Everywhere you look, the world has been impacted by COVID-19. The global pandemic is dominating the media and is responsible for over 100,000 deaths in the US. You probably never imagined wearing a mask in public, working from home, and travel restrictions would so quickly have become part of your everyday life.
Not only do these changes interrupt your mental health, but they also bring many changes to your skin — whether or not you have COVID-19. Dr. David Rodriguez and his team at Dadeland Dermatology, located in Kendall, Florida, are here to inform you on some of the effects COVID-19 can have on your skin.
Even the word “stress” is enough to make you anxious. Stress creates a chemical reaction that makes your skin hypersensitive, causing existing problems to flare up and new ones to arise. When you’re stressed, you’re also more likely to skip your skin care routine or binge on unhealthy foods.
It’s no secret the global pandemic has caused a surge of stress in many of our lives as we try to adapt to all these environmental changes. That’s why many have noticed flare-ups in:
Don’t let your skin hinder your self-esteem and skyrocket your stress. Dr. Rodriguez can help address any skin problems you may be experiencing and identify their triggers so you can manage future flare-ups.
Although wearing a mask in Florida isn’t mandatory, many people wish to for health concerns. Just like certain clothing can create rashes, certain types of masks can also cause you to break out.
Reddening of the skin, papules, and scaling are some of the common effects that wearing a mask can bring. In a previous study, 97% of health care workers experienced skin problems from using protective gear.
Cloth face coverings tend to trap sweat, oil, and your breath, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Here are four tips to help keep your skin as healthy as possible while wearing a mask:
Always let your skin breathe as much as you can when you’re home, in the car, or in various other non-public settings.
You’ve probably washed your hands much more in the last three months than you used to. This can help stop the coronavirus from spreading, but you might have noticed your hands’ skin is dry and scaly.
Certain hand soaps contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin and cause a disruption in its texture. Don’t always opt for an antibacterial soap, because these tend to contain harsh chemicals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that antibacterial soaps don’t necessarily have a benefit over gentler soaps. Look for a natural soap instead and always apply hand lotion after you wash. This helps to retain moisture and helps prevent more serious conditions like dermatitis.
Numerous people who have tested positive for coronavirus have reported a variety of skin rashes. Some have noticed a hive-like appearance, others had lesions, and some experienced vesicles similar to measles. However, more research is needed to tell if these skin issues are a result of coronavirus or changes in the environment.
Are you dealing with a skin problem? The best way to know what’s causing this change is to meet with Dr. Rodriguez. He and the experts at Dadeland Dermatology are still seeing patients and enforcing strict sanitation measures to ensure your safety. As always, please stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of the virus like a cough, high temperature, or shortness of breath.
Get peace of mind and schedule your appointment today — call 305-250-2056 or book online.
