Crispy, sore lips caused by masks

[GeidiPrimes]

Does anyone else get swelling, soreness and lesions from masks? It's happened since I've worn one, GP thought it was impetigo at one point. Recently started an activity that requires masking for longer periods of time than used to and lips are really flaring up again.

Might it be fungal spores causing it? Inside a damp mask in the dark would be perfect growing conditions, and I'm a mouth breather so it would be nice and moist in there for spores .

Have just bought a silk mask to see if that helps, but I'm really inclined to think it's the humidity around my lips that's causing the roughness/soreness (also had acute soreness around nose after I've been masked for a long time).

I'll be so happy the day I ditch these fuckers.

Bumpety bump

I've never had this. Try washing your masks more often and using lip balm.

I am a bit of a soap-dodger tbf

How often do you wash your masks? If you're honestly worried about fungal spores or mould then I'd suggest not enough.

Depending on how long you wear them for at a time you should have between 1 - 3 fresh ones per day I'd say.

If it's impetigo I think you need special cream from the doc?

I've got half of the problem - peeling lips. Carmex doesn't make any difference. I'm putting bepanthen on at the mo. I'll let you know if it works!

Relatives in India are using Boraline cream which you can buy here so that's next on my list to try.

I change mine very frequently. Never had a problem. I think the fabric ones are worse for holding onto moisture though.

@GeidiPrimes

I am a bit of a soap-dodger tbf

Oh cross post

In what way? I use disposable masks whenever I can. If using something else, it gets steam ironed and sterilised in Milton. I don't want the peeling lips to get infected.

*How often do you wash your masks? If you're honestly worried about fungal spores or mould then I'd suggest not enough.

You've misunderstood. I don't have mould growing in my masks, I was wondering if spores in the atmosphere might be passing through the mask and causing irritation.

If it's impetigo I think you need special cream from the doc?

GP prescribed anti-biotics which had no effect, hence me wondering if spores might be the cause. I get affected by them (hayfever symptoms) a lot in autumn.

In what way?

Probably a bit laxer than most MNers with showering.

I might try dabbing on some canesten.

i wear my mask 8 hours a day and just need a bit of lip balm

how many hours do you wear yours?

Canesten may indeed be worth a try.

I wear mine all day at work and I’ve had large under the skin spots (that never come to a head) and dry itchy skin around my mouth since last September - tried every type of mask and skincare product going and nothing has worked. Had to do 2 lots of 10 day isolation and both of these times it completely cleared up... Cannot wait to ditch them!

I use disposable masks too CarmelBeach, I've wondered if they might be causing the reaction, hence swapping to silk, (less frictioney). Only switched today, hopefully will see an improvement. Nothing I put on my lips makes any difference.

Maybe you're sensitive to your washing powder? Maybe try a different brand or use disposable masks to see if that helps.

how many hours do you wear yours?

Only for a couple of hours, I'd only worn it for a few minutes at a time prior.

Ah, you too Theseptemberissues. I don't usually have sensitive skin, do you?

Maybe try smothering your lips in Vaseline before bed - my lips don't like the sun so I do this frequently in the summer and it's really restorative

@Mangofandangoo

Maybe try smothering your lips in Vaseline before bed - my lips don't like the sun so I do this frequently in the summer and it's really restorative

Mum does this, I find it bleugh

OP there was a thread on S&B about a product called Clinisept I think. It might help you?

I've been applying loads of carmex Mango, my lips don't really like vaseline.

Thanks Carmel, will check out the Clinisept.

Just claim exemption. They don't bloody work anyway. You're making yourself unwell for nothing.

The skin round my lips is sore and inflamed and I can’t get anything to make it better. Unfortunately I need to wear disposable masks for my entire shifts as a student nurse so I’m thankful I don’t scare the patients with my face.
Blisteeze is soothing for a while. Hate Vaseline. But I feel so horrible with it. And ugly.

@confuseddotcom090

Just claim exemption. They don't bloody work anyway. You're making yourself unwell for nothing.

Don't do this.

Masks do work its proven. Dont reply with some crap on particles getting out of or into masks. That's proven untrue.

I get sore at the corner of my mouth sometimes and put anti fungal cream on and it cures it, I use Daktarin or Caneston as it is on the outside of my mouth on my face, you can buy one that is for the mouth which is probably better if there is a chance you might ingest it

I wear one all day at work, and when I take it off my skin feels tight and dry. I dont think it helps that I drink much less than I used to while on shift.

I have been slathering my face in the big blue nivea before putting on my mask, its seems to make it a little better, but not a great amount.

'Probably a bit laxer than most MNers with showering.'

I would just address your poor hygiene tbh. Daily showers, skin care so wash your face properly and thoroughly. Disposable mask or a clean mask daily. Just basics really.

I have had a slightly odd dry patch on my lip which I suspected was due to face masks. A small circular patch in the very middle that gets tight and then splits a little across it. Very odd! But certainly not impetigo and actually regular carmex has helped a bit.

I have delicate lips which bruise easily so absolutely think this is due to masks.

I'm having problems with mask wearing. Blocked nose continuosly which leads to post nasal drip and cough. Unfortunately have to wear NHS issue ones all day at work so can't be exempt. It is definitely the mask as it clears up when I'm not wearing them for a few days and comes back when I wear them again. I HATE them!