So, I keep reading about, and even viewing in a couple of youtube videos about the possibility of getting a yeast infection on your face from wearing a facemask. You know, the facemask that everyone is wearing these days to protect against the coronavirus? Yes, that mask.
We’ve already heard about a mask causing something people are calling, “maskne” or “mask acne,” but this yeast infection phenomena sounds strange.
So, is it true? Can you really get a yeast infection on your face and can a facemask cause it?
The truth is yes and no.
Dermatologist Dr. Susan Massick explained to the Huffington Post, “We already have yeast on our skin. A yeast infection could occur in the right setting, such as a warm, moist environment, but is often related to another factor (diabetes, compromised immune system, recent course of antibiotics, poor hygiene) that allows the yeast to grow unchecked.”
The CDC says that wearing a mask for many hours can increase your chances of infection and irritation, creating a favorable environment for yeast. They also say that reusable masks should be washed on a regular basis. More frequently if it becomes moist.
“Although yeast infections favor