Akinpelu Rahmatollahi

The outbreak of COVID 19 Pandemic introduced the requirements of wearing a nose mask in public spaces. At the beginning of its spread,  the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of a nose mask to prevent the contact and spread of the virus. This made it necessary for every individual to have the nose mask on irrespective of their location or space. But in the past few years, the virus has been contained and there  has been a significant decrease in the reported cases.

 

However, up till now, with minimal to no traces of the virus in Nigeria, people still frequently use nose masks. Reasons for using nose mask among individuals varies.

The self-attractive nature of the nose mask is one of the reasons people have continued use of nosemasks.  Some people perceive themselves to be more attractive and classic when wearing a nose mask than without it. With this belief, such people rarely step out without having their nose mask on. Thus, we see them in isolation, groups, markets, classrooms or even in rest rooms with face masks.

Another reason for the frequent use of face masks is to conceal face defects/ beauty. This is common to the female gender.  Mostly, people who feel the need to use a nose mask because of a face defect wear it to maintain their self esteem. With it, they find themselves free to interact with their peers without feeling any form of intimidation or inferiority. Those that use it for beauty concealment wear it to save themselves from prying eyes.

Some other people tend to wear nose masks because of their occupation. Health workers, painters, miners, welders, laboratory technician scientists, are required to use nose masks because of the substances they are always exposed to.

Nevertheless, it is important to know that wearing a nose mask for a long period of time has negative effects on health. For whatsoever reasons, a nose mask must be moderately used. Complication with a nose mask could lead to increased risk of aspiration, difficulty in delivering a fraction of exhaled oxygen, skin changes, ear pain due to elastic strap of the mask and claustrophobia. 

Furthermore, face masks could affect speech production, block facial communication, cause inadequate ventilation and increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) known as hypercapnia. 

To reduce the risk of nose mask’s complications, the following recommendations should be followed:

Everyone is unique and equally beautiful and no one is subordinate to each other, therefore, the notion that face masks increase attractiveness should be debunked. Nose mask should be only worn in  necessary places and situations.

Also, face defects cannot be hidden forever and health should be prioritized. It is recommended to learn to live with it and make the best out of it. People tend to focus more on successful achievement than physical beauty and structure. Conjointy, those that conceal  their beauty with nose mask could replace it with niqab (For Muslim Ladies)

For occupations that require a face mask, frequent work breaks could be incorporated into work shifts to allow for shorter duration of mask use, likewise, preventative measures such as applying moisturizers, emollients, and barrier creams to prevent skin breakdown should be adopted.