Atlanta Journal Constitution: Here is why your face mask could be making you itchy
UC physician presents case study at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Yashu Dhamija, MD, presented a case study of a patient treated for contact dermatitis after a facial mask with elastics required him to seek hospital treatment. Dhamija, a first-year fellow at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, discussed his findings during this year’s virtual American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Scientific meeting. Atlanta Journal Constitution reported the findings and so did other media.
Emergency room physicians initially prescribed prednisone but when his rash continued the patient was told to use cotton-based, dye-free masks without elastic. Facial masks are a must to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Dhamija said home-made elastic free mask are an option that should be considered in individuals with allergies to elastics and rubber.
Read more about Dhamija's findings.
Other media discuss his research.
Featured image of homemade mask courtesy of Unsplash.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Stay up on all UC's COVID-19 stories, or take a UC virtual visit and begin picturing yourself at an institution that inspires incredible stories.
Related Stories
‘Designer drug’ shows early neuroprotective signal in acute ischemic stroke
October 28, 2025
Medscape highlighted new trial results led by the University of Cincinnati's Eva Mistry that found an experimental drug shows promise in protecting injured brain cells for patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Is menstrual fluid ‘the most overlooked opportunity’ in women’s health?
October 27, 2025
The Guardian recently reported that period blood has long been thought of as ‘stinky and useless’, but startups are exploring using the fluid to test for a wide range of health conditions — including endometriosis.
What is squalane, and how does it work to moisturize skin?
October 27, 2025
The University of Cincinnati's Kelly Dobos was featured in a Women's Health article discussing squalane, an ingredient being increasingly used in moisturizing skincare products.