented detergent to wash the mask may also trigger skin issues.

Although people may find maskne uncomfortable, they must still protect themselves and others from SARS-CoV-2 infections by wearing a mask. Some ways that individuals may try to treat their maskne symptoms include:

People can follow a gentle skin care routine to prevent skin irritation. Dermatologists recommended limiting face washing to twice a day and after sweating.

Use a mild, fragrance-free facial cleanser to wash the face, and do not use hot water. Instead of rubbing the skin, a person can pat the skin dry gently using a clean towel.

Using a gentle cleanser can help individuals remove dirt, germs, oil, and sweat from the skin, which can trigger maskne. If people have sensitive skin, they can consult with a dermatologist about suitable cleansers.

Dry skin commonly causes problems with face masks, such as irritation and raw skin. People can apply moisturizers to the skin after washing to protect against dryness and irritation.

Dermatologists may recommend choosing a moisturizer that contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or dimethicone.

A person can also consider choosing a skin moisturizer that is formulated for their skin type to prevent breakouts.

Individuals with oily skin, or those experiencing hot and humid weather, may wish to choose a gel moisturizer. People with normal or combination skin can opt for a lotion, while those with dry skin can choose a cream.

If a person is receiving treatment for an existing skin condition, such as acne, rosacea, or eczema, they should continue following the treatment their doctor recommends. Typically, this may include using certain creams or antibiotics to treat and relieve symptoms.

Masks are likely to be part of daily life for the foreseeable future. With this in mind, following the below prevention tips may help prevent maskne.

Healthcare organizations typically recommend that people wash their cloth masks after using them to remove pathogens, oils, and skin cells that can cause maskne.

Individuals can choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent and allow the mask to dry completely before use. Additionally, ensure that after washing, the covering still fits well.

When wearing a single-use mask, people should not reuse it but dispose of it safely. It is also advisable for a person to follow proper hand washing etiquette while handling a mask.

Individuals should select a snug, comfortable mask that does not rub and irritate the skin. A poorly fitting mask is unlikely to protect the wearer and may lead to maskne symptoms.

People should also avoid masks containing materials that can cause an allergic reaction or those that may be harsh and cause excessive friction.

Individuals should remove their masks for 15 minutes after every 4 hours of use. Healthcare workers have found this method is a reliable way of reducing the risk of maskne.

However, a person should only remove their masks when safe to do so, such as at home, alone inside their car, or outdoors at least 6 feet away from others.

People should also wash their hands before removing masks to avoid spreading germs from their hands to their faces.

If an individual uses makeup, such as a foundation or concealer, beneath their mask, this can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Recommendations state that people avoid makeup while wearing a mask or choose products labeled noncomedogenic, meaning they will not clog pores.

Wearing a mask, even for a short while, can make skin more sensitive. To reduce potential skin problems, a person can avoid new or harsh products that may irritate their skin, including exfoliants, chemical peels, retinoids, or aftershave.

A suitable skin care routine may treat potential skin conditions and also help prevent them. With this in mind, regularly wash skin with a gentle cleanser and apply a moisturizer to help maintain skin health.

People may also consider applying petroleum jelly to prevent dry and chapped lips. However, to prevent breakouts, individuals should take care to apply petroleum jelly to the lips only.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association provides a list of general skin care tips, including:

Click here to learn more about ways to improve skin health.

Maskne is a term that people may use to describe acne or facial irritation that occurs while wearing a face covering. Individuals may experience symptoms including pimples, blackheads, bumps, redness, and irritation.

Recommendations advise on the below tips that may help treat and prevent maskne:

Anyone with concerns about skin irritation should seek a doctor or dermatologists advice.

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Maskne: What is it and how to avoid - Medical News Today