Is mask acne normal?

[wingsnthat]

YABU = no
YANBU = yes

Basically I’m just trying to gauge whether wearing face coverings for extended periods of time (eg full shift) can cause skin issues for everyone, or if it’s just those with skin disorders. I definitely get problems but dunno if I’m in the minority or not

My 16 year old has to wear one at college 3 days a week and she didn’t get acne.

Yep, totally normal. I work in an office so only wearing a mask while travelling to work/moving about in the office (not at desk) and most of my female colleagues have complained about maskne.

It's common enough for it to be called maskne. I don't know if it causes skin issues for everyone, but it does for many it seems.

You need silk masks. No skin irritation at all.

I have to wear a mask for 10 hours per day at work. I now have awful acne on the part of my face that the mask covers. I work 3 days per week and it starts to clear up and then once I’m back at work with the mask on again it’s flares up. Going to try silk mask as suggested up thread and see if that helps

I don't get it at all but you could rub butter all over my face and it wouldn't make any difference to my skin

I do get irritated skin from the (presumably latex) straps though, but it itches/burns rather than causes acne

I get it from wearing one all day at work. The only thing I have found to help is yellow metanium nappy rash cream on each night over night.

I used to be an operating theatre nurse, and got acne in the mask area - when I asked at the skin care counter, they told me it was called Van Dyke’s Acne (because it was in the area of a Van Dyke beard), and that wearing a surgical mask every working day had probably caused it, or at least contributed.

Not acne as such but the dermatitis around my nose and cheeks has definitely flared up from wearing a surgical mask all day at work

This is definitely an issue for me. I can go weeks without wearing one and my skin clears up and then, as soon as I put one on again, it’s back around my nose and chin. I can’t wait for this to be a thing of the past.

My 18 year old has really struggled with mask acne & now has awful scarring from it.

Since colleges no longer have mask wearing she hasn’t had a new spot appear! She cleaned face regularly wore fresh masks over the course of the day but still had bad spots.

Glad to know it’s not just me - I thought I was a weirdo for a second !

I think I shouldn’t have used “acne” in the title as it isn’t necessarily full blown clinical acne. It causes the occasional spot for me and also makes my nose red too. It’s interesting to know that masks can be a factor that influences this as usually my skin is perfectly clear.

@Todaytomorrowyesterday that’s a shame she has scarring now! It’s definitely a hidden downside to masks.

I get really dry and sore chapped lips and around my mouth.

One positive for me is that normally in winter I get really itchy dry skin on the sides of my nose and this winter wearing a mask seemed to stop that from happening at all

If they remain socially acceptable I might keep wearing one after the plague is finished with

Yep, my chin has been really spotty and my cheeks get red and rashy if I wear a mask for longer than half an hour.

I said yanbu but I think perhaps there are ways to mitigate the plukes. Changing your mask regularly throughout the day and washing your face in between wearing masks would help stop blockages and build up of bacteria, dead skin and oils.

oh wow, the vote is really reassuring! I guess it is a common issue.

that’s a good point re mitigation! being able to wash my face frequently would help, that’s not always possible at work though. Maybe I’ll try it and see how I get on.

I change my mask frequently. For me, the warm and moist environment underneath the mask is probably what causes the issue as it allows the nasties to thrive?

Might buy a mist or toner etc to specifically use under a mask and see if that helps

Teen DC wears one all day long in school - no problems.

25 yo DD works as a nurse and wears surgical mask all day - really struggling with acne.

@MadMadMadamMim interesting! guessing your son takes it off periodically through the day, whereas your daughter has to keep it on the majority of her shift? Also perhaps she has an oily skin type

I have worse skin then I did as a teenager. All acne under where the mask goes.

Oh yes - maskne or macne!

I get spots all across my cheeks & chin that happen even after just going to the supermarket (ie not long behind the mask).
I really feel for people that have to wear masks all day.

I'm 49 & my skin has always been on the oily side.
During puberty I had spots in the T-zone - masks have given me spots worse than during my teenage years...

Yes, I have the worst skin ever from 6 hours a day in medical grade masks to teach. Ive got to the point that I'm gradually giving up on the masks as my skin is bleeding and scarring. Its embarrassing, itchy and painful from the deep spots. Am almost at the limits of what I can cope with as my skin is so bad.

@wingsnthat I would think so. He is allowed to take it off if outside at break and lunch so that maybe helps (although I'm pretty sure he then just puts the same mask back on again)

DD changes her mask frequently - they have to change it every time they come out of a patient's room/see another patient. She had teenage problems with her skin, yes.

Teen DS is a bit spotty in the way of most teens - but mostly on his forehead and back! So not mask related

@EddieVeddersfoxymop I am SO sorry to hear that. Unfortunately I can relate - I am considering talking to my boss about it, but I have eczema issues which may justify reasonable adjustments. Definitely look into whether you could do the same? If not, hopefully we’re heading towards more mask-free schools or talk to your GP as prescription skincare like Azelaic acid could help