What is eye allergy and how to avoid it

Eye allergy is the hypersensitivity shown by the body when it comes into contact with mites, mold, dust, hair and pollen. With uncomfortable symptoms that can affect the daily activities of children and adults, this is a reaction that affects a 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 intense itching, redness, tearing, swelling, and sensitivity to light; not to be confused with viral conjunctivitis, which is contagious.

One of the major problems of those who suffer from eye allergy 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 condition due to the existence of microbes on the hands.

Tips to prevent eye allergy

Keeping the environment always dust-free, ventilated, avoiding objects that accumulate dust such as: curtains, carpet, rug, stuffed animals, and mainly, keeping the pillow hygiene are fundamental initiatives that must be taken for the well-being of the allergic person, avoiding the risk of crises.

Pillow hygiene is the main care that must be taken, because the pillow, in addition to being in constant contact with the face, after a while, has accumulated moisture, fat, peeling skin, sweat, saliva, runny nose in its internal fibers. , seborrhea, tears and cerumen, which make its antimicrobial efficiency not guaranteed.

To keep the pillow in good condition for allergy sufferers, keep it airy and ventilated, protected by a pillowcase and always under indirect light. The pillow should only be washed if it is possible to guarantee its complete drying. Be aware that some pillows are not washable, pay attention to 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;
• Always place them to dry in a horizontal position, and never in the sun;
• Never use the dryer;
• Never wring a pillow to dry it;
• Never use fabric softener;
• Use the cycle for delicates;
• Preferably use liquid soap, instead of powder soap, so as not to leave residues;
• Repeat the rinse cycle twice to completely remove the soap;
• It is essential to let the pillow dry completely.

“Contrary to what is imagined, it is not recommended to expose the pillows to the sun, as it will heat up the damp and dark environment of its internal fibers and intensify the proliferation of mites. In addition, ultraviolet radiation oxidizes the surface of the pillow material, turning it yellow”, says Renata Federighi, sleep consultant at Duoflex.

After two years of use, pillows have an average of 25% of their weight made up of live mites, dead mites, their feces, leftover head secretions and bacteria. Although the pillow is frequently sanitized and has antiallergic protectors, it should be changed.

Although the pillows are valid for five years in use, it is recommended to change them every two years, as prolonged use can be a major source of contamination by microorganisms.

In addition to hygiene care, people with eye allergies should not self-medicate or use eye drops indiscriminately.

Keeping your hands clean and avoiding contact with the eyes, using cold (not iced) filtered water compresses, removing and cleaning contact lenses before bed, wearing sunglasses outdoors and avoiding the use of makeup are good measures. in periods of crisis.

Consulting an ophthalmologist is essential for a correct diagnosis that avoids accidents and maintains eye health.

Those who suffer from eye allergies, when they are free of the crisis, can use makeup, but should invest in cosmetics of good origin, taking care to always keep the brushes and brushes that come in contact with the eyes, eyelashes and eyebrows clean and always remove the makeup. , washing your face well and moisturizing the area around your eyes before going to sleep.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.