Health professionals in Dubai advised people to change their disposable face mask every two hours to avoid infections, Gulf News reported.

Doctors stressed that prolonged usage of a three-ply face mask traps the spit and moisture from our mouths, exposing the wearer to many infections.

“It is recommended that people use disposable three-ply face masks that can be changed every two hours to prevent many infections. Germs and microbes are present both on the internal part of the mask as well as on the outside surface and within hours, one can expect a build-up,” Gulf News quoted Dr Atul Aundhekar of Avivo Health Care Group as saying.

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He added that millions of microbes can build up in the mask in just two hours, which can mutate with other environmental factors that can cause infections.

“One can get respiratory tract infections as well as face rashes with prolonged use of mask without changing,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Dr Sarah Agha, GP for Aesthetic Dermatology at Aesthetica Clinic in Dubai Health Care City told Gulf News that those who do not regularly change their mask will be susceptible to skin rashes, acne, and runny nose—especially for those who have oily skin.

“The pores get inflamed with infection resulting in rash and acne. Therefore, I advise people to change their mask every two hours as it becomes damp, soiled and coated with microorganisms,” she told Gulf News.

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