Skin Care Tips During the Corona-virus Pandemic

By Mayo Clinic News Network

(TNS)—Washing hands and wearing face masks are key steps to preventing COVID-19. But they can dry out your skin and cause acne. Here’s how to help.

Most people are washing their hands or using hand sanitizer more frequently these days. Many are also wearing face masks when in public or during work shifts, often for hours at a time.

These measures are key to reducing the spread of the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). But they can irritate and damage your skin. Making a few skin care changes for your hands and face can help counteract these effects.
Hand care

One of the most important things you can do to protect against COVID-19 is to keep your hands clean and free from germs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

But lots of hand washing can strip your hands of their natural oils. To prevent dry, cracked skin:

Be gentle on your hands. Use cool or lukewarm water with soap to wash your hands. Hot water isn’t any more helpful against germs that can make you sick. And hot water can increase skin damage.

Avoid antibacterial cleansers. They aren’t that useful for preventing infectious disease. And they contain chemicals such as fragrance that can irritate skin.

Wear gloves when cleaning to protect your skin. Disinfectants for cleaning surfaces are effective against germs, but some of the ingredients can be harsh on your hands.

Moisturize, moisturize. After washing your hands, gently rinse and pat them dry. Right after, apply plenty of moisturizer. If your hands still feel dry after a minute or so, apply more. Use a moisturizer that’s hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and dyes that can irritate your skin. Keep the moisturizer handy—next to bathroom and kitchen sinks, in your car or at your workspace. Make it easy to repeat this critical step.

Combine moisturizers. Sometimes, a combination of moisturizers works best. Lightweight creams typically draw moisture to the skin’s outer layer. Look for ingredients such as urea, glycerin or hyaluronic acid. To seal the moisture in, follow with a heavier moisturizer that prevents water loss. Oil-based creams or petroleum jelly work well. Because heavier moisturizers can feel greasy, some people leave a thick layer on their hands covered with cotton gloves overnight.

Don’t ignore early skin protection. Even if your hands don’t feel dry or chapped, be sure to moisturize them regularly. Preventing skin irritation from developing in the first place is more effective than trying to catch up later when skin is already broken and cracked.

Facial Care

Many workers in places such as salons, restaurants, retail stores and in health care wear masks throughout their shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC recommends wearing cloth masks in public to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus by people who have COVID-19 but don’t realize it.

But as helpful as it is, mask use can lead to chafing of the skin on the bridge of your nose, chin, cheeks and even behind the ears. Some people develop itchiness or a rash. Sweaty or damp conditions under the mask can lead to acne breakouts. To ease these complications of mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Adopt a regular skin care routine. Cleanse and moisturize your face before and after using a mask. Choose products labeled “noncomedogenic,” which means they won’t clog skin pores. Don’t use products with petrolatum, though. Petrolatum is a common ingredient in “heavy-duty” creams and ointments, such as petroleum jelly. It can get in the way of the mask’s function, especially N95 masks used by some health care workers. If your skin tends to be on the oily side, go for a water-soluble moisturizer.

Use a barrier ointment or bandage. To prevent or relieve skin injuries caused by pressure or friction from masks, a thick layer of zinc oxide can soothe and protect skin. Zinc oxide is a skin protectant often used for diaper rash or severely chapped skin. Use it on the bridge of your nose or behind your ears. You can also try placing a bandage between the skin pressure points and the mask. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about bandages or dressings that provide cooling relief and conform to the skin while still allowing for appropriate mask use.

Ease blisters. If a blister forms, keep it clean and apply antibiotic ointment. Use a bandage to create a protective barrier between the blister and the mask.

Treat acne. If you develop acne, cleanse your skin regularly. Use a water-soluble moisturizer. Look for acne treatment products that contain retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Also, avoid popping or squeezing pimples, which can contribute to inflammation and infection of the area.

Professional Care

Don’t give up on washing hands and wearing masks, as these are critical prevention measures against COVID-19. In the meantime, taking the steps described above can help protect your skin.

If you develop cracked skin that starts to bleed, blisters turn into ulcers or become infected, or if you have a serious skin reaction, talk to your doctor promptly. Damaged skin can increase your risk of infection and may need more than home care. Treatment may include prescription medicines and skin therapies.

2020© Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Rent assistance available to those impacted by COVID-19

The Board of Commissioners recently allocated $1.5 million of Coronavirus relief funds to help Cobb tenants having difficulties making rent payments during the pandemic. Cobb’s Chief Magistrate Judge Brendan Murphy held an informational session in his courtroom to outline the program and to give information on qualifications for those who might need help.

June is National Safety Month

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The following tips can help you stay proactive about preventative health and may lead to a healthier you. Get the right amount of quality sleep It may sound cliché, but get some rest! Put on your coziest PJs and queue up something binge-worthy on Netflix. Take it from the late Henry S. Lodge, former professor of medicine at Columbia University: you need sleep, and even more so when you’re sick because rest helps your immune system fight off infections. Wash hands the right way Wash your hands thoroughly, properly, and often. Antibacterial and antifungal soaps will kill bacteria and fungus, as advertised, while handwashing for a full 20 seconds or more with soap and clean water will destroy the molecular lipid layer or membrane that bacteria and viruses need to survive and infect people. Soap molecules break the membrane and it dissolves. Then, soap traps small fragments of the virus or bacteria in little molecular bubbles, which can be washed away with water. Not all bacteria and viruses depend on a lipid layer to infect humans, but vigorous hand scrubbing and rinsing with water can knock most microbes off your skin. For this reason, proper handwashing is more effective at killing germs than alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Stay hydrated According to experts at Harvard Medical School, most people should drink four to six cups of water each day. If you’re sweating from exercise or heat, you may need more fluids to stay hydrated. Remember, all fluids count toward your daily intake—though water is usually the best choice. Water, decaf tea, and clear broth are some great ways to hydrate your body when you’re not feeling well. Avoid coffee, caffeinated soda or tea, and alcohol because they can lead to inflammation which hinders your body’s ability fight off sickness. *Initially published by Old Republic Home Warranty

Prep Your Home for Summer

The days are getting longer, and many of us are spending more time outside in our gardens and yards.Prepare both the interior and exterior of your home for summer with 

a few excellent "summerizing" tips to keep you comfortable all season long.

Get an air conditioning tuneup. Servicing your air conditioner at the start of the summer season can help you avoid costly repairs later when the heat gets extreme. Consider signing up for yearly maintenance with your preferred company to ensure your unit stays in tip-top working condition.

Consider a dehumidifier. Excess humidity can damage your valuables as well as the structure of your home. Consider obtaining a dehumidifier if your home tends to get steamy over the summer months. It will help remove excess water from the air, protecting your belongings and your home.

Service your chimney. If you have a chimney, summer is the best time to have it professionally maintained. Get a thorough cleaning done annually to avoid any interior damage that might send dirt or debris into your home.

Manage your trees. Trim any overhanging or dead tree branches before the summer thunderstorms start rolling in. Remove any lawn debris that accumulated throughout the fall and winter to make sure your yard is ready for summer gatherings.

Start pest control. Take practical measures to keep bugs and insects at bay, like removing any standing water (a favorite breeding ground for mosquitos) and fixing any leaky door seals or broken window screens. If you live in a particularly buggy environment, consider hiring a pest service to spray for unwanted insects.

Prep your windows. It's time to break open those windows and let the fresh air in! Before you do, give them a good washing, inside and out, to clear away winter's dust, dirt, and grime. Make sure your screens are properly installed to keep unwanted bugs outside if you intend to open your windows.

Check your outdoor water supply. Check your hoses, spigots, and other outdoor water sources for any leaks or damage before regular use. This is particularly important for areas that suffer freezing temperatures that could result in frozen, cracked pipes.

Complete a roof inspection. Climb up on your roof to check for any necessary repairs. While you're up there, take a peek in the gutters and downspouts to ensure they're clear and ready to handle summer rainstorms.

Sources: WhereDoYouDwell.com, Liberty Mutual