“Maskne” is one of the new words of 2020, and it’s safe to say that a lot of us deal with it. “Maskne,” or mask-related acne, is prevalent in the lives of many because of the importance of wearing masks in public.

With masks and necessary COVID-19 precautions here to stay for the foreseeable future, that pesky acne around our mouths and noses might not be going away anytime soon. Don’t worry, though, because our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia has some helpful tips to share on how to deal with maskne.

Where Does Maskne Come From?

Maskne is born from the hot air that is trapped under your mask when you breathe or talk. This air creates a warm, humid environment and an ideal setting for yeast and bacteria to grow, which creates pimples.

Experts also say that the friction from your mask can promote acne as well as something called perioral dermatitis, which is when small pimples appear around the nose and mouth.

Things That Irritate Maskne

• Wearing a mask material that irritates your skin
• Wearing a mask that doesn’t fit correctly
• Wearing a dirty mask

Is There Any Way to Avoid Mask-Related Acne?

Unfortunately, not entirely. Because of the humid environment that masks create, maskne has the potential to be unavoidable. The good news is that there are ways to treat it.

A couple of good maskne treatments include using a good foaming cleanser and occasionally washing your face with a dandruff shampoo that has ketoconazole or selenium sulfide in it. Both of these things can be calming to the skin and prevent excess yeast buildup.

More Maskne Treatments

• Wash your face with gentle soap and water in the morning when you wake up and at night before bedtime.
• Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
• Make sure your mask is clean before you wear it.

Have you been dealing with maskne and don’t know where to turn? We are happy to provide some assistance at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia! Stop by or reach out to us today.