There are things you can do if you suspect this is what’s going on with your skin — but not wearing a mask isn’t the solution. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the general public wear a cloth face covering when social distancing is impossible to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. If you suspect candida overgrowth is at the root of your mouth sores, here’s what you need to know about how it’s caused and what to do about it. RELATED: Do You Really Need to Wear a Mask This Summer?
Mask Conditions Allow Yeast to Thrive
There’s a lot going on in your mouth. In fact, there are about 700 species of microbes living in there, according to the National Institutes of Health. Like other areas of your body, there are both good bacteria and bad (the kind that make your breath stink or lead to cavities), and there’s also fungus, which is normal but can cause a whole host of problems. Now that mask wearing is becoming the norm, you’re more susceptible to mask-induced skin problems. Maskne is more common, but a candida infection is also possible. Both the skin and saliva can contain parasitic fungi of the genus Candida, a type of yeast that is normally present in the body, says Marina Peredo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Skinfluence in New York City. Anyone who’s worn a mask in the summertime knows that it can get hot under there. And masks offer the perfect conditions for overgrowth. “Candida thrives in humid environments, much like the one created under your mask,” says Lucy Chen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami. “While a face mask can’t be the sole cause of a skin infection, the combination of heat, humidity, and a tight mask could worsen underlying conditions that prompt a fungal or bacterial infection,” she says. RELATED: What Face Masks Are Best for Exercise? The result can appear to be a raw, red, irritated, or chapped area, or a skin rash. The appearance of candida overgrowth, though, can be tough to distinguish from acne, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. That’s because symptoms of this type of candida infection may also look like red bumps or pus pimples, he adds. One telltale sign is that the irritation is in the corners of your mouth. “If you have an urge to compulsively lick your lips when they’re dry, you may be at a higher risk [of this type of infection] if saliva gets trapped in the corners of your mouth. It becomes a breeding ground for candida,” explains Dr. Chen. This type of infection, which will appear as cracking, irritation, bleeding, and redness in the corners of the mouth, is commonly called angular cheilitis, says Chen. Mask wearing is one risk, but it also happens to people who wear dentures or young kids who use pacifiers. RELATED: What Is the Candida Diet and Does It Work?
How to Treat Candida Overgrowth Caused by Your Mask
If you are unsure what’s going on with your skin or are having a tough time distinguishing acne from candida, call your dermatologist. If you are hesitant to go in for an appointment at this time, many offices are doing virtual appointments. Your provider may be able to tell if you have acne or candida overgrowth through a video call, or they may ask you to send a photo. The good news with this infection is that it’s fairly straightforward to treat, says Dr. Zeichner. “The same types of topical antifungal creams used for athlete’s foot can be helpful.” He also suggests using a dandruff shampoo that contains ketoconazole, an antifungal ingredient, as a face wash. Use it on the affected part of your skin. RELATED: A Guide for Preventing and Treating Chapped Lips
Protect Your Skin From Mask-Induced Problems With Common-Sense Skin Care
If wearing your mask contributes to skin problems, you’ll want to take some extra precautions. “If you’re wearing a mask, you’re also covering half your face. Don’t put makeup and lipstick on. It’s better to wear a mask over clean skin,” says Dr. Peredo. That doesn’t mean you can’t wear makeup at all, but that you’ll have to put in a bit more time and effort to touch up your mask area at the end of the day. “When you remove your mask, apply or minimize what you’re using to your lower face,” she adds. Wash your mask regularly (after each use). Now that there are so many cloth masks to choose from, and they’re readily available online, it helps to keep several on hand to swap out throughout the day, “especially if they feel damp after wearing them for long periods,” says Chen. Ultimately, a few tweaks to your habits will help keep your skin and mouth looking and feeling healthy. RELATED: Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Dermatology Appointment During COVID-19
