COVID-19 is a viral infection, which has been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) thus leading to lockdown in most parts pf the world.

Wearing face masks and washing hands regularly are the key steps to prevent COVID-19. We are now washing our hands more frequently and using sanitisers multiple times a day. Many people are wearing masks for longer duration while stepping out.

Although these steps are essential in controlling the spread of COVID-19, many people are experiencing drying of skin, skin irritation and damage. Dermatologist Dr Tulika Arbat said, I am regularly attending to patients via video consultation complaining of skin problems related to masks and sanitisers. Making a few skin care changes for your hands and face can help counteract these effects.

Dr Tulika Arbat

? Skin problems related to masks

Wearing masks for long hours can lead to chafing of skin on the nose and cheeks. Sometimes it leads to itchiness, dryness around chin, lips or behind the ears. The sweat under the mask can lead to acne breakouts. This is often the complaint from people who need to wear masks at their work place, like people working in hospitals, salons, retail stores and policemen.

1. Adopt a regular skin care routine. Cleanse and moisturise your face before and after using a mask. It is essential to use products labelled non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog skin pores. Choose hydrating moisturisers if you have an oily skin.

2. To prevent or relieve skin injuries caused by pressure or friction from masks, a thin layer of zinc oxide can soothe and protect skin. Zinc oxide is a skin protectant often used for diaper rash or severely chapped skin. Use it on the bridge of your nose or behind your ears. You can also try placing a bandage between the skin pressure points and the mask. Just make sure your mask fits well and solves the purpose of infection barrier.

3. Blister care: If a blister forms, keep it clean and apply antibiotic ointment. Use a bandage to create a protective barrier between the blister and the mask.

4. Don’t ignore acne. If you develop acne, cleanse your skin regularly. Use a water-soluble moisturizer. Avoid popping or squeezing pimples, which can contribute to inflammation and infection of the area. Get a video consultation with your dermatologist for acne treatment.

? Skin problems related to hand sanitisers and frequent hand washing

One of the most important things you can do to protect against COVID-19 is to keep your hands clean and free from germs. The WHO recommends that you wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol. Repeated hand washing can strip your hands of their natural oils, leading to dry, cracked skin.

1. Be gentle on your hands. Use cool or lukewarm water with soap to wash your hands. Hot water isn’t any more helpful against germs and can increase skin damage.

2. Moisturise as much as possible. After washing your hands, gently rinse and pat them dry. Right after, apply plenty of moisturiser. If your hands still feel dry after a minute or so, apply more.

3. Use a moisturiser that’s hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and dyes that can irritate your skin. Keep the moisturiser handy ? next to bathroom and kitchen sinks, in your car or at your workspace. Make it easy to repeat this critical step.

4. Wear gloves when cleaning while using surface disinfectants to protect your skin from damage.

5. Don’t ignore early skin protection. Even if your hands don’t feel dry or chapped, be sure to moisturise them regularly. Preventing skin irritation from developing in the first place is more effective than trying to catch up later when skin is already broken and cracked.

? Severe Skin problems

Some people may develop cracked skin that starts to bleed, blisters turning into ulcers or becoming infected, or have a serious skin reaction.

1. Consult your doctor promptly. Damaged skin can increase your risk of infection and you may need more something than home care. Treatment may include prescription medicines and skin therapies.

2. Maintain good health habits. Remember, the overall state of your
health shows up on your skin. Get enough sleep, eat right and exercise
regularly for healthy skin.

? Protection from COVID-19

Don’t forget to follow basic precautions of social distancing, wearing masks, regular hand wash with soap or hand sanitisers and consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of cough, sneezing, fever, body ache.