#WearAMask | Coronavirus

We need a Face Mask but, how do I protect my skin? How should I use it? Which one is the best? How do I dispose of it?

Nowadays, in many public places you attend, the use of the Face Mask is mandatory. As more places continue to open, and people gradually return to outdoor activities, wearing Face Mask has become not only part of our routine but also a crucial part of it... using a Face Mask is a simple but very good tool that helps you and others protect against the COVID-19 by reducing the spread of the virus.

As we know, the Face Mask should cover our nose, mouth, and part of the chin, fitting correctly to the sides to give us more excellent protection against the Coronavirus.

At the moment there is no specific vaccine or a scientifically validated treatment. This makes prevention our greatest weapon in combat, bringing a series of norms of reinforcement of health and hygiene to which we were not accustomed. However, it is essential to point out that the use of the Face Mask does NOT replace the preventive rules that have been previously established by the authorities.

Today, more than ever, it's important to communicate clearly and concisely the information that is useful for one's health and that of those around us. For this reason, we share with you some criteria that are necessary to know and take in consideration when using and handling a mouth guard so that it adequately fulfills the function for which it is worn and that it does not become just another (not so fashionable) accessory on our Face, or worse, another potential way of infection of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19).

How to place a Face Mask correctly?

Before putting the Face Mask on, wash your hands correctly. Mouthguards lose their effectiveness if they are not combined with adequate and frequent hand washing
Carefully place the elastic cords on the sides of the Face Mask behind the ears
Adjust it so that it covers both the nose and the mouth. If it only covers the mouth, it is not effective
Touching your Face is a habit that most of us have and it becomes more frequent when we wear something we are not used to, but please avoid doing it, if you need to adjust the Face Mask, wash your hands before and after you have touched the Face Mask
Please avoid using the Face Mask as a headband or necklace
To remove the Face Mask for a short period, fold it in half but in such a way that the outer fabric part meets the inside and thus prevents it from coming into contact with other surfaces
To remove the Face Mask, don't forget to wash your hands before and after touching it, take the elastic cords that are placed behind the ears and this way remove it from your Face WITHOUT TOUCHING THE FRONT
When you get home and take it off, do not leave the mouthpiece on dirty surfaces that are in constant contact with other members of the house like tables

What is the function of the Face Masks?

Surgical Mask.- These Face Mask prevent people who are infected from continuing to spread the virus through droplets by coughing, sneezing, or talking.

Characteristics:

1) Filters large particles in the air

2) They can protect others by reducing exposure to saliva

3) Can provide protection if no other type of mouthpiece is available

4) They are disposable

Homemade Face Mask.- These Face Masks can be made in-house and in times of short supply of Face Masks due to panic shopping, it is a good option for infected (or possibly infected) people to avoid spreading the virus through drops.

Characteristics:

1) They are more accessible and reusable

2) They help protect others in case the wearer is a carrier of the virus

3) Must have several layers of fabric to improve its effectiveness

N95 Respirators.- Also known as KN95, this type of Face Mask is recommended for the Medical and Health Sector since they are those who are in constant contact with sick people, and their hermetic seal around the nose and mouth is a way to avoid both contagion and contagious to other patients. It is made with a special material that ensures more than 95% of the protection against viruses that can be transmitted through droplets when sneezing, coughing or speaking.

Characteristics:
1) They offer greater protection than a surgical or cloth mask.

2) Are disposable

3) Blocks more or at least 95% of particles

How to properly dispose of a Face Mask?

Remove your Face Mask immediately if it gets wet
Do not give a second use to disposable Face Mask
You should put the disposed of Face Mask in a plastic bag with a knot and spray it with a chlorine-based solution
Don't forget to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with plenty of soap and water after disposing of the Face Mask

How to wash a reusable Face Mask correctly?

If you wash it by hand, you should use plenty of very hot water and soap, let it soak for at least five minutes in the water
Let it dry entirely before using it again
If using a washing machine for washing, put it on a gentle cycle with hot water and soap
You can put it in the dryer at a very high temperature
Applying an additional disinfectant spray capable of killing the virus is a helpful method
If your Face Mask looks damaged from anywhere, it's better to throw it away
If you can't wash the Face Mask immediately after taking it off, put it in a plastic bag

How to protect your skin by the continuous use of the Face Mask in this #NewNormality?

Wash your face
We know it sounds very obvious, but it's not apparent to many people. Having good hygiene on your face is essential. When you get home and remove the Face Mask, wash your face with soap and water to remove sweat, grease, and dirt that may have been generated. Drying yourself with a clean towel that is exclusively for your face is a key point.

Wash your Face Mask
If you're using a disposable Face Mask, don't refuse it! It would be best to discard it immediately after use and then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

If your Face Mask is made of fabric, you should wash it after each use. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), washing your washing machine's mask should be enough to disinfect it.

You can put it on a gentle cycle to prevent the elastic from coming off, use hot water and laundry detergent, or a disinfectant. Allow it to dry thoroughly before using it again.
Avoid makeup (at least for now)
Excess makeup combined with moisture and fabric friction can cause dirt-based acne.
Apply a moisturizer to reinforce the skin barrier and combat dryness and irritation

Do not hesitate to visit your Dermatologist if you notice that there is no improvement and do not apply products that can further affect the condition. Make sure your Face Mask is made of cotton, and if you don't think you can wash it often, use disposable masks.

Finally, remember to be patient, don't stop using your face Mask, reinforce your cleaning and personal hygiene habits, we're in this together. We all protect ourselves and We all protect You!

Keep these tips in mind while maintaining confinement, social distancing, and frequent hand washing.

And remember: Get tested!

Where can I get a test for COVID-19 in Los Cabos? Visit our link to find more information about it.

Why is COVID-19 testing important? COVID-19 testing will help you protect your family, your community, and yourself.

It will save lives!

BlueNetHospitals - Hospital Los Cabos

BlueNet Hospitals

Blue Net Hospitals