HealthLinks Charleston July/August 2021

www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 61 Todd Schlesinger, M.D., FAAD, a board-certified derma - tologist with Roper St. Francis Health System and founder and medical director of the Dermatology & Laser Center of Charleston and the Clinical Research Center of the Carolinas, explained that maskne is typically used as a basket diagnosis and can include any of the following: 1. TRADITIONAL ACNE: Masks can be occlusive, which increases the risk of bacterial overgrowth and oil production and leads to clogged pores. 2. ROSACEA: Central facial redness or splotches are typi- cally seen on fair skin and can be made worse by the heat caused by wearing a mask. 3. CONTACT DERMATITIS RASH: This rash occurs due to products being on or in close proximity to the skin. Occlu- sion can cause deeper absorption in the skin. 4. INFECTION OF THE HAIR FOLLICLES: Also known as folliculitis, the irritation and infection is more prevalent thanks to bacterial buildup. Masks that fit well, even those made of surgical grade material, breathable or performance fabrics or cotton, tend to trap warm, humid air against the skin, which creates a perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. Coupled with fric- tion from the mask rubbing against the skin, it is not surprising that maskne has become such a nuisance, even for people who previously reported clear skin with few to no breakouts.