Face masks in sensitive skin and people with allergies can exacerbate eczema, study warns
- Physicians discuss the case of a 60-year-old man with a history of skin allergies
- Reported to her doctors with eczema on her face and could not identify the issue
- The doctors realized that there were flames on his face in the same place where the mask sits
- The steroids got rid of the rash and the rash did not return after turning on the cotton-based, color-free mask without elastic
People with sensitive skin wearing a face mask may be at risk for eczema flare ups.
Physicians have revealed a 60-year-old man with a history of multiple skin allergies and suffering from dermatitis brought on by his mask.
After initially struggling to diagnose the root of the issue, doctors realized it was the elastic band of her face mask that was the cause.
In people with sensitive skin and allergies, wearing a face mask brought on by an elastic reaction can cause eczema, says Dr. Ctro (stock photo).
The patient was diagnosed in the case of contact dermatitis, in which the eczema was fueled by a reaction to a substance or material.
The American man was put on medication with prednisone, a regular anti-allergy drug, before the issue of the mask was spotted.
But this was ineffective and the man later returned to his doctors with the issue.
The identification of the location on the face was the same as where the mask sits, doctors speculated that the form of PPE may be the fault.
A challenging case study has shown that face masks with elastic bands can cause flare-ups, and people with sensitive skin who have eczema should use a cotton-based, color-free mask without elastic (stock).
Co-author of the paper, allergist Dr. K. Christine Smidley, said, “We have realized that the spots appear where the elastic parts of the mask will rest.”
‘We stopped prednisone and advised her to use a stable steroid and topical immunosuppressant until the rash was resolved.
‘We told them to use a cotton-based, color-free mask even without elastic. On a follow-up telephone interview a week later, the patient said his rash continued to improve. ‘
DD Dhamija said challenging case studies have shown that people with elastic bands can lead to flare-ups.
These findings are presented in the Annual Annals of the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Meeting.
It follows recent research from the UK that has identified unprecedented rates of occupational dermatitis among healthcare workers.
Most coverings, including 3-ply and KN95 masks, are made from non-woven materials, which are felt in the composition.
Experts say the material is prone to microscopic friction, especially in people with sensitive skin with mild to moderate discomfort.
The cover helps prevent the transmission of the virus. But wearing them for a long time feels uncomfortable and is associated with acne breakouts.
“They can cause more problems for people with skin allergies,” Dhamiza told Allergy, a virtual American college, at an asthma and immunology meeting.
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