CHECK Berlin / Brandenburg #5

ENGLISH
CORONA
I’M BREATHLESS!?
The good news first: We have not yet heard
or experienced any allergic reactions to the
masks! When used properly, masks are usually
not harmful to health. The fear of hypercapnia,
i.e. increased carbon dioxide content
in the blood caused by rebreathing your own
exhaled CO2, is unfounded. According to
the Federal Environment Agency, the masks
are made of air-permeable material and are
tight - but not completely sealing - on the
face. It is rather the moisture penetration
of the mask and the associated feeling of
discomfort of the restriction that creates the
feeling of no longer having enough oxygen.
Our recommendation: if you have to do heavy
physical work and wear a mask, take breaks
more often.
ATTENTION RESPIRATORY
DISEASE
Anyone who already suffers from a
chronic respiratory disease and is now
experiencing increased headaches,
dizziness, muscle twitching or an
unusual reddening of the skin after
prolonged physical exertion should
speak to their pulmonologist as soon
as possible.
SKIN PROBLEMS FROM
WEARING THE MASK
People who have no skin diseases will
certainly not get any skin problems from
wearing the mask all the time - provided
that the mask fits correctly and is changed
as soon as it becomes too wet. Problems
can arise from the formation of eczema
behind the ears if the mask is too tight. Socalled
ear-save holders can provide relief
here. If the eczema has already occurred, we
recommend a baby cream with calendula
extract and a little zinc oxide, which forms
a fine protective film under which the skin
can also heal well thanks to the anti-inflammatory
substances.
HUMID CLIMATE, PUSTULES AND
INFLAMMATION
Of course, physical stimuli such as increased
humidity and increased temperature play
a major role because more humid climates
can irritate the skin, something which we will
increasingly experience with summer coming.
This is because more sebum forms, in which
bacteria can multiply more easily. In the case of
acne in particular, this can manifest in stronger
pustules and inflammation. We therefore
recommend cleaning the skin daily with mild
cleansing products without alcohol and, if
possible, using non-comedogenic creams.
Ingredients such as sage, pansy herb and woad
support healing through their anti-inflammatory
properties. Products from manufacturers
such as Dermasence® or Weleda® are particularly
suitable here. It is also best to take off
your mask when walking in less busy areas and
to let your skin breathe in fresh air. A mask that
has been worn should be thoroughly dry before
the next use. This is particularly important as
a damp mask loses its protective effect! In
principle, old masks should be disposed of with
the residual waste.
AND THE GOOD NEWS IS …
Since the recommended and later mandatory
wearing of the masks in March 2020, the Robert-Koch-Institute
has hardly registered any
cases of flu. There were also significantly fewer
reported cases of colds. (mm,ts,mb)
Author:
Michaela Medrow
with the kind support of
Witzleben Apotheken Berlin
Kaiserdamm 24+26, 14057 Berlin
www.witzleben-apotheke.de
pharmaceutical
representative and
cosmetician
22 CHECK BERLIN/BRANDENBURG #5