Regimen for the new normal

Your face mask probably feels like second skin by now. Your face shield is no longer as bothersome as it used to be the first time you wore it. And nowadays, walking longer distances or traveling via your trusty bike or even scooter has become the preferred alternative rather than taking public transport—even if you end up feeling so exhausted come dinner time.

While these have already become part of our daily routine, we still find ourselves getting bothered by their “effects” on our body—dry, itchy skin, rashes, cramps and so on. Here are a few things you can do to ease the discomfort.

Dry, itchy skin

Health experts cannot stress enough the importance of frequent handwashing and sanitizing as a way to help ward off the deadly COVID-19. Scared of being infected, some may have gone overboard, spraying alcohol or using hand sanitizing gels practically every hour. The result? Dry, itchy skin which can be harmless, but if left unattended, can lead to atopic dermatitis (eczema), causing redness, cracking and inflammation. Best to use unscented and hypoallergenic moisturizers—it could be oils, creams, lotions or even petroleum jelly. Try using one about three to four times daily for best results.

Face rashes

Unfortunately, wearing a face mask and a face shield all day long can cause skin irritation. As the mask can trap dirt, oil and sweat in your pores, it can cause redness, heat rash and even acne for those with sensitive skin. To counter this, make sure to set a simple skincare routine. As soon as you get home, let your skin breathe and rest. After a while, gently cleanse and exfoliate your face with your choice of soap or facial wash, but preferably one that is mild on your skin. You can choose to use a cleanser or toner, too, afterwards.

Cramps

Walking or biking to get home after a long and tiring day may eventually put your body under too much strain. If you’re experiencing leg cramps, it’s best to stretch the cramped muscle and gently rub it to help it relax. You can use a warm towel or heating pad on tense or tight muscles. Taking a warm bath may help as well. To relieve pain, you can also massage the cramped muscle with ice.

MACE app

But if the itching, the rashes or the pain is too much for you to bear, it’s time to consult a health professional. Thankfully, leading health maintenance organization Medicard Philippines offers a safe, convenient way for you to set up a doctor’s appointment or request approval for labs and diagnostics. Simply download the MACE app from Google Play or App Store to easily and fully access Medicard’s roster of healthcare services at your convenience. This powerful app truly offers the perfect alternative for face-to-face consultations without having to brave the outside world amid this deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

Sources: Mayoclinic.org, Aafp.org, Healthline.com, Medicardphils.com
Photos by Shiny Diamond, Vitória Santos, Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels