Eye allergy is the hypersensitivity shown by the body when it comes in contact with mites, mold, dust, hair and pollen. With troublesome symptoms that can affect the daily activities of children and adults, this is a reaction that affects one third of the population, to a greater or lesser extent, and is usually linked to respiratory allergies such as rhinitis and bronchitis.
Also called allergic conjunctivitis, this type of allergy causes severe itching, redness, tearing, swelling and light sensitivity; not to be confused with contagious viral conjunctivitis.
One of the major problems with eye allergy sufferers is, in an attempt to alleviate the feeling that there is a foreign body, not resisting the intense urge to scratch the eye, which can accentuate the picture due to the existence of microbes in the hands.
Tips to Prevent Eye Allergy
Keeping the environment always free of dust, airy, avoiding objects that accumulate dust such as: curtain, carpet, carpet, stuffed animal, and especially, maintaining the hygiene of the pillow are fundamental initiatives that must be taken for the well-being of the allergic, avoiding the risk of seizures.
The hygiene of the pillow is the main care that should be taken, because the pillow, besides being in constant contact with the face, after some time, has accumulated in its internal fibers moisture, fat, flaky skin, sweat, saliva, runny nose , seborrhea, tears and cerumen, which make its antimicrobial efficiency not guaranteed.
To keep the pillow in good condition for the allergic, keep it airy and ventilated, protected by a pillow case and always in indirect light. The pillow should be washed only if it can be completely dried. Be aware, as some pillows are not washable, note what is written on the label.
How to wash pillows
- Place the pillows vertically inside the machine. Try not to put more than two;
- Use cold water;
- Put them to dry always in the horizontal position, never in the sun;
- Never use the dryer;
- Never wring a pillow to dry it;
- Never use fabric softener;
- Use the cycle for delicate clothes;
- Preferably use liquid soap instead of washing powder to avoid residues;
- Repeat the rinse cycle twice to remove the soap completely;
- It is essential to let the pillow dry completely.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not recommended to expose pillows to the sun as it will warm the moist, dark environment of their inner fibers and intensify the proliferation of dust mites. In addition, ultraviolet radiation oxidizes the surface of the pillow material, making it yellowish, ”says Renata Federighi, sleep consultant at Duoflex.
After two years of use, pillows are on average 25% of their weight made up of live mites, dead mites, their feces, remnants of head secretions and bacteria. Although the pillow is often sanitized and has hypoallergenic protectors it should be replaced.
Although pillows are valid for five years in use, it is recommended to change them every two years, as prolonging use can be a major source of contamination by microorganisms.
In addition to hygienic care, people with eye allergy should not self-medicate or use eye drops indiscriminately.
Keeping your hands clean and avoiding eye contact, wearing cold (non-chilled) filtered water pads, removing and sanitizing contact lenses before bed, wearing outdoor sunglasses and avoiding makeup are all good measures. in times of crisis.
Consulting an ophthalmologist is critical for a correct diagnosis that prevents accidents and maintains eye health.
Anyone suffering from eye allergy, when free of seizure can wear makeup, but should invest in cosmetics of good origin, taking care to always keep clean brushes that come in contact with the eyes, eyelashes and eyebrows and always remove makeup by thoroughly washing the face and moisturizing the area around the eyes before bed.
Allergies and the Eye | ABC7 (April 2024)
- Allergy, Prevention and Treatment
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