As the world faces the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing a mask or facial covering has been touted as one way to combat the spread of the virus. The skin of the face, however, can suffer negative consequences from constant covering especially people who suffer from facial eczema. Moisture and vapor, as well as any secretions such as saliva or mucus, are trapped inside the mask. That can act as an irritant dermatitis to the skin and upset the natural balance of the skin around the mouth. Usually, it is going to be rashes, redness, irritation, and scaling around the nose and mouth. Sometimes tiny pimples or pustules appear in clusters.
There are precautions you can take to keep the mask from irritating your eczema which include:
- Find a mask that fits comfortably for you. Masks made from 100% cotton that can be washed regularly are probably the most eczema-friendly type of covering. Currently, eczema clothing companies are working on a range of masks from eczema friendly fabrics.
- Only wear the mask for short periods when you really have to.
- Before putting the mask on, cleaning the skin with a gentle face wash suitable for people with eczema and dry the skin completely, then use a light moisturizer on your face each day, and re-apply it before and after taking your mask off – that will provide a barrier layer between the mask and your skin to prevent direct contact.
- If your facial eczema does flare up, get on top of it by treating the skin inflammation properly with a mild topical corticosteroid like 1% hydrocortisone (which is very safe) for say 3 days and then go back to using a moisturizer. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, contact your doctor.
- Allergic contact dermatitis can also occur where someone is allergic to something in the cloth or material the mask is made out of. A lot of fabric is treated with formaldehyde to keep bugs and insects out while shipping and to maintain the integrity of the fabric in the manufacturing process. But if left in contact with our skin, those things can act as allergens and irritants. So, we recommend that you wash the mask before wearing it.
Please note that the information on this document is for general guidance purposes only. This information does not replace information provided directly to you by your medical practitioner.
