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Is wearing face masks a difficult thing for people with skin allergies? The coloring materials used in face masks might cause allergies!

Over a year has passed and the COVID-19 situation has not subsided. Apart from being at home, face masks are used pretty much most of the time. Face masks serve as a protective function and have progressively become a part of fashion style as many people will match different styles of masks in accordance to their clothing. The styles of masks are also ever-changing. They are no longer in single colour and many are printed with various patterns or even in cartoon characters.

However, due to the humid weather in Hong Kong and long-term wear on the face, many citizens also have trouble with "maskne (mask acne)". The increased secretion of oil can easily lead to clogged hair and acne. However, in addition to being troubled by "maskne", have you ever experienced symptoms of allergic reactions? Such as skin itching, redness and eczema. This may be related to the material of the mask, which contains chemical allergens.

According to media reports, some textiles may be added with printing and dyeing auxiliaries containing formaldehyde in the dyeing and printing procedures. In addition, masks with darker colours are more likely to contain extra formaldehyde and azo dyes as compared to non-dyed and non-printed masks. Taiwan did a sample test on 25 masks from the market and found that two of them contain excessive levels of "azo dyes derived from specific aromatic amines". It can be seen that the dyes used in masks may contain allergenic ingredients, and may even contain formaldehyde and metal ingredients. As a consumer, it is highly recommended to be aware of which chemicals you are prone to and can develop allergic reactions to as masks need to be worn for a long time, hence it is best to avoid wearing inappropriate masks in order to reduce allergic reactions and discomfort in the body.

How do you know if you are allergic to certain chemicals or metals? You can perform the "Skin Patch Test" with 40 years of development experience with ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 certification. It is able to detect 9 most commonly seen contact allergens, including skin care products, cosmetics, mask preservatives, perfumes, metals, formaldehyde, Paraben, detergents, perfumes, laundry detergents, shampoos, leather, paper peels, etc.

Usage of face masks is becoming an everyday practice. Hence, when you find out which chemical substance you are allergic to, you can eventually select the most suitable and appropriate mask in order to protect yourself better.

🔎 Learn more about Patch Test

https://www.meddx.com.hk/skin-allergy-test.html

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  Meddx Allergy

  The Hong Kong Allergy Test Centre provides a series of clinically proven allergy solutions, dedicated to allergen testing services and allergy prevention products. Our products and services include IgE Blood Allergy Test - Quick Sensitivity Test/Faber/Ailergy, Skin Prick Test for Infants, Skin Patch Test and Anti-Mite Beddings.

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