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COVID-19: What are the "side effects" of wearing a mask?

Published 22 Mar 2021 • By Candice Salomé

Across the UK wearing a mask is recommended or mandatory in indoor environments, but also in many outdoor locations. Face masks are an essential tool in the fight against COVID-19 and are now a part of our daily lives. However, wearing a mask can cause certain issues for many people who report experiencing certain adverse effects.

What are the "side effects" of wearing a face mask? What solutions can be implemented?

We explain it all below!

COVID-19: What are the

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing a mask is an essential part of both protecting ourselves and others. But it can sometimes be difficult to bear: acne, redness, migraine, breathing issues and more... However, every problem has its solution!

Skin issues

Masks can irritate the face, because facial skin is particularly thin and sensitive. People who already have skin problems such as acne, rosacea or psoriasis may find that they worsened by their face mask. Masks also tend to encourage sweating and hinder the flow of sebum, which eventually clogs the pores in the skin.

Should certain masks be chosen over others?

Whatever the type of mask, wearing it can lead to skin discomfort. The aim, therefore is to limit the negative effects they can cause by choosing the type that is best suited to your skin. 

To limit chafing, you can opt for masks that tie at the back of the head rather than masks with elastics around the ears that can be too tight if they aren't adjusted properly. 

As for fabric masks, it is recommended that you choose breathable materials (such as linen or cotton), making sure that the model chosen meets current standards.

What skincare routine should you follow?

  • Cleansing: It is crucial to cleanse your skin regularly, ideally in the morning and at night before bed. Make sure to choose a gentle product that is suited for your skin type.
  • Hydration: After cleansing your skin, use a moisturising cream to soothe skin that has been dried out by the mask. You can also buy barrier cream from your local pharmacy. If pimples appear, use an exfoliating cream or a sebum regulator.
  • Healing: When signs of rash or redness appear, apply a thermal water or a healing cream to the affected areas.

Finally, let your skin breathe and avoiding heavy make-up!

Dry eyes

If the wire nose bridge of your face mask is not properly placed, meaning that it is pinched over the bridge of the nose, the warm air of your breath can escape through the top of the mask and dry out your eyes. According to Professor Laurent Kodjikian, President of the French Ophthalmological Society, this effect is not dangerous, but may cause discomfort. In case of discomfort, you can purchase artificial tears (eye drops specifically for lubricating dry eyes) from your local pharmacy, which are often more effective than a typical saline solution which dries more quickly.

Migraine

According to Sabine Debremaeker, president of the La Voix des Migraineux ("Voice of Migraine Sufferers") patient association: "Wearing a mask for a long period can trigger a migraine". After having heard from a number of people who experience migraines, she mentions several causes behind this phenomenon:

  • Lack of oxygen: Migraine patients need to breathe. Indeed, being in an unventilated room can also trigger a migraine.
    Taking a breath of fresh air
    can sometimes be enough to stop an attack.
  • Heat: The air from your breath inside the mask is warm, which can sometimes trigger headaches.
  • Odours: If reusable masks are used, the smell of washing powder can also trigger a migraine.

Despite these observations, there are as yet no studies showing adverse effects from wearing the mask.

Breathing problems in people with asthma

Some health professionals agree that masks can become bothersome in the long term for people with asthma. However, asthma is not a valid reason to not protect yourself or others with a face covering.

There is no evidence that wearing a face mask can worsen asthma, and a study presented by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) found that wearing a face mask does not affect oxygen saturation levels or cause a build-up of carbon dioxide, whether the wearer has asthma or not.

There are a few solutions available for asthma patients who find it impossible to wear a face mask for a long period. Face shields are an option, but are designed in fact to protect the eyes, so they are most effective if used in combination with a mask. If wearing a mask is not feasible for you, make sure to select a face shield that either wraps around the sides of the wearer's face and extends below the chin or has a hood.

If you have an age-, health- or disability-related reason to not wear a mask, you are allowed to do so without having to provide written evidence of your condition. You are not required to seek advice or request a letter or certificate from a medical professional justifying your not wearing a mask. Some people may feel more at ease with a card or badge indicating that they are exempt from wearing a mask. You can access premade, printable exemption card templates here.

Although wearing a mask is not always pleasant, it is nevertheless indispensable to limit the spread of the virus, so make sure to stay covered!

 

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Share your thoughts and questions with the community in the comments below!
Take care!


11 comments


libra98uk
on 30/03/2021

OK. I have severe asthma. Even without the restriction of a piece of cloth held over my nose and mouth, I cannot breathe normally. With that piece of cloth, that to me feels like heavy duty plastic clamped over my face, I fight exponentially harder for each breath. Think underwater or in a vacuum.

Add to the mix my anxiety attacks, especially when I feel trapped by layers held over my nose and mouth and you start to see what I experience wearing a mask.

Next, I am a spectacle wearer, for both near and far sightedness. Steamed up or blurry sight? You choose. 

Then, I get psoriasis outbreaks on my nose and cheeks. Just where a mask contacts the skin. Not fun.

Tie on masks, including face shields, do not sit on my head. I move, it moves and comes off. No two ways about it. Elastic or cloth ties. Neither work. Added to the unsuitability of the fastening, the length of the shield catches my chest and shoulders, so to stop the shield being pushed off, I have to hold my neck rigid causing my arthritis and fibromyalgia to flare. Not just whilst wearing the face shield, but for periods afterwards.

In the great scheme of things, I would wear a mask. They are not the only solution, but definitely a cog in the whole process to bring this virus under control. It is, unfortunately, outside of my control. It exacerbates several of my daily struggles. So, for now, I reserve my right to not wearing a mask of any kind. 

Please do not stigmatise or vilify me. 

A mask is detrimental to my good health.


David43
on 30/03/2021

I struggle to breath with face masks and end up leaning against the side of the aisles of Supermarkets to get my breath back but have never had any kind of breathing problems before.  In December I was in hospital for an AUS op and they were concerned with my SATS often being 92 / 94 even with oxygen being supplied. Now had both jags so not too worried and will continue with face shield.


lesmal • Ambassador
on 30/03/2021

I find wearing a mask gives me a headache, irritates my skin and I also can't breathe when it's worn for too long. I wear it on bus transport when I have to, but due to my epilepsy I have a lanyard and exemption card also for use in shopping centres etc. 


robjmckinney • Ambassador
on 30/03/2021

Hi isophane,

You can buy fog buster for a fiver or so, try eBay they sell various anti fog sprays for pennies. The one problem is just another item to carry and I always forget, but they do work. Got to agree Taro there is no evidence of masks working, just because Asians have been doing it for years it not a good excuse for us to use them. Sadly it has become almost a religion status by many through unecessary fear by government knowing it does not work.


BAZWHEAT
on 31/03/2021

Going into shops I have to make my glasses stand out from my face which means that they are not so effective for seeing , but better than being steamed up!  The mask directs the breath directly up to glasses if one does not take evasive cation.

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