Tag Archives: dealing with allergy

Is Your Face Mask Causing Skin Irritation? Here’s What You Need to Know

The authorities are constantly reminding people to wear facial masks, especially when going outside. Although met with controversies, wearing protective masks is one proven way of protecting oneself against viruses including COVID-19. Those with a history of asthma and allergies have to be extra careful during these times.

In case of allergic reactions, make sure to visit an asthma doctor or an allergist specialist. An allergy clinic near you may not be open right now, but most likely they can accommodate online consultations. Nonetheless, you should take immediate action if you experience allergy symptoms and prevent further complications.

The downside of wearing a face mask

In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, wearing a face mask is a must. This is to prevent the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 virus. There are different types of masks meant for specific users.

Normally, ordinary people can wear typical surgical or cloth masks. On the other hand, medical personnel should wear N95 or KN95 masks aside from their personal protective equipment (PPE).

However, there is one downside of wearing a face mask. There are some people who actually experience skin irritations when wearing one. Common symptoms of skin irritation due to face masks include:

  • Tiny pimple clusters
  • Rashes
  • Scaling

Your breath or either mucus or saliva traps the oil and sweat under the mask, hence leading to skin irritation. These skin irritations usually appear around the nose and mouth area which can look unsightly and uncomfortable.

That is why wearing a face mask can be tricky. On the one hand, wearing a face mask is important especially when outside. But there is that risk of skin irritation due to the mask you are wearing. If the face mask does cause skin irritation, you can consult an allergist doctor. Other than that, how should you deal with this?

Choosing the right face mask

One way to prevent possible skin irritation is by choosing the right face mask. As an ordinary citizen, you can choose a face mask that is made from soft and breathable material. For example, there are face masks that are made from 100 percent cotton.

That means you should not only choose face masks with cute designs. Instead, it should also feel comfortable and fit on your face just right. There are cotton face masks available that you can buy in stores, but you can also make one from old t-shirts.

Meanwhile, experts do not suggest using polyester, rayon, and nylon materials for face masks. These kinds of fabric are not breathable and prone to damping due to sweat and can lead to skin irritation. In the case of skin irritations, make sure to contact an allergy doctor right away.

However, some people may not be allergic to the fabric material but with its other components. For example, the allergic reaction might be due to the adhesive or even the detergent used to wash the mask. Nonetheless, make sure to consult a dermatologist or an allergy physician before getting another mask.

But even if you are not able to contact medical personnel about your face mask-related skin irritation, you can determine if it is indeed caused by one. For example, a rash on the nose area might be due to the adhesive strip. On the other hand, it might be because of the ear strap material if you notice some irritation in your ear area.

How to protect your skin from face mask irritation

Aside from choosing the right mask, you should also make sure to protect your skin. Here are tips to prevent face mask-related skin irritations.

Put moisturizer on your face.

Putting moisturizer is one of the best things to do to prevent skin irritations. This helps lessen friction between your skin and mask that causes the irritation. For better results, apply an oil-free facial moisturizer every two hours while wearing a mask.

Wash your face more often.

But make sure not to use soaps with harsh ingredients as much as possible. Instead, use gentle soaps to wash and clean your face. If you have other skin issues, continue using your medication or skincare product. Better yet, limit the use of foundation and makeup – it won’t be that noticeable anyway when you wear a mask.

Consult medical experts in case of skin irritations.

If you do experience skin irritations due to wearing a face mask, better consult a skin expert or an allergy specialist.

Protect yourself from the virus, but protect your skin too

These are some useful tips that you should follow to prevent skin irritations due to face masks. For any of your allergy concerns, consult an allergist specialist in Manassas VA.

The Truth About The Second Wave of COVID-19 and How to Protect Yourself From It

COVID-19 has dominated this year, so far. It was first discovered in Wuhan, China, with a few cases reported during the last few weeks of December 2019. The next thing we knew, this virus, which later officially called COVID-19, spread like wildfire in many parts of the world.

So far, there have been more than 4.6 million cases around the world. Out of that figure, around 2.5 million are still infected, and more than 1.7 million already dead. Those who have immunocompromised health should be extra careful especially when going outside.

The same goes for the history of asthma and allergies – make sure to consult an asthma doctor if you experience symptoms. Also, make sure to follow asthma treatments as prescribed by your allergist doctor.

The dreaded “second wave”

Several countries around the world, including the US, are slowly easing restrictions of the lockdowns. Chinese authorities have also announced measures that aim to prevent the dreaded second wave of COVID-19. This includes complying with the “new normal” such as wearing face masks and physical distancing.

This is exactly what health experts are worried about: the second wave of the dreaded virus. And it seems to be happening now in some countries. In China, for example, there were about 17 new cases reported in Mainland China according to a May 11 report.

In South Korea, on the other hand, there were 35 new cases reported since it lifted its lockdown. Apparently, the majority of these cases came from those who went out clubbing over the weekend. As a result, more than 2,000 nightspots have to close down again.

This is one of the most difficult dilemmas that the world has to face right now. On the one hand, countries are doing their best to contain the virus and prevent its further spread by implementing strict lockdowns. However, the world cannot afford prolonged lockdowns as it can affect the economy.

Even with strict measures, no one knows how effective it will be. There are even those so-called “silent carriers” who do not exhibit symptoms unless they take the COVID-19 test. Also, just because a country does not have new cases for several days or weeks doesn’t mean they are exempted from the so-called “second wave”.

Will it be worse?

It will depend on several factors. One of the most important of these is how people comply with the rules. This includes wearing face masks, physical distancing, and observing proper hygiene. Aggressive mass testing will also play an important role in the outcome of the second wave if ever it does happen.

Basically, there can be less impact of the second wave of the pandemic if there will be stricter measures implemented. This also applies to those with asthma and other chronic conditions. Make sure to consult an allergy doctor if you experience symptoms due to asthma or allergies.

It is also possible that there will be lockdowns again. You cannot visit an allergy clinic or get simple checkups unless it’s already urgent. As mentioned, that possibility will depend on how people and the government comply with the rules. Unless there is already a vaccine, we cannot be too complacent.

How to prevent the spread

First of all, you need to take care of yourself. If you have asthma or allergy history, you should consult an allergist doctor for proper management and treatment. Even if many countries are imposing lockdowns, it won’t guarantee that COVID-19 will be gone for good.

This is why people also have a vital role in containing the virus. It would take quite a while before we are able to travel elsewhere, attend events, and hug friends and loved ones. In the meantime, here are tips you can do to avoid the spread of the virus.

Avoid throwing face masks anywhere.

You can buy reusable masks that you can wash and wear as needed. Leave surgical masks to our brave frontliners.

Avoid going to the gym and other fitness centers.

It is important to stay fit and healthy during the pandemic. But it is not the best time to go to gyms now. Instead, you can do home workouts to maintain your health while on quarantine.

Maintain proper hygiene.

You should practice proper hygiene more than ever. If there is no access to running water and soap, use alcohol or hand sanitizer, and have access to it all the time.

Keeping vigilant in the middle of the pandemic

We are far from over from the wrath of the ongoing pandemic. In the meantime, we need to be vigilant and careful with our every move. More so, if you have asthma or immunocompromised health. Consult an allergist in Germantown MD for tips on protecting yourself from the effect of COVID-19.