Face masks may trigger ECZEMA in people with allergies, study finds

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People with sensitive skin may be at risk of eczema flare-ups triggered by wearing a face mask.

Doctors reveal that a 60-year-old man with a history of skin allergies suffered from dermatitis caused by his mask.

After initially struggling to diagnose the root of the problem, doctors realized it was the elastic bands on his face mask that were the cause.

a person wearing a hat: People with sensitive skin and allergies may be at risk of eczema triggered by wearing a face mask caused by a reaction to the elastic band, doctors say (stock photo)

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People with sensitive skin and allergies may be at risk for eczema triggered by wearing a face mask caused by a reaction to the rubber band, doctors say (stock photo)

The patient was diagnosed with a case of contact dermatitis, a form of eczema fueled by a reaction to a substance or material.

The American man was put on treatment with prednisone, a regular anti-allergic drug, before the mask problem was spotted.

But it was ineffective, and the man later returned to his doctors with the problem.

After identifying the location on the face to be the same spot as a mask, doctors speculated that the form of PPE could be to blame.

Challenging case study shows face masks with elastic bands can lead to breakouts and people with sensitive skin prone to eczema should consider using cotton-based, dye-free, elastic-free masks (stock)

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Challenging case study shows face masks with elastic bands can lead to breakouts and people with sensitive skin prone to eczema should consider using cotton-based, dye-free, elastic-free masks (stock)

Integrated mask with antiviral copper ‘kills 90% of coronavirus particles’

Some British doctors will be able to wear specialized masks with a layer of nanocopper that kills the coronavirus by the end of the year.

Face masks are worn to prevent the coronavirus and other pathogens from spreading.

But the virus can survive on its surface if it is not disinfected or removed properly.

Dr Gareth Cave said the first masks will be produced later this month and will be commercially available in December.

The material kills 90% of the coronavirus particles in less than an hour.

Gallery: If You Have This On Your Skin You Could Have Severe COVID, Study Shows (Better Life)

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“We realized that her rash was showing up right where the elastic parts of a mask lay,” said allergist Dr. Kristin Schmidlin, co-author of the article.

“ We cut back on prednisone and advised her to use a topical steroid and a topical immunosuppressant until the rash cleared.

“We also told him to use cotton-based masks, no dye, no elastic. In a follow-up phone visit a week later, the patient said his rash continued to improve.

The tough case study shows that those with elastic bands can lead to breakouts, Dr Dhamija said.

Results are presented at the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology annual meeting.

It follows recent UK research that identified unprecedented rates of occupational dermatitis among healthcare workers.

Most coverings, including 3-ply and KN95 masks, are made from non-woven materials with a composition resembling felt.

Experts say these materials tend to cause micro-friction damage, causing mild to moderate discomfort, especially in sensitive skin.

The coatings help prevent the transmission of the virus. But wearing them for long periods of time can be uncomfortable and has been linked to acne breakouts.

They can cause other problems for people with skin allergies, Dr. Dhamija said at a virtual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

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