One of the most talked-about topics during the COVID-19 pandemic is masks. Just as important it is to wear one when you leave the house, it is important to wash it when you come back. But, how should you clean it and how often? These are the questions that not enough people seem to be discussing.

It is best to wash the facemasks immediately after you reach home. If you can’t wash it after each use, put it in a paper bag, (and not a plastic one) and keep it in a warm place such as near a window or in a balcony. You should wait at least 2 days before reusing the mask as by then the mask will dry completely, killing any virus that was on it. You should keep the used masks away from anyone’s reach as it could have respiratory droplets that may evaporate and eventually harm you or someone around you.

You may wash your facemask as a part of your laundry but with detergent and the warmest water that wouldn’t disrupt any fabric of your clothes.  But if you decide to wash it using your hands, make sure you scrub it with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before rinsing it thoroughly, and then let it dry in a warm place for 2 days.

Long-term use of facemasks in summer may lead to skin problems such as acne or heat rash. It’d be best to use those that not only protects you from the virus but are also comfortable to wear. You could try using cotton facemasks to minimize sweat and oil getting trapped.

For further protection, you could try to use a facial moisturizer before putting on a mask or wear sun-protection and minimum makeup, or wash your face at least twice daily with a hydrating cleanser.

If your skin gets inflamed, you could use hydrocortisone cream to get instant relief. If your skin is eroded, you could try using a petroleum-based healing ointment to heal faster. And, for acne, a topical benzoyl peroxide treatment with a maximum concentration of 5.5% is suggested.