The undisputed heroes of this strange and unprecedented time are those working on the frontline, fighting valiantly against Covid-19.
Our healthcare workers are at the coalface of the virus, working desperately in the hope that we can all return to normalcy as soon as possible.
Being at the coalface, these workers are required to wearing personal protective equipment, or PPE, in order to curb the spread of the virus.
Wearing the masks and protective equipment for the long hours necessary often leave marks.
Masks and other PPE can also contribute to tissue damage behind the ears as well as irritating the skin.
However, healthcare workers often have to think outside the box in order to get the job done, and these problems are no match for them.
Ruth Fraser, a nursing student from London, donned what can only be described as a Princess Leia haircut in order to keep her mask on her face and irritation-free.
Saw a clever way to help stop skin damage behind the ears from wearing masks, so I thought I’d give it a go! (I also have a small head and the masks are very loose on me usually so it helps the fit a lot!). Just need to make sure the buns are high enough to avoid the ear! pic.twitter.com/V7kGkBS4HK
— Ruth Fraser (@Ruth_EFraser) April 4, 2020
Some people responding to her tweet were unable to replicate Fraser's inventive haircut, mostly because they were bald.
However, people had other ways to ensure their PPE was fit for purpose without irritation.
For friends & colleagues sporting the latest style in NHS clobber...a little hack!! The mask with the two elastic straps round the ears - very flappy!😟 Seal that gap and stop it being so annoying... pop a paper clip at the back and it fits so much better!! Stay safe everyone! ❣️ pic.twitter.com/sREv1mVZ7M
— Samantha Hill 💙💛 (@samjc1976) March 31, 2020
The utilisation of paper clips and elastic bands also do the trick. This method is particularly useful if people are wearing headgear and need to cover their ears.
Likewise, the headband mask also ensures that the PPE is effective and non-irritant. Although, you have to be a whizz at sewing in order to make sure the buttons are secure.
⚠️ Any medical personnel ⚠️
If you’d like a headband for your mask PLEASE dm me your address & how many you’d like!! They are absolutely free!! We’re just trying to help in any way we can ♥️ pic.twitter.com/XblvNdwMNd— ❁нαуleу (@hayleyalden33) April 4, 2020
For those outside of the healthcare profession and can't procure a mask, there are other ways to ensure that you're safe and protected from the elements.
Utilise social distancing etiquette, wash your hands consistently, cough and sneeze into tissues or your elbow and stay at home.
If you do need to leave the house, it probably isn't necessary to do anything drastic like these people.
If you can’t find a mask here’s a few alternatives 😜 pic.twitter.com/qJc9t4tYM8
— 🤷🏽♂️ (@hooven08) April 5, 2020
Better safe than sorry, we guess.
