MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Wearing a face mask can protect you and others from COVID-19, but masks can also irritate the skin, a dermatologist warns.
Many people develop acne, rosacea and other skin irritations from wearing face masks and shields, according to Dr. Anna Chien. She's an associate professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in Baltimore.
Several factors can contribute to these breakouts, including age, the length of time a mask is worn, the fit of the mask, allergic reactions to the materials or chemicals in the mask, and the overall condition of the skin.
"Age can potentially play a role, since our skin barriers aren't quite as good as we age," Chien said in a Hopkins news release. "However, it really has more to do with how long someone wears a mask -- especially in work or other activities where it's needed for long periods -- as well as an individuals' propensity for skin conditions. Some people may just naturally have more sensitive skin and or skin prone to acne."
Signs of skin inflammation can include red bumps, pimples, rashes, irritation or chafing. "You may even experience scaly and itchy skin," she noted.
Chien offered these tips to help protect your skin from masks:
More information
For more on face masks, head to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
SOURCE: Johns Hopkins University, news release, Dec. 30, 2020