TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Face masks are mandatory in public spaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Some people, however, may be too worried to get infected that they put the mask on too tight to ensure no gaps for droplets or dirty air can be inhaled.

Wearing a tight mask for a long period of time can cause headaches, said Riana Nirmala Wijaya as the Head of Consumer Health Division of the Germany-based pharmaceutical firm Bayer Indonesia.

“Facial relaxation is needed to relieve headaches due to improper use of masks,” said Riana at a virtual press conference of Bayer’s Saridon Extra on Saturday, October 23.

According to her, facial relaxation can be done with massage techniques or facial massage by sweeping fingers down the eyebrows or outer corners of the eyes, forehead, jawbone until ears, and neck under the ears near the pulse using circular motions.

“Lightly massage [those points] using clean fingers,” Riana added.

Headaches must be treated immediately to prevent the pain from becoming chronic or recurring. She underlined that a normal headache only lasts for about four hours. So, if the pain recurs and does not heal within five days, immediately consult a doctor.

Riana went on to assert that headaches should be wary of if accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness, tingling, and paralysis. People ages over 50 who constantly complain of dizziness should also get more careful medical treatment.

Read: Expert Explains Face Mask Effects on Skin Health

RINI KUSTIANI