Page 20 - Retail Pharmacy November/Decemeber 2020

18 BUSINESS THROUGH INNOVATION COMPOUNDING HPOTENTIAL COMPOUNDING OPTIONS FOR ‘MASKNE’ ave you heard of ‘maskne’, or read about it recently? It’s a new term referring to ‘mask acne’ – that is, the acne caused by wearing masks, which are now an essential preventative tool to keep us safe in our community battle to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Dermatologists describe maskne as acne mechanica, the type of acne caused by repetitive physical trauma to the skin, usually by rubbing or scratching. The need to wear a mask for protection has created the perfect storm of oil, sweat, heat, bacteria and friction that is being seen in many patients who have never had skin issues before. The condition is further aggravated in healthcare and frontline staff who work long hours compared with those wearing masks only for exercise or grocery shopping. There are many ways to try to avoid getting mask acne, such as washing your face with a gentle cleanser before and after wearing a mask. Skin should be moisturised after cleansing to prevent dryness, and if possible, heavy cosmetic use or wearing makeup under your mask should be avoided. With several options available for face masks, if susceptible to maskne, it may be preferable to wear a 100 per cent cotton mask which is washed daily after use. If wearing a disposable mask, it’s important not to reuse it. As the summer temperatures rise, it may not be possible to prevent getting maskne. Already, cosmetic websites are offering products to treat maskne, but compounding pharmacists have many options to offer walk-in patients as well as prescribers that may be looking for specific options to meet their individual patients’ needs. Compounders have access to many of the key ingredients used in skin cleansers and moisturising formulations, as well as to compounding bases that help support and nourish the skin. Cleansers with ingredients such as salicylic acid and niacinamide, which are popular in current cosmetic practice, are ideal agents to be used in combination for light facial cleansers. Niacinamide, often used for eczema, psoriasis and skin lightening, has the benefit of acting as a non-irritating exfoliant in cleansers. If a deeper cleanse is required, for example at the end of the day, then the combination of salicylic acid with lactic acid or mandelic acid might be considered. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can help with skin renewal as well as moisturisation. Mandelic acid, also an AHA, has increased lipophilic and hydrophilic properties that enable it to be more easily absorbed into sebaceous glands, meaning it has greater potential to treat oily and acne prone skin with greater benefit. Bases that not only provide moisture but also protect the skin barrier with fatty acids and essential lipids are an ideal platform on which to build products to support patients with maskne. Compounders can liaise with prescribers to incorporate active prescription pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics and mast cell stabilisers to reduce inflammation and infection. Pharmacists may wish to consider noncomedogenic formulations, which will prevent further blocking of the pores, or the inclusion of sodium hyaluronate to further support skin hydration. If your patients already have irritated or sensitive skin, or pre-existing conditions such as eczema or rosacea, pharmacists have the opportunity to further counsel their patients about minimising triggers, such as stress, and avoiding hot, spicy foods or other specific triggers previously identified. Compounding using bases which incorporate ceramides should also be considered as they are designed to nourish the skin’s structural integrity, help restore the skin’s barrier to prevent water loss and reduce the appearance of red and irritated skin. If your patients don’t see improvement after a couple of weeks, it’s always wise to advise them to be referred to a dermatologist for further investigation. Compounding pharmacists have a unique opportunity to support our patients in difficult times. Pharmacists should be alerted to the fact that patients may be ‘browsing the aisles’ looking for something to soothe their face, or may be embarrassed to ask for help with face rashes in the ‘mask zone’. By Marina Holt. Education and Training Manager PCCA Australia Marina Holt BPharm Dip Quality Auditing Cert IV TAE is the Education and Training Manager at PCCA Australia. Her main role is to give training on all aspects of compounding pharmacy to registered pharmacists and students, and to increase awareness of health professionals on the benefits compounded medications may have for their patients. Inquiries: marina@pccarx.com.au RETAIL PHARMACY • NOV/DEC 2020