Maskne, Acne Due to the Use of Masks

Acne, or acne, is a chronic inflammation of hair follicles and oil glands with many causes, characterized by comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Acne caused by using a mask is called mask acne. Masking is included in acne mechanics. Mechanical acne is an acneiform eruption that occurs after repeated physical trauma to the skin, such as pressure or friction. Acne mechanics is one of the reasons for the increase in the number of acne cases during the pandemic.

 

What's the difference between regular pimples and masks?

Common Acne

• Location: oil gland area
• Complaints: chronic acne
• Chronic progress, mostly in adolescents and young adults

 

Maskne

• Location: oil gland area and mask-covered area
• Complaints: Itching or burning
• Can occur acutely or chronically in all people.

 

Maskne does not only occur due to mechanical factors or mask friction; the influence of sweat and increased humidity causes swelling of the follicles and clogged pores. Besides that, changes in the composition of the skin's oil and hydration of the skin's surface disrupt the surface of the skin, causing changes in the skin's microflora. Increasing temperatures affect the rate of oil excretion. Oil excretion in the skin increases by 10% with an increase in local temperature of 1°C. The level of excretion of sebum or oil increased significantly in areas of the face covered by masks and areas not covered by masks. Sebum excretion increased 2 hours after use and continued to increase after 4 hours of using the mask. Therefore, it is better to open the mask for 15 minutes every 2 hours or at least every 4 hours. Increased temperature coupled with excessive humidity and bad habits while wearing a mask, such as touching or scratching the face, can cause local disruption of the skin barrier function.

 

Washing hands before wearing and after removing the mask is highly recommended. Patients should control the time spent wearing the mask and place two layers of gauze inside the mask to reduce the amount of moisture exhaled from the mouth and perspiration. Patients with oily skin need to wipe their faces regularly with a wet towel containing moisturizing ingredients. It is also recommended to use cleaning and emollient products that contain oil-control agents. By maintaining this skin condition, the acne associated with masks can be reduced. However, patients should consult a dermatologist for topical or oral treatment if acne lesions persist or worsen.

 

If the closest person or yourself experiences some of the symptoms mentioned above, then immediately contact the nearest health service and immediately go to a skin and genital specialist for further examination.