Prolonged mask-wearing at work is breaking down my skin, need advice on how to treat and prevent it from getting worse
I come to you for help today with the issue I referenced in the title.
So I'm a server at a restaurant, and my job requires me to wear a mask basically the entire shift, we're talking 8-10 hours a day, every single day, for the last 2+ years. Didn't think much of it for a long time, but the last 6 months or so it's really started to catch up with me. My skin (mostly cheeks and chin, right where the strap/edge sits) is constantly red and dry, and a couple spots have actually broken down from the friction — like small patches of raw/damaged skin. It hurts and it's honestly a little unsettling watching it not really heal.
Problem is I have to put the mask right back on for my next shift no matter what, so it's basically getting re-irritated before it ever gets a real chance to recover.
I've been doing some digging on friction damage / wound care and picked up Aquaphor and hydrocolloid patches for the damaged spots, but tbh not 100% sure how to use them together given this is more ongoing friction than a one-time injury. A friend in nursing school also mentioned foam dressings like Dimora for areas that are more visibly rubbed raw, so I grabbed some of those too and I'm planning to just watch how it goes for now, if it keeps happening I'll bring it up with a wound care nurse.
For now I've dropped all my actives and I'm just doing gentle moisturizer + hydration, hoping that takes some of the pressure off too. If anyone's dealt with something similar (long mask wear + friction damage) or has thoughts on how to actually use what I've already got, I'd really appreciate it! Quite clueless myself.
Thanks so much in advance 🙂