As the world faces the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing a mask or facial covering has been touted as one way to combat the spread of the virus. Most public places, such as grocery stores and essential locations, have now mandated customers and visitors must cover their mouth and nose. Meanwhile, health care providers and those who work in health care facilities have to wear full personal protective equipment, including a mask, for the duration of their shift.

The skin of the face, however, can suffer negative consequences from constant covering. Healio spoke with Heather W. Goff, MD, MPH, associate professor of dermatology and Philip J. Eichhorn Professor of Dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, about how to combat skin problems caused by wearing masks.