Do Masks Irritate Your Skin? Here Are Some Skin Care Tips

Helpful tips to ease your discomfort.

From the lab to the operating room, health care professionals wear masks a lot, and have for decades. Who better to turn to if you have skin problems from wearing a mask to protect yourself and others against COVID-19?

For most people, wearing a mask should not cause any problems. However, skin irritation might be experienced by those who routinely wear masks for prolonged periods of time.

Potential skin problems – Helpful tips to ease your discomfort

Eczema – Irritant Contact Dermatitis/Allergic Contact Dermatitis

• Wash your face and apply hydrocortisone ointment 1% to affected areas, followed by a barrier cream meant for chapped skin (i.e. Vaseline, Aquaphor).
• Apply a barrier cream both prior to and after mask use.
• Put 1-2 layers of sterile gauze inside your mask to protect the skin from the mask material, if it is the source of the reaction. Change the gauze if it becomes damp or soiled.
• Avoid breathing through your mouth when wearing a mask.
• After removing your mask, avoid touching your face until you've thoroughly washed your hands.

Acne

• Wash or wipe sweat off your face as soon as you remove your mask.
• Consider a face wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

Bruising

• Respirator-type masks require a tight seal. To relieve pain from bruising, you can apply a cool compress for 20-30 minutes after removing your mask.

Skin Breakdown

• Wash with a gentle soap or cleanser.
• When you're not wearing your mask, apply a barrier cream meant for chapped skin (ex. Vaseline, Aquaphor).

Don't Forget About Your Ears

• Many masks are of the "ear loop" variety and prolonged use can cause skin irritation behind the ears.
• Consider a headband with buttons or an "ear saver" device to protect your ears while wearing a mask.
• Apply a hydrocolloid dressing such as DuoDERM® behind your ears if you are at high risk of skin breakdown.
• Apply a barrier film wipe such as Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film Wipe daily to protect the skin from moisture, adhesives, and friction. Do not use on skin that is not intact.
• After removing an ear loop mask, clean and dry the external ear, then apply a moisturizer.

Basic Tips

• Don't wear cosmetics under your mask, as they can contribute to several skin issues when combined with prolonged mask use.
• Use a gentle hypoallergenic cleanser and warm (not hot) water to thoroughly wash your face, before and after mask use. Don't forget to wash under your nose and behind your ears. Allow the skin to dry.
• Apply moisturizer.
• If you wear a fabric mask, wash it regularly.

Final Tip

Please wear a mask. The benefits outweigh any potential discomfort and it goes a long way in protecting your loved ones, the community and you. It’s a vital part of the “3 W’s” – Wear a Mask, Watch your distance, and Wash your hands.

Thank you!

Discover More