Is there any evidence for a relationship between staph infections and using masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Is there any evidence for a relationship between staph infections and using masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
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It is very rare for a person wearing a mask to develop a staph infection as a result of the mask. Staphylococcus aureus, also known as a 'staph infection,' is a germ that can be found on people's skin, and can potentially cause serious infections if it enters the bloodstream. Usually staph infections are minor and can be treated with antibiotics, but more severe infections can be worrisome. In order to develop a staph infection, the person wearing the mask would have to have an open lesion or untreated wound on their face, but even then, it very rarely happens. Some of the same prevention tips health organizations recommend for preventing COVID-19 infections can help prevent staph infections, like washing your hands rigorously, cleaning and bandaging wounds on your skin, and regularly cleaning your mask. Wearing moisturizers like lotion can also help protect your skin from irritation which could lead to an open wound, if the skin becomes raw. Though cases of staph infections related to mask wearing are very rare, it is important to take prevention measures seriously to avoid a potential infection.
It is very rare for a person wearing a mask to develop a staph infection as a result of the mask. Staphylococcus aureus, also known as a 'staph infection,' is a germ that can be found on people's skin, and can potentially cause serious infections if it enters the bloodstream. Usually staph infections are minor and can be treated with antibiotics, but more severe infections can be worrisome. In order to develop a staph infection, the person wearing the mask would have to have an open lesion or untreated wound on their face, but even then, it very rarely happens. Some of the same prevention tips health organizations recommend for preventing COVID-19 infections can help prevent staph infections, like washing your hands rigorously, cleaning and bandaging wounds on your skin, and regularly cleaning your mask. Wearing moisturizers like lotion can also help protect your skin from irritation which could lead to an open wound, if the skin becomes raw. Though cases of staph infections related to mask wearing are very rare, it is important to take prevention measures seriously to avoid a potential infection.
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What our experts say
It is very rare for a person wearing a mask to develop a staph infection as a result of the mask. Staphylococcus aureus, also known as a 'staph infection,' is a germ that can be found on people's skin, and can potentially cause serious infections if it enters the bloodstream.
Usually staph infections are minor and can be treated with antibiotics, but more severe infections can be worrisome. In order to develop a staph infection, the person wearing the mask would have to have an open lesion or untreated wound on their face, but even then, it very rarely happens.
Some of the same prevention tips health organizations recommend for preventing COVID-19 infections can help prevent staph infections, like washing your hands rigorously, cleaning and bandaging wounds on your skin, and regularly cleaning your mask. Wearing moisturizers like lotion can also help protect your skin from irritation which could lead to an open wound, if the skin becomes raw. Though cases of staph infections related to mask wearing are very rare, it is important to take prevention measures seriously to avoid a potential infection.
It is very rare for a person wearing a mask to develop a staph infection as a result of the mask. Staphylococcus aureus, also known as a 'staph infection,' is a germ that can be found on people's skin, and can potentially cause serious infections if it enters the bloodstream.
Usually staph infections are minor and can be treated with antibiotics, but more severe infections can be worrisome. In order to develop a staph infection, the person wearing the mask would have to have an open lesion or untreated wound on their face, but even then, it very rarely happens.
Some of the same prevention tips health organizations recommend for preventing COVID-19 infections can help prevent staph infections, like washing your hands rigorously, cleaning and bandaging wounds on your skin, and regularly cleaning your mask. Wearing moisturizers like lotion can also help protect your skin from irritation which could lead to an open wound, if the skin becomes raw. Though cases of staph infections related to mask wearing are very rare, it is important to take prevention measures seriously to avoid a potential infection.
Context and background
Due to requirements and recommendations that people wear face masks in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many news outlets have been reporting the potential for negative health outcomes related to wearing masks. There are very few health risks when it comes to this prevention measure, and masks are recommended for the majority of the population. However, one of the issues being widely discussed in international media is the potential for staph infections to occur due to face masks irritating and chafing the skin, causing a cut or wound. Staph infections can only occur through a skin opening, so while this concern is a valid one, it is highly unlikely to occur.
Many of the health concerns related to face masks are very low risk, including staph infections, breathing difficulties, and allergies. In order to prevent any illness from occurring related to wearing a mask, it is important to speak to your doctor about any medical concerns you might have. It is also important to practice cleaning your face and mask, washing your hands rigorously with soap and water, and maintaining distance between yourself and others.
Due to requirements and recommendations that people wear face masks in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many news outlets have been reporting the potential for negative health outcomes related to wearing masks. There are very few health risks when it comes to this prevention measure, and masks are recommended for the majority of the population. However, one of the issues being widely discussed in international media is the potential for staph infections to occur due to face masks irritating and chafing the skin, causing a cut or wound. Staph infections can only occur through a skin opening, so while this concern is a valid one, it is highly unlikely to occur.
Many of the health concerns related to face masks are very low risk, including staph infections, breathing difficulties, and allergies. In order to prevent any illness from occurring related to wearing a mask, it is important to speak to your doctor about any medical concerns you might have. It is also important to practice cleaning your face and mask, washing your hands rigorously with soap and water, and maintaining distance between yourself and others.
