Help I’m allergic to my mask??????

[Kathy Richards]

So as I continue to wear my mask, the itching and burning is getting worse and worse. I almost cant stand it anymore. I spend more time messing with my mask ....I’m going to end up getting sick because of this mask. Is there a company that makes a sensitive or hypoallergenic mask, n95? I called our head of infectious disease at work but they didn’t call me back ....not surprised she is so busy. Help anyone

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Call employee health—they’re the ones that supply other PPE/hygiene products, (e.g. soaps that cause sensitivity, powder free gloves back in the day when powdered gloves were more of a thing, etc.) when the usual ones cause sensitivity

[CampyCamp, RN]

Also, look into KT tape. They are making special strips for under masks. Might help? Maybe a thin layer of cotton between you and the mask? It might affect the seal but so does having to adjust the mask.

Hopefully, employee health can either get you a better mask or advocate for you to get assignments that won't need n95.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

What about a barrier like petroleum jelly?

[42pines]

It's more likely than not that you're experiencing mask contact dermatitis.

"Mask contact dermatitis. “. A study by Foo et al40 in Singapore showed that 35.5% of healthcare practitioners in their cohort who used N95 masks regularly during the SARS pandemic developed adverse skin reactions. Of these patients, 59.6% developed acne, 51.4% developed facial itch and 35.8% developed a facial rash.”

See: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323278369_Surgical_mask_contact_dermatitis_and_epidemiology_of_contact_dermatitis_in_healthcare_workers

Indications of a true allergy might include swollen eyelids, eye irritation, mouth, throat, or respiratory issues. Still there might be something in the mask that you are allergic to.

I'd refer you to an allergist and/or dermatologist. A dermatologist might take a small piece of the mask and put it under a bandaid on your forearm. The resulting reaction or lack of reaction may tell if you're experiencing an allergic response or an irritant response.

Try a different type/brand of mask. Ask for a PAPR if one might be available. A dermatologist might give you something such as a cortisone cream to oppose the itchiness. If the reaction is acneic then topical antibiotics might help.

[Kathy Richards]

Yes it’s definitely a sensitivity to the mask not an allergy I should have been more clear, I was just tired and frustrated from work. Sorry about that. I have tried three different masks but all make me burn and itch like my skin is coming off. I’m hoping I can get a skin sensitive Mask.