Acne and dry eye: the "collateral damage" of misuse of masks

• Direct: Last minute of the coronavirus

• Health Approved masks do not need a filter

• Protection: masks and sport: when, how and why

As the months go by, we have become increasingly clear that no one is getting rid of this man.

Although while reading this article you think that you are healthier than an apple, it is evident that the coronavirus has changed our lives and our routines.

Perhaps the most striking is the use of the mask.

Go ahead that the mask is not negotiable, but it is important to know that its use (and especially its misuse) can have certain collateral damage.

The good news is that p

We can prevent many of them.

MASKS AND MASK-ACNE

With the arrival of the coronavirus, dermatologists have detected the increase in some skin problems, such as acne, in addition to the worsening of others such as dermatitis, psoriasis or rosacea.

The occlusion caused by the mask on a constant basis can increase moisture in certain areas of the face.

This can lead to clogged pores, alteration of the proportion of oil in the skin and a change in the balance of the microbiota.

If the balance is broken, the "bad" bacteria become strong and the dreaded acne appears.

This is not something new.

The so-called "mechanical acne" was already known due to the friction generated by the use of helmets, tight clothing and even the mobile.

How do we avoid acne-mask?

1. First, changing the mask every four hours.

I know we all know, but ... how many of us do?

It is urgent to end in our country with the concept of "pet mask": a mask to which we have already given a name, it lives with us and we have taken a certain affection for it.

A mask in the trash or washing machine on time is a win.

2. Second, facial cleansing.

And here we are going to set a realistic and achievable goal: if we wash our faces every night before going to bed, the movie would change a lot.

Just like every night the garbage truck passes through our streets because if not, the streets would smell bad and would be filled with bugs,

at night we have to pass the garbage truck across our face

(clean it in depth) so that "it doesn't fill us with bugs."

It is possible that with the mask the dirt has accumulated on our skin more than necessary.

Although micellar lotions are very fast, a specific soap, the so-called "soapless" or syndet soap, is more recommended for deep cleaning.

In the case of applying makeup, it is important to choose a specific non-comedogenic makeup and remove makeup properly.

3. Use moisturizers, also non-comedogenic

, to reinforce the skin's barrier function.

In the case of acne, our pharmacist can recommend a routine individually and, if necessary, refer us to the primary care doctor or dermatologist.

MASKS AND DRY EYE

Also in recent months, ophthalmologists have detected an increase in consultations related to deteriorating eye health.

Between telecommuting and tiktok, our eyes have taken a few extra hours from screens.

What we did not imagine is that when we went out on the street

our pretty eyes could also continue to suffer

, in this case due to the use of the mask. According to the ophthalmologist Ana Fernández Hortelano, from the Hospital del Henares, "

the flow of exhaled air through the mask straight up into the eyes increases evaporation of the tear and destabilizes the tear film

.

This

increases symptoms associated with dry eye

such as the sensation of a foreign body, the stinging, the need to keep the eyes closed, photophobia ... ".

How can we avoid this problem?

The solution is through the more frequent use of artificial tears, available without the need for a prescription, both in single-dose format and in the

classic little bottle popularly known as "colirio"

.

The pharmacist can help us choose the most suitable ones.

Another complementary measure that can be useful to avoid dry eye is to choose a good mask with a flexible nasal wire and adjust the wire to prevent air from being directed towards the eyes.

There are many masks, especially some with vertical seams and without a nose clip, which leave a gap at the level of the nose, making it easier for the flow of exhaled air to reach the eyes permanently.

viral conjunctivitis

In the absence of studies to confirm this hypothesis, some ophthalmologists have noted a decrease in this infectious pathology.

The cause could be in increased hygiene measures.

In this sense, Dr. Fernández Hortelano insists that it is very important to continue maintaining security measures such as

wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes and face

.

Regarding other possible collateral damages of the use of the masks, he points out: "corneal or conjunctival erosions can occur when putting on or repositioning the masks. Hence, it is necessary to be careful in handling them to avoid these potential injuries". I insist:

the mask is not negotiable

.

We have to learn to live with her so let's do it safely and responsibly.

To continue reading for free

Sign inSign up

Or

and you will have access to all the web content of El Mundo

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

Know more