Angry rash can develop from wearing a face mask, experts say. Here’s how to prevent it

It’s summer, and dermatologists say a new skin concern is cropping up for people wearing face masks due to the coronavirus pandemic: mask rash.

The rash forms when moisture builds up under your mask and irritates your skin, a lot like diaper rash, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Hot weather can cause excess sweating and more irritation.

“Mask wearing leads to local alteration of the skin microbiome,” dermatologist Craig Kraffert told Healthline. “With mask use, the covered skin is subjected to elevated CO2 levels, increased humidity, higher temperatures, and more bacteria and microorganisms from the mouth and respiratory system.”

So what’s a mask wearer to do?

Give your skin some extra TLC.

“Sadly, there is no perfect mask for everyone,” Adam Friedman, a professor of dermatology at the George Washington University, told NBC. “It’s more of a how do you take care of your skin.”

He recommends using a mild cleanser then creating a barrier by applying moisturizer with sunscreen to damp skin, according to the outlet. Throughout the day, you can head to the bathroom to dampen your skin then add more moisturizer, he told NBC.

It’s also best to avoid makeup under your mask to prevent clogged pores, Carrie L. Kovarik, an associate professor of dermatology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, told the Inquirer.

When it comes to choosing a material for your mask, try natural fabrics such as cotton, dermatologist Noelani E. Gonzalez told CNBC. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, rayon or nylon can cause you to sweat more meaning even more irritation, she told the outlet.

Already have mask rash? You should also pay attention to where, exactly, the rash is located. It could mean an allergy to something in your mask.

“Some people may be allergic to adhesives, dyes or even the detergent they use to wash their cotton mask,” Gonzalez told CNBC

If you develop a rash on the tip of your nose, irritation may have been caused by the adhesive strip, Gonzalez said, according to the outlet. A rash around the ears could be caused by the ear strap material, CNBC reported.

If you do develop a rash, there’s a simple way to treat it: zinc oxide, doctors say.

“The reason that zinc oxide is recommended is because [mask rash is] very reminiscent of a diaper rash,” dermatologist Mary Lupo told KTBS.

But whatever you do, doctors say to keep wearing your mask.

“The risk of transmitting COVID-19 certainly outweighs any local irritation or inflammation or exacerbation of primary disease, especially given that we have great ways to mitigate this,” Friedman told NBC.

This story was originally published June 22, 2020 at 6:31 AM with the headline "Angry rash can develop from wearing a face mask, experts say. Here’s how to prevent it."