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
Surgical and FRSM (fluid-resistant Type IIR surgical) masks
Prolonged use of surgical face masks (>6h) can also have an effect on the skin integrity and
damage the skin barrier, reasons are friction and rubbing of the mask on the skin (mainly nose,
cheeks and chin, and with ear-loop masks behind the ears), and build-up of moisture behind the
mask.
Prevention Information
Avoid the use of make up when wearing face masks
Use a light moisturiser in the morning, at break times and after work
Try staying hydrated
Have break times from wearing face masks at regular intervals, if possible, e.g. with task
rotation
If possible keep working environment at a comfortable temperature
Consider working shorter shifts and less consecutive shifts
Use a thicker moisturiser cream like Vaseline behind your ears when using ear-loop
masks
Managing symptoms and damaged skin
Typically two different types of symptoms might affect you,
1) either skin irritation with redness, dryness, itching in the area the mask covers the face
and under the eyes, and/or
2) spots or papules around your mouth and sometimes cheeks
The management for these two differs, if you are suffering from (1) you might try to use the
Cavilon
™ Barrier Cream sparingly once day, before you start your shift and a moisturiser
after work.
If you suffer from (2) or both, a barrier cream and any makeup is likely making the symptoms
worse. In that case
use a soap-free facial wash in the morning and after work, and otherwise apply frequently
a light moisturiser. If symptoms persist or getting worse contact your GP for some
treatment.
Discuss with management if you could be placed for duties where the mask use can be
reduced or avoided until symptoms have improved.
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 face masks.
Psychological
support
If you experience some anxiety or feeling not comfortable wearing face masks please consider
the following audio meditation:
https://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/stress-management/wearing-ppe
