Preventing Facial Skin Damage Beneath FFP3 and surgical / FRSM masks
Face Masks PPE Staff Skin Care Advice - Covid-19
Departments of Dermatology, OHS and Tissue Viability
Updated 23 July 2020 Version 4.01
FFP3 masks
Important: You must have had a pass in a face fit test for the FFP3 mask you are wearing. You
must only wear the mask you have had a pass for. If you are wearing FFP3 face fit masks with
adjustable straps please do not over tighten the mask.
PPE Information for Face Fit Testers
Prevention Information
Keep your skin clean and well hydrated, moisturise as normal, and do not use any make-up.
This may be all that is required.
If you are experiencing skin problems with the FFP3 mask (e.g. redness, skin damage, swelling
where the mask seals on your face) you can use the barrier film below. This could be due to
wearing PPE for extended periods and experiencing high humidity within the mask and head
guard.
Cavilon
™ barrier film alcohol free skin protector, 1 ml barrier wand.
Location for applying barrier cream/film: blue
– FFP3 mask, red – face shield; adjust to actual skin contact area
Ensure regular breaks from wearing a FFP3 mask to relieve the pressure and reduce moisture
build up according manufacturer (not wearing same mask over 8h shift) and HSE guidance
(comfort break after 1h), if possible. This will allow the skin time to recover.
Stay well hydrated throughout the day.
Do not use dressings (e.g., Duoderm) on the face with FFP3 masks as they will
compromise the mask fit/seal. Also barrier creams are currently not approved as they
might affect the seal of the FFP3 mask too.
Managing damaged skin
Inform your line manager and complete a Datix incident report, please attach image.
Consider referral to OHS, again, please attach a photograph if possible.
Redeployment may be required for 2-3 weeks to an area not using FFP3 masks.
If further information is required email
and include your
work contact details along with an image.
If facial skin damage is affecting your ability to work please get your line manager to refer
you with the photos to
for dermatology
advice.
