Redness and White Marks on Nose Bridge Following CPAP Use
I am a 24-year-old male, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, of South Asian descent. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I reside in the UK. Just three days ago, I began using a full-face CPAP mask. The specific device I'm using is the ResMed AirSense 11 Elite model, paired with the ResMed AirFit F20 mask, which features a plastic exterior with silicone padding for comfort. Initially, I managed to keep the mask on for approximately two hours on my first night. On the following night, I extended my usage to about five hours. However, the next day, I noticed some discomfort along the bridge of my nose, accompanied by redness. I attributed it to minor bruising and continued with my normal activities. By Wednesday evening, I observed a few discreet white spots developing in the same region. Thinking it was best to give my skin a break, I chose not to wear the CPAP that night. The next morning, I woke up to find that the spots had become much more noticeable. This development has raised my concerns, and I am eager to understand how this could have occurred after using the CPAP. I would appreciate any insights regarding potential causes and treatments for this issue. In addition, I wonder if these spots could be connected to the fact that they are located in the area where my glasses rest on my nose during the day. Admittedly, I have not cleaned the nose pads of my glasses for several months, so I'm curious if that might have a role in the skin issues I'm experiencing.
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 7:01:07 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing skin irritation on the bridge of your nose from using your new CPAP mask. This can occur due to pressure, friction, or even an allergic reaction to the materials of the mask. The white spots may indicate irritation, a pressure mark, or possibly a mild skin infection. Let’s break this down and address your concerns.
Explanation
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Pressure and Friction: Full-face masks can apply significant pressure to the skin, particularly at the bridge of the nose. This can lead to redness and some irritation, especially as your skin adjusts to the new device.
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Skin Irritation or Rash: The white spots could suggest irritation or even a type of contact dermatitis, especially if they are in a localized area where friction occurs (i.e., from the mask or glasses). Continued use without allowing healing may worsen the condition.
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Potential Infection: If the white spots are raised and look like pustules, they could also signify a mild infection, particularly if they became more pronounced after irritation.
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Glasses Hygiene: Not cleaning your glasses can contribute to irritation, as oils and bacteria may accumulate on the nose pads and transfer to your skin, possibly exacerbating the irritation or leading to blemishes.
Next Steps
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Take a Break from the Mask: Avoid using the CPAP mask until the redness and spots have resolved. This will allow your skin some time to heal.
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Gentle Skin Care: Clean the affected area gently with a mild, non-irritating soap and warm water, and consider applying a soothing moisturizer or aloe vera gel to help calm the skin.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the redness and spots. If they worsen or do not improve within a few days, reevaluation may be necessary.
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Clean Your Glasses: Be sure to clean your glasses’ nose pads regularly to prevent potential irritation from dirt and bacteria buildup. Use a gentle cleaner suitable for lenses.
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Adjust CPAP Use: Once your skin has healed, consider using the CPAP again but try to do so for shorter periods initially, assessing how your skin reacts before gradually increasing usage.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, please reach out to a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment. It’s important to take care of your skin, especially while adjusting to new medical devices. Remember to be gentle with your skin during the healing process, and don’t hesitate to ask for professional advice if needed.
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