Dermatologists have found in our daily practice that the continued use of face masks has a negative effect, especially on children with atopic skin or particularly sensitive skin.
Covid-19 will continue to be present among us for a long time, and therefore, the use of the mask will continue to be mandatory. For this reason, we recommend the following preventive skin care measures for children with atopic skin.
Care for children with atopic skin
Mask use in children with atopic skin may facilitate a flare-up of the disease, especially with masks with higher occlusion, such as FPP2 or FPP3. For children with atopic skin, hygienic masks adapted to their age can be used, or cotton fabric masks, which are much softer and more respectful of atopic skin.
In case of an outbreak, the usual treatment prescribed by the dermatologist should be followed. In any case, it is important to keep the skin clean daily, with cleansing emulsions that do not dry the skin, avoid very hot water, and dry the skin without rubbing, to avoid damaging it.
When the use of the mask must be prolonged during the day, it is advisable to use photoprotectors with a minimum of FP30, as they act as a protective barrier between the skin and the mask.
In case of skin irritation, it is also important to moisturize the affected areas at night, using healing creams, as well as in the areas most exposed to the mask. If the irritation worsens or develops into eczema, it is advisable to visit a specialist to consider prescribing medication.
Remember that it is important not to use the mask too tightly on the face. One option is to afload the size of the rubber bands behind the ears. If this rubbing is bothersome, silicone plastics can be used to hold the mask to the head.