MASKNE | Everything you need to know, by Dermatologist Davin Lim

More from Dr Davin Lim https://www.instagram.com/101.skin/ https://www.instagram.com/drdavinlim/ . This is the new normal. Mask wearing will be with us for another year at least, especially in Australia when it opens up towards the end of 2021 . Maskne is classed as acne mechanica, or friction induced acne. There are many other factors that come into play including occlusion, bacterial overgrowth, changes in demodex population, humidity & compromised skin barrier function. Add to this topicals & other factors . Differential diagnosis includes rosacea, perioral dermatitis, seb dermatitis, eczema, contact dermatitis . How to prevent? Short breaks from mask wearing (if safe/legal/appropriate), reduce occlusion (go makeup free), consider cotton masks, good mask hygiene . How to treat? Go gentle. Azelaic acid is probably the safest, add vitamin B3/niacinamide to reduce inflammation & restore barrier function. Salicylic acid 2% wash as gentle exfoliant, acne patches to reduce picking & speed up recovery . Next step? Retinoids topically with caution, anti-inflammatory antibiotics including doxycycline, erythromycin & minocycline. Phototherapy with red & blue light, IPL with a blue filter. Your dermatologist may elect to use acne directed therapies including hormonal control or oral isotretinoin. Be guided by them. . Dr Davin Lim . Dermatologist Brisbane, Australia @drdavinlim Disclaimer: My work is entirely procedural, for rashes including acne & maskne, please consult my collea