Wearing medical masks often affect the skin?

Does wearing a medical mask often cause skin irritation? How to wear a mask to prevent disease and not affect the skin?

Dr. Le Thai Van Thanh - Dean of Dermatology and Aesthetics Department of Medical University Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City - said that medical masks are non-absorbent paper masks, usually composed of 2-3 layers or more : 1-2 layers of mesh paper on the outside, 1 layer of thicker paper on the inside

Picture 1 of Wearing medical masks often affect the skin?
People wear masks when shopping at shopping centers - (Photo: TT).

Medical masks are often used to prevent the discharge of germs, bacteria from the mouth, respiratory tract of people carrying germs out when talking, sneezing, reducing disease transmission to those around them.

Contact with the inner surface of a medical mask rarely causes irritation dermatitis which can cause dermatitis due to rubbing, pressure.

However, due to non-absorbent masks, oily skin can accumulate sebum accumulation on the skin after wearing a mask for a long time (over 30 minutes). As a result, the skin is red, flakes smooth, itchy due to rubbing; or aggravation of sebum, acne, seborrheic dermatitis .

To minimize this situation, the wearer can apply a soft absorbent layer, particularly the cheeks, to help the skin avoid being affected by the slight movement of the mask in accordance with breathing , speech movement . .and avoid sebum, sweat on the skin surface.

In addition, depending on the skin condition, there is a way to care for the skin after using the mask properly. The skin cleansing step is very important, choose a gentle cleanser, no detergent to clean the skin, clear pores, prevent oily buildup; The skin then needs to be protected from the sun and provide adequate moisturization.

Skin care movements should be gentle, maximum wash face, should not use hot or warm water but cool water normally . to skin as close to the natural environment as possible.

The use of medical masks during the epidemic season is necessary for disease prevention, but it is also possible to use hygienic cloth masks, frequent laundry, both to protect yourself against epidemics and protect the skin effectively. .

Besides, the supply of nutrients from the inside not only helps the skin to be properly and properly nourished, but also increases the body's resistance to disease. Drinking enough water, eating green vegetables to ensure food safety, vitamins from fruits . are essential in the epidemic season as well as hot weather today.