{"id":16334,"date":"2020-05-15T06:10:41","date_gmt":"2020-05-15T05:10:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myhealthspecialist.com\/blog\/?p=16334"},"modified":"2021-04-21T13:36:27","modified_gmt":"2021-04-21T12:36:27","slug":"effects-of-personal-protective-equipment-ppe-in-particular-face-masks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myhealthspecialist.com\/blog\/2020\/05\/15\/effects-of-personal-protective-equipment-ppe-in-particular-face-masks\/","title":{"rendered":"Effects of personal protective equipment (PPE), in particular face masks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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This post is for the healthcare professionals currently struggling with the effects of personal protective equipment (PPE), in particular face masks. I have had a large number of requests for skincare tips from the front-line and am keen to help where I can. I will caveat that there is limited published scientific data on the dermatological issues many are experiencing, and much of the information we have comes from the SARS outbreak in 2003 and PPE use at the time, in particular N95 masks (the closest British equivalent in terms of filtering airborne particles to this is the FFP-2 mask).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prolonged contact to PPE and mask wearing can lead to a number of recognised skin problems including:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Pressure injury<\/li>
  2. Contact dermatitis or eczema<\/li>
  3. Itch<\/li>
  4. Pressure urticaria (or \u2018hives\u2019)<\/li>
  5. Exacerbation of acne<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    These issues occur for a variety of reasons. Acne can be driven by the hot, humid microclimate created in facial areas covered by the mask alongside occlusion of the pilosebaceous (oil producing) ducts due to local pressure on the skin. At the other extreme, itch and rash are possible due to irritant eczema from mask components. There have also been reported cases of allergy to mask adhesives or components such as rubber straps. In these circumstances the skin will appear red, inflamed, scaly and flaky. Lastly, direct pressure-related effects are also common, resulting in redness (often across the nasal bridge) and skin maceration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So what can you do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Well, this partly depends on the symptoms you are facing. In general terms, ensuring the skin is cleansed thoroughly and well-moisturised may help relieve some of the symptoms of discomfort such as burning or stinging. Aim to cleanse and moisturise at least twice daily (morning and evening).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For acne flare-ups:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n