Sillicon Allergy

[Sabrina]

Dear Doc (not my doc ),
First step, and just to take it out of the picture, I will go to do an allergy test against sillicone and I will buy an old style rubber mask, and let us see what happens. I have a trip to galapagos in september and since it is going to be intensive diving, I am very concerned about my face....
I will let you know, many many thanks.
Regards,
sabrina

 

[Sabrina]

Dear David,
Thanks for your advise...I went to a diving store and they told me they did not know about non-sillicon masks......, I will start looking for these for my next trip!!
Regards,
Sabrina

 

[fisherdvm]

Docvikingo...
1. Does your "acne" follow the general outline of where the mask contacts the skin?. NO, not really, the acne is in the forehead, around nose and in the chin (this makes me think is not the mask...and the regulator does not touch it neither....)

2. When you go diving, do you apply products on your face that you do not use at other times, e.g., sunscreen, sunblock, moisturizing lotion? NO.I use sunscreen but as in any other ocassions.

Based on the distribution of your acne, it looks like standard adult acne. I would make sure that your facial moisturizer and sunscreen specifically say "non-comedomogenic", or "does not cause acne". They are usually labeled as "facial" moisturizer with sunscreen, such as Neutrogena brand or Aveeno brand facial moisurizer with sunscreen.

I am very doubtful that your mask is causing your acne. As a woman, there is a very close relationship between acne and your hormone status. If you recently went off a contraceptive pill, or started a different one, it can explain your acne.

Go to a dermatologist, and get a patch test. Cut a piece of your mask silicon strap, and tape it to your upper back over the shoulder blade. Leave it in place for 5 to 6 days. If you break out under the silicon, you have proven that you are allergic to the product.

But again, I am very doubtful that you are allergic to your mask.