All about the “Mascne” and the skin problems linked to wearing the mask

Accessory essential on a daily basis since the beginning of the Cavid-19 pandemic, the mask, whether FFP2, surgical or fabric, has its share of drawbacks, especially for the skin.Skin problems specifically due to wearing the mask over time thus appeared over the months.

How to recognize irritation dermatitis?

"People already suffering from acne, eczema, rosacea, or having atopic, dry and irritable skin, are more at risk," said Brigitte Milpied, dermato-allergologist at Saint-André de Bordeaux and member hospitalof the French Society of Dermatology.

The main problem linked to the port of the mask beyond six hours a day is the irritation dermatitis."It manifests itself by redness, drought, skin sensitivity and sometimes itching, especially at the level of the nasal edge.The metal rod which allows you to fix the mask well presses on an area of the nose which is not used to being so asked, "explains the specialist.

Mask -related skin problems: specialists take stock

Désireuses de faire connaître ces problèmes de peau si particuliers, deux dermatologues du King's College Hospital de Londres (Royaume-Uni) ont fait le point dans un article paru le 7 juin 2021 dans The BMJ Practice.

These skin conditions which can occur due to the prolonged port of the mask result in particular from the hot, humid and occlusive environment created under the mask and friction of the mask with the skin in certain places.

By analyzing the scientific literature on the subject, the two specialists in dermatology were thus able to make a visual summary of the locations of the lesions, their characteristics (presence of papules, comedons etc..), and from the name of the associated pathology.

We thus note that all the facial dermatoses linked to wearing the mask do not manifest themselves where the mask is located.Of course, irritating dermatitis is located behind the ears and at the level of the nose.But rosacea or acne linked to the mask can cause redness in the T zone of the face, including at the forehead.

As for acne, or should we say, the Mascne, it is linked to both the hot and humid environment under the mask, the acne nature of the skin and the presence of pathogenic bacteria, that this environmentfavorable can make proliferate.

Fortunately, there are drug, oral or local treatments, to overcome these skin conditions, when they do not disappear even after a while without mask or by changing the model of mask mask."And do not hesitate to contact a teleconsultation dermatologist in case of doubt," adds Brigitte Milpied.

Good gestures to avoid mask -related skin problems

At the end of the article, the two British dermatologists provide some advice to end the skin problems linked to the mask, and to avoid the tail in dermatologists due to the port of the mask.Here they are :

Brigitte Milpied also advises the application of spray water to soothe irritation, and a light moisturizer.Applying a cream too oily several times a day would be counterproductive.

The allergy is very rare

Do you fear that the mask causes an allergic reaction?Rest assured, this type of allergy is very rare.The metal bar at the nose is guaranteed without nickel, and is therefore not allergenic."I tested the masks myself in the hospital to be sure!" Said Brigitte Milpied.

Symptoms of a possible allergy are the worsening of dermatosis despite the application of a cream, an increasingly extensive irritated area, even the appearance of dims, erosions.In this case, contact a healthcare professional, who will offer you suitable treatment.