Mask-Related Skin Conditions – Sore Ears and Chapped Lips

Here at Mahoney Dermatology Specialists, we take the safety of our patients and our staff seriously! We are wearing PPE with all patients, and all of our staff are practicing social distancing and wearing surgical masks or respirators. This has proven to be a very effective way of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, sometimes mask-wearing can lead to skin problems!

Sore Ears and Chapped Lips

Mask wearing may lead to both sore skin and rashes behind the ears and chapped or cracked lips, which can both be uncomfortable or downright painful! To prevent trauma to the back of the ears, wear different masks, and make sure that ear loops are not too tight. Masks with ties around the head will relieve ear pain. Readily available on Amazon and other vendors are ear loop extenders so that you can attach ear loops behind the head, and adjust the tightness and fit of your mask.

For chapped or cracking lips, Mahoney Dermatology recommends frequent application of petrolatum-based lip moisturizers (Vaseline Lip Therapy Original has only one ingredient, white petrolatum, which lowers the risk of contact dermatitis.) Other options include ChapStick, Aquaphor, and Burt’s Bees.