COVID Face Coverings Could Cause Nostril Spots

Mail Plus / Health+

Cosmedics Skin Clinics founder and London GP Dr Ross Perry was invited to give expert advice on the issues that can be caused by wearing a face covering. 

Wearing a mask in public is not an option for most of the time, it’s been compulsory for a while in shops and on public transport and other public settings. With prolonged and repeated wearing of masks, many people have noticed that covering their lower faces can lead to skin problems. The term ‘maskne’ has been coined to describe acne caused by wearing a face covering.

Mail Plus exposed another phenomenon – the appearance of spots inside their nose as well as around it. These can range from small whiteheads to medium red cyst-like bumps which can feel uncomfortable.

Dr Ross Perry told Mail Plus’s Health+ how these pimples develop:

“Just like our skin, the inside of our nose contains pores which can get blocked by the build-up of excess oil and dead skin.

“Unfortunately, wearing a mask traps the moisture you release while
breathing, which increases the humidity. This then has an impact on the amount of sebum your skin produces. If you overproduce sebum, it can lead to blocked pores and subsequently to spots.”

What to do about nostril spots

Dr Perry explained:

“More often than not the spots are caused by inflammation rather
than infections so picking, squeezing and excessive applications of
lotions and potions will only make matters worse.

“Wear a mask which is comfortable for you – and unlikely to cause irritation – made from breathable material such as silk or cotton masks.”

Hygiene is vitally important

• Change your mask frequently to avoid build-up of bacteria
• Wash reusable fabric masks, dispose of disposable masks
• Cleanse with a gentle antibacterial product around the nose area to help reduce bacteria. Dr Perry recommends “A salicylic acid-based cleanser will help to remove excess oil and dead skin cells and Benzoyl peroxide lowers levels of acne-causing bacteria, which helps to reduce inflammation”
• See a GP if the problem persists

This story was published at https://www.mailplus.co.uk/health/37592/health-november-23-2020; subscription required.

Dr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry regularly provides expert comment and advises the media on a range of skincare and health-related issues.

He has particular expertise in skin surgery mole removal and melanoma; having removed thousands of moles in his career, both within the NHS and privately through Cosmedics Skin Clinics. He has provided expert advice on sun damage and sun protection for a variety of UK media and publications.

He also comments on the latest cosmetic and anti-ageing treatment methods.

DR ROSS PERRY

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors.  The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and anti-wrinkle injections/fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.