In order to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus, the only thing that can be done is to wear face masks. The masks will trap the virus so it won’t spread so easily to others and it is still important to social distance. However, if you are unable to do so, then at least the mask will still prevent droplets from landing on others. The only thing is that some side effects have happened as the result of wearing the face mask.
People are finding that they are suffering from other things as a result of wearing them. And let’s now look at 5 of them and how to treat them as well.
Acne Mechanica
The acne on the face caused by the mask is known as maskne or acne mechanica. The acne is formed as a result of the bacteria as well as humidity, and friction from the mask. There are some factors that can cause someone to be prone to maskne more than others such as the overproduction of sebum. The bacteria can easily clog your pores this way.
It is a good idea to cleanse your face with a cleanser in the morning and the evening which can help reduce the risk of maskne. A good cleanser and toner will help keep the pores closed which can help prevent acne. Using a moisturizer on your face helps as well.
Bad Breath
When you wear your mask, you are breathing through your nose as it is hard to breathe through your mouth. Therefore, it becomes very dry which allows bacteria to breed since the saliva is scarce. The saliva kills off bacteria, and halitosis results from the lack of saliva. This is also known as ‘mask mouth’.
What you want to do is drink plenty of water if you are going out and need to wear a mask. Staying hydrated will help reduce the mask mouth issue as it will help keep the saliva moving.
Facial Dermatosis
Face masks can cause skin conditions that cause itchiness and rashes which are known as dermatosis. The friction from wearing the masks can cause this as well as trapping bacteria and other microbes into the skin which is what causes this skin condition.
The best thing to do is to treat your skin with moisturizers and stay hydrated as well which can help reduce the risk of facial dermatosis.
Oral Thrush
Because of having a dry mouth while wearing a mask, halitosis is just one side effect. You can end up also with a candida overgrowth which is a yeast infection in the mouth, also known as thrush. If you have mouth sores and they are white, that is thrush.
If you are noticing this is a problem, you need to see your dermatologist and get a prescription for an antifungal and an anti-yeast topical as well. Stay as hydrated as you can which can help reduce the risk of thrush.
Cold Sores
You may not have thrush but you could find yourself ending up with cold sores inside and around your mouth instead. This may be the result of too much stress running you down as the pandemic has been the result of this. Masks end up making this situation even worse.
If you are struggling with cold sores, then you need to see your doctor or dentist as they can prescribe systemic medications or topic creams to calm these outbreaks.
Even though it is essential to wear masks to help curb the spread of COVID-19, you want to do what you can to reduce the risk of ending up with these side effects from wearing them as well. Your health and comfort cannot be forgotten.
