Mask allergy??

Published

I think I might be allergic to my mask or having some sort of reaction to it. My hospital has a new supply of surgical masks and every time I put it on I start hacking. I can taste a chemical when I put it on and then cough cough cough. Sadly, it's the only mask we are allowed to wear (only the covid floors can wear the N95s). Funny though, I can wear an n95 the whole night and have no issue, but not these surgical masks.

I've spoken to a few doctors, CNAs, and nurses and they said they are going through something similar.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.

So are we now endangering health professional's health and lives with poorly manufactured PPE?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sounds like others are having the same problem.

I know after 7-8 hours I start feeling tired and not as productive wearing the mask. I get sluggish. Once I get in the parking lot I remove. Love fresh air and mask off.

Can you wear the n 95 instead? I would report the concern.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.

https://www.c-span.org/video/?471986-3/prestige-ameritech-executive-vice-president-mike-bowen-testifies-house-energy-commerce-panel

This is work l worth watching and relevant to masks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 5/15/2020 at 1:13 AM, toomuchbaloney said:

So are we now endangering health professional's health and lives with poorly manufactured PPE?

Yeah, we've been joking at work that 15 years from now, there will be ads on the TV for class action lawsuits saying, "Were you employed as an essential worker in the 2020 COVID pandemic? Have you suffered from chronic respiratory illness? If so, you may be entitled to compensation."

I haven't personally had any negative reactions, but the quality of our hospitals' surgical masks has markedly declined as the pandemic has gone on.

4
Up Vote Up Vote ×

My son's asthma has been out of control since he's been required to wear a mask at work (not in healthcare). His physician says they're seeing asthma and allergic reactions every day from masks, and even people with fungal infections around their mouths and behind their ears.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

You should just see if you can wear your own mask somehow then..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

I recommend reaching out to your infection prevention officer or employee health nurse. I know that we are providing wound care consults if anyone gets skin breakdown, and working to make sure people have the appropriate ti on N95s (some have had to have alternative masks due to poor fit). Maybe they have some advice. If nothing else it documents it with your facility and distribution may be able to look at where those masks came from.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med surge/tele/step down ICU.

I have eczema and haven’t had a flare up in a few years until I was required to wear the surgical masks at work. My lips and chin were inflamed, pink, and just overall painful. My facility will allow me to wear a cloth mask underneath the surgical, which does help. I have used topical steroid crepe which helps too. 
 

Do any of my fellow nurses have remedies for similar situations? 
TIA

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion