Expert Offers Remedies for Skin Damage from Face Masks During COVID-19 Pandemic

Award-winning skin infection expert warns about the risk of wearing face masks for prolonged hours and offers remedies to heal. The findings of the study are published in the Journal of Wound Care.//

DOCTORS and nurses on the COVID-19 frontline are spending many hours a day wearing face masks, and many members of the general public are doing the same. But although the devices offer invaluable protection, they can be the cause of significant skin damage through sweating and the rubbing of the masks against the nose.

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‘People wearing masks should keep their skin clean, well-hydrated, and moisturized, and barrier creams should be applied at least half an hour before masks are put on.’

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Skincare experts at the University of Huddersfield are warning about the risks and are suggesting remedies.

Professor Karen Ousey is the University's Director of the Institute of Skin Integrity and Infection Prevention and was part of a team that conducted detailed research into the pressure damage caused by a wide range of medical devices, including face masks. The findings and recommendations were published in February.

Now, the current emergency emphasizes the problems that can arise with face masks, being worn for long periods by healthcare professionals.

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"The wearers are sweating underneath the masks, and this causes friction, leading to pressure damage on the nose and cheeks," said Professor Ousey. "There can be tears to the skin as a result, and these can lead to potential infection," she added.

"The masks the healthcare professionals are wearing have to be fitted to the face - so if healthcare professionals add dressings to the skin under the mask after being fitted there is a chance the mask will no longer fit correctly," continued Professor Ousey.

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"And we are suggesting that pressure from the mask is relieved every two hours. So you come away from the patient, relieve the pressure in a safe place, and clean the skin again."

Professor Ousey advises members of the general public - such as shop workers - who are wearing masks to keep their skin clean, dry and free of sweat.

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"And if they do feel their masks rubbing, take them off as soon as they safely can."

Source-Eurekalert