Can Face Mist Can Help With Coronavirus? A Doctor Weighs In
Can Face Mists Keep You Safe From the Coronavirus? One Doctor Explains
With the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we're looking for all of the tips that we can get to keep ourselves healthy. That's why we were surprised when we heard a new one: in addition to the basics — washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and staying home if you feel sick — face mists can also help.
The tip was first mentioned in a video posted on Instagram by Yale-trained, board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD. She stated that her friend, another Yale doctor, said the virus is less likely to proliferate in humid, moist environments.
"Dry cracked mucosal surfaces are more vulnerable when it comes to infection," said Dr. Gohara when we reached out to her to comment. "Humidifying the air around you and your nasal passage helps."
Christina Price, MD, clinical chief of allergy and immunology at Yale, confirmed the claim: "This is the advice I give to my patients who have weak immune systems," said Dr. Price. Because it's more about the moisture than it is the specific ingredients in the formula, any face mist that you have handy will do.
While face misting is certainly an easy way to up your preventative measures, both Dr. Gohara and Dr. Price stressed it doesn't replace standard precautions like washing your hands and following other CDC guidelines. It's just the "icing on the cake," said Dr. Gohara.
