Behind the MASKNE

With people wearing face coverings to lessen the spread of COVID-19, the condition that is acne mechanica (commonly known as ‘maskne’) is fast becoming a fundamental skin issue. This term is used to describe a collection of skin disorders (such as inflammation, breakouts and rashes on the face) caused by the mechanical friction of fabric against the skin. PAOLA CHELLEW chats to experts for advice on how to care for facial skin, while wearing a mask.

- PAOLA CHELLEW

It goes without saying that the advent of COVID-19 has not only wreaked havoc on the world’s health system, the economy, our daily lives and routines, but also on our physical and mental health (to say the least). And on top of having to deal with lockdown (along with the fear and deprivations it generates), there are also many unlucky people who’ve had skin health issues added to their daily woes.

Now, as with everything in life, there is good and evil: a yin and yang, if you will. Mask wearing is touted as the beneficial barrier in blocking the virus, while arresting the infectious droplets that may be transferred from one person to another.

And yes, while it’s not foolproof (as maintaining a safe distance from others and frequent handwashing is all part and parcel of protecting oneself), it certainly goes a long way in avoiding infection. A mask, whether fabric or surgical, is – according to the World Health Organization – the next best thing to a vaccine (until an actual COVID-19 vaccination is rolled out, that is).

The flip side of the mask coin

Yet be that as it may, this essential accessory does carry some drawbacks. For instance, people with reactive skin (whether sensitive or acne prone) are suffering ill-effects from wearing their masks. Like a rumbustious toddler having a full-blown tantrum, irritable skin protests every time it is covered up – with dermatologists seeing angry breakouts, rashes, swelling, sores and dryness in the skin. Case in point is Jay-Jay Joubert, a 27-year-old gauteng native who recently suffered a painful breakout on his face. Joubert is a full-time manager at a successful local Portuguese restaurant – a position that necessitates him to wear a face mask for extended hours on a daily basis.