When COVID-19 first touched down and mask-wearing became the new norm, maskne reared its ugly head, littering our around-the-mouth zone with uncharacteristic pimples and irritation.
The other lesser known ailment plaguing many mask-wearers is none other than rosacea.
While 14 million people are dealing with rosacea right now, their symptoms are worsening due to wearing a mask so often.
During this month, Rosacea Awareness Month, let’s dive into what this looks like along with some options to manage rosacea that’s aggravated by wearing a mask.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition where red, visible blood vessels appear on the face, often along with small red bumps.
While this condition isn’t always painful, it can be debilitating to one’s self-esteem and when left untreated, can worsen.
How do masks make rosacea worse?
For a skin condition like rosacea, additional irritation will exacerbate the symptoms. When your face mask is covering, and therefore coming into repeated contact with, your face, nose, and cheeks (some of the most sensitive areas for this condition), it will cause irritation.
This repeated daily, especially if you’re someone who spends long hours during the day in a mask, will make the rosacea more severe and even uncomfortable.
How to treat maskacea?
As with any skin condition, we always recommend seeing a dermatologist to determine the true skin ailment and treatment options available.
Dermatologists have a variety of treatment options to help patients with rosacea, many of which can help with maskacea as well. These may include reviewing diet or other triggers, customizing skincare products, prescribing a medication, or using a laser to reduce redness. Each patient’s treatment plan may vary depending on their unique needs.
For rosacea caused by acne, we recommend using a mask with a gentle fabric or a reusable mask. You can also wash your mask regularly with detergent for sensitive skin to avoid any further irritation.
Ultimately, your dermatologist is the best person to help you both soothe rosacea caused by wearing a mask and prevent it from continuing to get worse. Book your appointment today and get rid of that maskacea!
