Rome, May 11 (beraking latest news Salute) – A not easy coexistence between summer and masks: the heat, in fact, worsens the discomfort that more and more patients complain about in the skin, such as itching, burning, erythema, scaling of the skin and irritation. To make this coexistence less annoying, as long as the obligation to wear masks remains even outdoors, the experts of Sidemast, the Italian Society of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, have drawn up a vademecum, dedicated to adults and children.
From the use of Ce certified masks in natural fiber to (frequent) changing and cleaning, passing through a deep cleansing and hydration of the skin with delicate products to advice on nutrition.
“Clinical studies – explains Gabriella Fabbrocini, Sidemast adviser – have recently shown that wearing masks continuously and for a prolonged time would exacerbate acne and / or other pre-existing or latent skin irritations. 90% of patients in fact attribute the worsening of acne and rosacea to the use of the mask and 30% declare that the disease has developed or exacerbated due to the same. The use of the mask for many hours a day determines an occlusion that can cause the alteration of the skin microbiota and therefore of the film Compared to the emergency we are experiencing, the ‘mask’ constitutes a negligible side effect if we evaluate the cost-benefit ratio deriving from the use of the mask. But the effects on the skin must be treated and not underestimated, to avoid that it tends to don’t wear a mask “, he points out.
With the use of the mask, contact dermatitis also worsens: “Dermatitis – says Pasquale Frascione, Sidemast vice president – can be caused, for example, by the composition of the elastic or by the sensitivity to the metal used to model the mask on the nose. also attributed to the inappropriate use of the mask. If we tend to use it for a long time (over 6 consecutive hours) or to re-use it, we could have allergic reactions as often traces of cosmetics containing preservatives and dyes may be present in the masks used. Or there may be traces of detergents if the mask once washed has not been rinsed well, or, if it has been disinfected with a cleaning spray, it is not yet dry “.
Same goes for rosacea. “The worsening – explains Ketty Peris, Sidemast president – is due to what we could define an ‘occlusive or condensation’ effect, unfortunately destined to increase due to the heat, which is the primary enemy of rosacea. The water vapor produced by the breath in fact, it transforms into a liquid that cannot dry out – and therefore allows the skin to breathe – because it is actually blocked by the mask. For this reason, the irritation on the face appears or worsens and, since temperatures increase in this period, so does the sensation of heat and discomfort. It is therefore easy to understand how these conditions can lead to a worsening of rosacea “.
Here, then, are the advice of dermatologists:
1. Always wear white Ce certified masks, in natural or hypoallergenic fabrics that can help the skin to breathe, avoiding masks in synthetic fabrics
2. Change / wash the mask regularly, using neutral detergents or biological and hypoallergenic products
3. Try to avoid makeup if you know you will have to wear the mask for an extended period
4. Take the utmost care in choosing products for your cleansing and moisturizing routine
5. In the morning, upon awakening, start with a targeted cleansing with slightly more acidic and sebum-regulating detergents, but always delicate. Then apply non-comedogenic topical products and allow them to be completely absorbed before putting on the mask. Skin hydration is essential, it is better to apply the cream then at least thirty minutes before putting on the mask
6. With the arrival of summer do not forget a sun filter because the sun’s rays also pass through the fabrics. Today there are very light spray versions that cancel the feeling of heaviness
7. To prevent damage such as abrasions or irritation, a hydrocolloid dressing can be used to be placed under the eyelids or on the bridge of the nose.
8. If inflammation occurs, contact your dermatologist immediately
9. Pay the utmost attention to nutrition, avoiding too much sugar and alcohol and opting for a diet that traces the healthy habits of the Mediterranean diet.