How to Tell the Difference, Allergies or COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effect? What is gum recession and how do gum grafts work to remedy it. By every evaluation measurement the researchers used in the study, both acne and rosacea patients' conditions were significantly worsened by prolonged mask wearing. According to some experts, it may actually be a bigger factor in causing sinus issues this summer. Many people with seasonal allergies are struggling right now, trapped in a vicious cycle of coughing, sneezing, wheezing and itching. All rights reserved. "This generates an uncomfortable feeling and an impulse to touch your eyes. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: The Procedure and Recovery Process. But masks lower your risk of COVID-19 by at least 70%. advice every day. Douglas T. Johnston, DO, FAAAAI, FACAAI, is an allergist/clinical immunologist at Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Assistant Professor at Edward Via School of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these, Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus, "Wearing a face mask makes the exhaled air go into the eyes," wrote Antonio I. Lazzarino, Medical Doctor and Epidemiologist, of the University College London, in a letter to the journal, about the side effects of face masks. Practice at home. Even the cloth masks most people are wearing in outdoor settings can make a difference, especially those with multiple layers of fabric. 17099 N Texas Ave, Suite 200Webster, TX 77598, Mon 8:30 - 5Tues 8:30 - 5Wed 8:30 - 5:30Thurs 8:30 - 5Fri 8:30 - 3, Sinus & NoseAllergyFacial Plastic SurgeryGeneral ENTHearing, Our Providers In-Office TechnologyContactPatient PortalPatient Resources, Resources Patient Resources Patient Portal Allergy Testing SLIT Therapy Pediatric ENT Services Balloon Sinuplasty Sinus Surgery Inferior Turbinate Reduction Septoplasty Nasal Valve Repair Rhinoplasty Eyelid Lift Facelift/Neck Lift Lip Lift Reconstructive Surgery Ear Pinning Earlobe Repair Botox Filler Sculptra Kybella Specials Rewards Program Cosmetic Blog Before & After GalleryBay Area Audiology. 810304 Eaton Place, Suite 100 Sinus infections, and related sinus pressure, can cause toothaches. Make sure you are not allergic to the fibers or materials in your mask. like pollen over time can help you build up tolerance. You shouldnt be suffering needlessly.. But last spring, people were mostly hanging out at home and wearing masks when they did go outside. It makes sense that filtering the air we breathe will help reduce not only airborne droplets and aerosols, as with the fight against COVID-19, but with irritants such as pollen, dust, mould and more; so you can absolutely wear an allergy mask! However, it can be a source of anxiety for people who suffer from facial eczema. How masks might prevent or improve sinus issues, Allergic rhinitis is not the same as sinusitis, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6325651/, sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213219820308679?via%3Dihub, sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0196070921002246?via%3Dihub, journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01945998211000419, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7369820/, Is It a Sinus Infection or COVID-19? Marlene Wolfe, EG19, who received a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering and conducted a systematic review of the effectiveness of handwashing practices Irina F. Dragan, DG15, assistant professor of periodontology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, fills us in. Some masks may absorb the natural moisture on your face, drying out your skin. When pollen comes into contact with the mucus membrane inside the nose, for example, the immune response creates inflammation, which in turn causes congestion, sneezing, and excess mucus. Update - July 25, 2022 We updated this blog post to include updated face mask guidance from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over several years of treatment, this can actually cure an allergy instead of just treating the symptoms. It can cause dry, red and itchy skin. Some studies have found a link between acne and high-sugar diets. 116 online (0 members Turns out, the face mask you've been wearing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 can also help protect you from pollen particles in the air, Dr. Monteleone says. (2020). Why people with asthma seem to be protected from severe COVID-19 . ", under your mask altogether and to cleanse your face before and after wearing a mask," reports Cnet. Here Are the Symptoms for Delta, Omicron Variants, the Flu, and Allergies. Second, avoid touching your . Choose masks made of non-irritating fabrics, like cotton. If you take away the exposure, the tolerance wanes. Higher pollen counts means more pollen exposure, which means more allergic symptoms for those who are allergic to tree pollen in the spring, grass in the summer and weeds in the fall, Gupta said. 116 guests). Excessive moisture coating the lining of the nose can decrease the sensitivity of air passing through the nasal cavity. Pollen particles are larger than COVID-19 particles, meaning masks intended to protect you from COVID-19 are also helpful in protecting you from allergens. Fragrance in laundry products may also cause an allergic reaction. Climate change and human health: A review of allergies, autoimmunity and the microbiome. Masks won't make much of a difference if you primarily deal with eye allergies. How to avoid long COVID: These 5 factors are key to preventing severe infection, Elon Musk expects his fleet of Tesla Optimus Bots to think, solve problems on own like his cars, Best Female Comedians Of All-Time: Top 5 Funniest Ladies, According To Experts, Best Chicken Noodle Soups: Top 5 Brands Most Recommended by Experts, Best Heavy Metal Bands Of All Time: Top 5 Legendary Rockers, According To Experts, Best Places to Live in London: Top 5 Locations Most Recommended by Travel Experts, Its going to get much harder to breathe in the future heres why. If your face mask causes new acne or makes your acne worse, talk to a board-certified dermatologist for the best way to treat your skin type. A 2021 study found that there was a reduction in ear, nose, and throat-related visits to emergency departments during the pandemic. (It can take more than two hours for the dust to settle after a thorough cleaningso, if possible, clean when the allergic patient is away, and avoid cleaning the . Use the highest heat setting . Don't think of your face mask as Batman's cowlsome kind of bulletproof covering that will protect you from the coronavirus. Managing a sinus infection? Using a nasal rinse can help a stuffy and runny nose. Add these products carefully and sparingly to make sure they improve your condition, and are well-tolerated, without making the problem worse. Prolonged face mask use can also cause facial acne (called maskne) and rosacea. "Cotton material is considered to have better ventilation and will trap less of the moisture that builds up from breathing and sweating," reports CNet. If you have to do outdoor chores on a day with high pollen counts, always wear a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask and take appropriate medication beforehand. Michigan Health: 4 Face Mask Myths that Put You at Risk, Mask Wearing for Pulmonary Patients, Yes, You Should Wear a Mask. A Feb. 2021 study showed that a well-fitted mask using such tactics can reduce exposure to simulated cough particles by 83%. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. If you have allergic conjunctivitiseye allergiesyou probably are going to benefit less from wearing a mask over your nose and mouth. Sinus infections, or rhinosinusitis, occur when the lining in the sinuses and nasal cavity become inflamed. According to allergists, its not just you. Even though study participants almost uniformly adhered to mask wearing in public, 84% experienced discomfort, and 75% . In a South Korean study, laundering cotton sheets at 140F killed . If you are allergic, wear an N95 filter mask while dusting, sweeping or vacuuming. A fabric mask should have two layers. If your nose is clogged, and you have facial pressure, breathing can feel difficult. Ray C, et al. That said people sometimes feel uncomfortable wearing a mask. "If you have dry skin, it's best to put on moisturizer before wearing a mask," reports CNet. Many people dealing with allergies also have skin conditions like eczema or acne that can be made worse by wearing a mask for a prolonged time. Signs of this potentially fatal complication. "No instruments, no buff puff, no loofa, no washcloth, your fingertips are all you need," she said . But now it's unbearable. Masking and sinus issues: Whats the link? By continuing to use the service, you agree to our use of cookies. You might also want to. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends masks for the general public. On top of that, the first freeze we typically see each fall is happening later in the year. If this sounds like you, you might be wondering whats going on. Find a mask that doesnt irritate your skin. Likewise, toss surgical masks after every use. Think of the length of a twin bed, to give you a sense of the distance. Thats because youll be exposed to fewer virus particles, which could make your illness less severe. Other than that, you can do whatever you can to fight against climate change it looks like our allergies are only going to get worse. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we live. If you experience a severe flare-up of facial eczema, schedule an appointment with your doctor and/or a specialist such as an allergist or dermatologist. If we dont slow down the climate change cycle, pollen production will only intensify, Mendez said. Reduce the time spent wearing the mask as much as possible, aiming for a five-minute break every few hours. Bring a plastic bag of clean and dirty masks when you go out, so you always have a fresh one on hand. To reduce allergic reactions to face masks, place a lining between your skin and the mask. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Elon Musk expects his fleet of Tesla Optimus Bots to think, solve problems on own like his carsBest Female Comedians Of All-Time: Top 5 Funniest Ladies, According To ExpertsBest Chicken Noodle Soups: Top 5 Brands Most Recommended by ExpertsBest Heavy Metal Bands Of All Time: Top 5 Legendary Rockers, According To Experts. Fauci: Double masking against mutant coronavirus just makes common sense.. More than one-third of healthcare workers reported facial itch, rash or acne after wearing N95 masks daily for several months, according to AAD. Thats extremely important, because people with lung disease often get seriously ill, sometimes even from a cold virus.. "They don't restrict your breathing," Coletta says. Takeaway. When you do it wearing a mask, it tends to shoot straight up into your bifocals, fogging them up. She recommends patients change their clothes when they get home and shower before sleep, to ensure that pollen doesnt stick to their skin, and wash reusable masks frequently. "We think this is due to mask-wearing and limited . Doctors recommend you apply it twice per day, including after a bath or shower. Hay fever symptoms and face masks can also be a real pain. ", before wearing a mask," reports CNet. While wearing a face mask is important, choosing the type of mask is just as important depending on what triggers your asthma specifically. Do not wear a second mask with a KN95 mask, the alternative to the professional-grade N95 masks. Don't have to shave or wear my uppers. I noticed after wearing a mask when I doordash or do Instacart, my sinuses hurt so much, I haven't door dashes in the past three days. A 2018 review noted that sinus issues can be triggered by changes in: A 2020 review noted that 12 out of 17 locations on multiple continents showed an increase in pollen load over time, and that this increase was significantly associated with an increase in maximum temperatures. Fact: Most people who use oxygen can safely wear a face mask. , a Yale Medicine pediatric allergist and immunologist and assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine. It can occur anywhere on the face, but its most often found on the chin and cheeks. Dror AA, et al. Your breath might feel warmer. Many people dealing with allergies also have skin conditions like eczema or acne that can be made worse by wearing a mask for a prolonged time. Nasal Allergy, Rhinitis and Allergic Rhinitis, Managing Asthma in School: A Guide for Parents, Managing Allergies at School: A Guide for Parents, Managing Allergies at School: A Guide for School Staff, feeling anxious or stressed, develop some stress-coping activities. What is causing this? Climate change can contribute to increased pollen and warmer temperatures. ", "Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing. N95 masks are ideal for this, but standard masks most people are using to protect one another from COVID-19 also work, Mendez said. This makes eye irritation worse and may produce watering and redness as well. That's because a blocked, stuffy nose means you'll be breathing through your mouth. Among the 80 nurses who started the study with mild symptoms, 43 nurses, or about 54 percent, felt their symptoms improved while wearing a surgical or N95 mask, said Dr. Amiel Dror, a physician-scientist at Galilee Medical Center and Bar-Ilan University Azrieli Faculty of Medicine and the lead author on the study. Our clinical staff noted that many patients said that wearing masks seemed to worsen their sinus symptoms and, in some instances, brought about new symptoms. Fact: Almost all people with lung disease can and should wear a mask. What to do if face masks cause or worsen eczema on your face? } else { The masks we use to protect ourselves against the coronavirus act as a barrier against pollen, too. They might feel slightly uncomfortable, but thats not a sign that youre getting less oxygen., Studies show that masks dont impact air exchange, even for people with severe emphysema, says Bradley Hayward, MD, a pulmonologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian in New York City. Fact: The only way to completely guarantee that you wont get sick is to avoid contact with other people. Many face mask companies are responding to the need for washable, skin-safe face masks using soft fabrics. Part of HuffPost Wellness. Ramirez AV, et al. If you have AC, set it to nonrecirculated air. On top of that, the first freeze we typically see each fall is happening later in the year. If cotton is not available, any soft, lightweight fabric should do. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, wearing a face mask does not. The masks help stop the coronavirus from spreadingif used correctly. (2018). Grass pollen is higher than usual this year across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, Accuweather notes. You must be signed in to continue. If you use oxygen, Hayward says you can put the mask directly over your cannula (the plastic tube that delivers oxygen to your nose). Consider washing your eyes and nose with a saline solution. If you're in an area with a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital and new COVID-19 cases, the CDC recommends wearing a well-fitted mask indoors in public, whether or not you're vaccinated.. A headache is a potential symptom of COVID-19, but its less common than other COVID-19 symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. According to some . If you find yourself sniffling in bed, crank your washing machine to the hottest setting. They fit tightly. If you arent sure or have concerns, talk to your lung specialist. The humid and sticky environment your mask creates around your face lends itself to breakouts around the nose, cheeks, mouth and chin. But over all, "if there's . As a result, the bacteria, virus, dust and allergens accumulating on the mask can lead to sore throat. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. On airplanes, I generally wear a mask during boarding and deplaning, or if I'm seated in economy very close to strangers. First, wash or sanitize your hands, clean your face with a warm damp face cloth, and allow your face to dry before applying your mask. It should not be so loose that it moves around and rubs against your skin. "They . He has lectured at national and international medical conferences and has publications in several medical journals, including Clinical Immunology, World Allergy Organization Journal, Journal of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, The Journal of the American Medical Association, and the New England Journal of Medicine., 1235 South Clark Street Suite 305, Arlington, VA 22202, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. If used properly, masks also help prevent other serious illnesses, including the flu and pneumonia, Coletta says. If your hands are contaminated, you are infecting yourself.". possibly because the pollen is worse, or because there are more people outdoors due to relaxation of the pandemic restrictions." During the pandemic, her patients had fewer asthma flare-ups than in past years, Cohn said. Social distancing and masking can also reduce the spread of viral URIs, which is another trigger for sinus infections. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); If this is not helpful, you can try a nasal spray/rinse with hypertonic saline. We also told him to use cotton-based, dye-free masks without elastic. Her writing can be seen in Business Insider, Insider, Lonely Planet, Fodors Travel, and others. Masks have been shown to help filter out pollens and allergens effectively. Most people with sinus symptoms note that their quality of life improves with mask-wearing. . There are lots of over-the-counter allergy medications and sprays that can alleviate your symptoms, as well as some heavy-duty treatments if needed. Wash and change your mask frequently. Wash your hands and face after being outdoors for long periods of time, and consider changing your clothes, she said. The contents of this website do not constitute advice and are provided for informational purposes only. The majority of sinus infections occur during the winter months, but certain factors during summer can also lead to sinus infections or at least symptoms that people might mistake for a sinus infection. Although the findings suggest that wearing a mask can reduce allergy symptoms for some people, the researchers noted that more study is needed. "The acne people are experiencing due to face masks is small pimples, like rosacea," says Northwestern Medicine Dermatologist Walter J. Liszewski, MD. The most effective way to treat an allergy is with allergy shots, or immunotherapy. Pollen can get trapped inside your home, so keep your windows shut and car doors closed. Myth #4: Smoking and/or vaping does not increase your risk of getting sick with COVID-19. Makeup on skin covered by a mask can clog your pores and cause flare-ups, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Choosing the right mask for an allergy-prone wearer can also be important. Eye dryness may also result when face masks are taped to seal the top . The mask should cover your mouth and nose without pressing tightly on them. Talk with a mental health specialist. "This can help prevent skin irritation from where the mask rubs your face." Dont use makeup in areas covered by the mask. Additionally, wearing the same mask over and over for prolonged periods isnt recommended. Eye lubrication drops can be used more frequently during prolonged mask wear to help relieve the symptoms. Discard the bleach solution down the drain and rinse your masks thoroughly with cool or room temperature water. Researchers with the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) find certain materials in face masks can carry allergens, causing skin conditions and other symptoms to flare up. More research is needed to determine if this could be the case, though. If you suspect you might have COVID-19, immediately quarantine and get tested. How to Tell the Difference. Doctors report one unintended, yet positive side-effect of mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic is the reduction of outdoor allergies. Facial eczema is very common, especially in young children. Using masks to alleviate allergy symptoms can require a bit of trial and error, said Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist at N.Y.U. Allergic rhinitis is not the same as sinusitis. But you might be wondering if wearing a face mask to lower your risk of illness will make it harder to breathe, or even make your lung disease worse. Israeli researchers recently studied how much difference wearing a mask could make for allergy sufferers with mild, moderate and severe symptoms. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. These particles tend to reside on the mask when you use them without washing for a long time . You might also want to hold onto your face mask a bit longer. They found that 84% reported discomfort and 75% reported trouble breathing or shortness . Cleanse your skin twice a day, morning and night, she added, with the fingertips only. Allergy season is now 10 days longer than it was in 1990, and trees, grass and weeds are producing 21% more pollen. The Rx: Do not use masks under these circumstances. With climate change, this has had a huge impact as our summers have changed, he adds. Here's what the research indicates right now. Some areas in the Northeast saw. Heres the deal and how to find some relief: Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in pollen counts on a yearly basis, and this is due to global warming and an increase in CO2, which we know plays a role in higher pollen counts, said Payel Gupta, an allergist and immunologist and medical director of the at-home allergy clinic, didnt appear until April or so, delaying pollen-producing plants from blooming. Anecdotally, some medical professionals have seen more viral URIs in kids due to loosening mask mandates. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. We know that dry air and cold air sometimes has the ability to elicit a reaction in the nose, he said. Really though so far so good. Symptoms are often uncomfortable, painful and itchy. Gogu also recommends being aware of your masks fabric. Walking around with a dirty face mask isn't doing you or anyone else any favors. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Sarah Bence is an occupational therapist (OTR/L) and freelance writer, primarily focusing on health, wellness, and travel topics. It can be challenging to differentiate between symptoms of sinus infections, allergies, URIs, and COVID-19. "An easy hack is to place a folded tissue between your mouth and the mask. The exception: If anyone you live with shows signs of illness, even if its just the sniffles, or has been around someone whos been sick, then wear your mask indoors around them, Coletta says. Face masks come in many sizes and materials. University of Illinois Chicago researchers conducted an online survey of more than 500 adults with asthma. U.S. officials now believe COVID-19 came from a lab which scientists suggested 2 years ago! Similar effects have been reported with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks that are used to treat sleep apnea. Then you feel better or die: Drawings reveal how kids viewed COVID-19 pandemic. Research shows that sinus issues arent worsened by masks. If you're allergic to that chemical, those masks could spark a breakout. If you wear it under your nose, its useless, Coletta says. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in pollen counts on a yearly basis, and this is due to global warming and an increase in CO2, which we know plays a role in higher pollen counts, said Payel Gupta, an allergist and immunologist and medical director of the at-home allergy clinic Cleared. Apr 26, 2021. Make sure your mask is completely dry before wearing it again. Pollens & other allergens can build up on the surface of masks. Research shows wearing a mask may reduce allergy symptoms. Are face masks helping people with allergies? The study is being presented at the ACAAIs Annual Scientific Meeting. Grass pollen is higher than usual this year across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, People are being hit the hardest in Scranton and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Richmond, Virginia; Wichita, Kansas; McAllen, Texas; Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven, Connecticut; Springfield, Massachusetts; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, according to AAFAs, . Reactive rhinitis is non-allergic rhinitis. Weed pollen is trending to be higher than what we usually see each year, too. In addition, we live in a uniquely stressful time due to the pandemic. day, 2022 Galvanized Media. In one 2020 study . For people with allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma, who develop symptoms after breathing in allergens, masks can be really helpful. Stress is a known eczema trigger. Is this allergy season particularly brutal, or do your symptoms just seem worse because you were inside and not exposed to many allergens in spring 2020? Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your symptoms persist or worsen, give your doctor or allergist a call. Even for seasonal allergies, masks arent a great long-term solution. Experts say when symptoms and side effects show up is important to determine if it's COVID-19 vaccine side effects, COVID-19, or allergies. Your email address will not be published. The effect of mask usage on sinus symptoms was recently explored in a study by Dror et al. At this point in the ongoing pandemic era, most know that wearing a cloth covering protects the wearer and the people around them from respiratory droplets that come from talking, coughing or sneezing. Other medical masks can be even more effective. "Wearing a face mask makes the exhaled air go into the eyes," wrote Antonio I. Lazzarino, Medical Doctor and Epidemiologist, of the University College London, in a letter to the journal BMJ about the side effects of face masks. Langone Health. Any advice? If you use a cloth mask, make sure you wash it between uses, Coletta adds. EatThis.com is part of the AllRecipes Food Group. World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Mythbusters., NBC News: Dr. This discomfort may cause you to feel anxious or stressed, which may explain an increased heart rate. Face masks that are too tight or made of fabric that is scratchy or uncomfortable can rub against the face, causing irritation. How to reduce face mask irritations? You can wash it in the washing machine or by hand. ", RELATED: Dr. Fauci Just Said When We'd Be Back to "Normal", According to the CDC, "cloth face coverings should. Whether you will get a sore throat from wearing your mask depends on . This could be contributing to the perception of allergies being worse than usual, said. "(Masks should be worn) in addition to the evidence-based, strong recommendations that are already in place around physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and frequent disinfecting of commonly touched surfaces," Dr. Marcia Anderson, medical officer of health at the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, tells Global News. Finding the right fit starts with using the right cloth. Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago conducted an online survey of 501 adults with asthma to better understand the extent of, and the problems related to, mask use in the era of COVID-19. Some areas in the Northeast saw 70-degree days as early as January this year. "Not to mention, the foundation can also rub off on your mask, leading to, Dr. Fauci Just Said When We'd Be Back to "Normal", fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape", As for yourself: To get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these, 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID. Protection varies mask to mask, depending on the fit and, for cloth masks, the weave of the fabric. Heres the deal and how to find some relief: Year over year, were finding climate change is a major factor in worsening symptoms for spring and fall pollen seasons, said Kenneth Mendez, the CEO and president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Pollens & other allergens can build up on the surface of masks. Always put your mask on over a clean face. Masks work to slow the spread of COVID-19, primarily to prevent the wearer from spreading the virus, but also, to a lesser extent, to protect the wearers themselves from coronavirus. In general, potentially due to mask wearing or social distancing, I have seen fewer issues with sinusitis, regardless of the season, she says. Prevention. A solid rinse can also work wonders after spending time outside. Fact: There are certain times when its safe to take off your mask. Our houses are the one place most people arent wearing a mask, and more patients are seeking treatment for allergies to animals, dust, and mold. It's "proven science," read a May 2 Facebook post that said mandated . With so many people wearing masks outdoors this year, weve seen patients reporting fewer seasonal allergy issues. People with sensitive skin may react to dyes in some fabric masks and should use perfume-free detergents. Most of us associate sinus issues with the winter months and flu season, but thats not always the case.