‘Maskne’ flare-ups the latest Covid-19 scourge

Beauty, Health and Lifestyle with Denise McNamara

The vast majority of us are complying with the public health guidelines to wear masks while entering shops, using public transport or in areas where unable to sustain a two metre distance. But it’s not pleasant. The most people I feel sorry for are the kids in secondary schools, particularly the newbies.  It’s very hard to make friends with people you don’t know if you are only seeing their eyes and unable to read expressions while all voices remain muffled beneath the covering.

And how desperately uncomfortable it must be for all those in the health system or in jobs where they deal with the public who often have to wear masks as well as face shields all day.

It is proving increasingly problematic for those of us with sensitive or problem-prone skin as wearing a mask brings with it bacteria, which grows in warm, moist environments, making the skin underneath our face masks the prime area for bacteria and perfect environment for congestion causing blemishes and blackheads.

Maskne is the new term for the scourge. Technically it is a form of acne mechanica and mainly effects people who have an inherited tendency to acne.

According to Bernie Fahy, owner of the Terryland clinic The Skin Specialist, wearing the mask whilst under acne treatment will be particularly difficult.

She advises to wear cotton material masks only. While they may cost a bit more – Brown Thomas have very nice patterned ones from €7 – they will be easier for your skin to bear.

If spots start sprouting, or you already have acne, use Caldesene powder to dry spots out and prevent fungal infections.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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