COVID-19: Experts warn against skin damage from face mask

Experts have warned against the risk of skin damage from the use of face mask in the effort to contain the COVID-19 ravaging the world. Skin experts at the University of Huddersfield said doctors and nurses on the COVID-19 frontline were spending many hours a day wearing face masks, and that many members of the […]

Experts have warned against the risk of skin damage from the use of face mask in the effort to contain the COVID-19 ravaging the world.

Skin experts at the University of Huddersfield said doctors and nurses on the COVID-19 frontline were spending many hours a day wearing face masks, and that many members of the general public were doing the same.

They said though 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.

Prof Karen Ousey, the university’s Director of the Institute of Skin Integrity and Infection Prevention who was part of a team that conducted detailed research into the pressure damage caused by a wide range of medical devices, including face masks, told Medical Xpress that the current emergency emphasises the problems that could arise with face masks, being worn for long periods by healthcare professionals.

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

Prof Ousey also said the masks the healthcare professionals wear have to be fitted to the face, adding that if healthcare professionals add dressings to the skin under the mask after being fitted there was a chance the mask would no longer fit correctly.

She suggests that people wearing masks keep their skin clean, well-hydrated and moisturised and that barrier creams should be applied at least half an hour before masks are put on, adding that they are suggesting that pressure from the mask be relieved every two hours. “So, you come away from the patient, relieve the pressure in a safe place and clean the skin again.”

Prof Ousey also advised members of the public, such as shop workers who are wearing masks to keep their skin clean, dry and free of sweat, adding that if they feel their masks rubbing, they should take them off as soon as they safely can.