During these unprecedented times many normal daily routines are shifting. One of these changes includes many more people, healthcare workers, first responders and the general public, wearing masks and face coverings on a daily basis. While masks are integral in preventing the spread of viruses and illness, their routine use can lead to undesirable side effects including irritation, dermatitis, and acne. The irritation that arises from wearing a tight-fitting mask can cause discomfort, itch, skin breakdown, and bruising.
To prevent dermatitis while wearing a face mask, avoid wearing any makeup underneath the mask. Makeup can cause further occlusion of the pores and exacerbate breakouts. Avoid using harsh cleansers or topicals such as retinols, glycolic or other acids, antibacterial soaps, exfoliators or other anti-aging products. Try to keep the skin dry especially in between PPE changes. It is very important to preserve and maintain the skin’s barrier function throughout the day. Products that promote a healthy skin barrier are gentle and mild without fragrance or harsh soaps. Maintaining the skin’s barrier is done by using a gentle over-the-counter cleanser such as CeraVe hydrating cleanser or Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. A physician dispensed option includes EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser. It is also very important to apply a ceramide-containing moisturizer at least twice daily (AM and PM), and consider one that also contains niacinamide as an anti-inflammatory. Examples of over-the-counter ceramide containing facial moisturizers with niacinamide include CeraVe PM or La Roche Posay Toleriane. A physician-dispensed product in this class is EltaMD PM Therapy.
If itchy, inflamed irritation develops from use of a face mask, continue to use the above recommended products as cleansers and moisturizers. Vaseline or Aquaphor can be applied to irritated skin and left on while sleeping to help repair the skin and the skin’s barrier. (Note, this may cause acne in those prone to it). If the area in contact with the face mask is very itchy but not broken-down, it is okay to use a very small amount of Hydrocortisone 1% ointment for a very short period of time (1-2 days). (Note, this may cause acne in those prone to it). Hydrocortisone should not be used on open or broken-down skin. Avoid triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin). If the above recommendations are not providing relief, contact a board-certified dermatologist to schedule an appointment to discuss further treatment.