5 Tips for Wearing a Mask without Irritating Your Psoriasis

Wearing a face mask is required in many public places these days, and it’s a good idea to don one to protect yourself and others. But what do you do if that little piece of essential protection is irritating sensitive areas of your face, scalp, and ears, causing flare-ups or extra discomfort on your already stressed skin?

“The current pandemic is certainly enough to raise stress levels in just about anyone,” says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and author of Skin Rules. “Stress is a well-known trigger for psoriasis. Couple that with the masks being looped behind the ears, which is a hot spot for flare-ups, and you’ve got a recipe for irritation.”

But there are some things you can do to cut down on irritation and to make mask-wearing more comfortable.