Occasionally, eye makeup can cause irritation to your eyes. If you experience any irritation in and around your eyes during or after wearing eye makeup, you should consult your optometrist immediately.
Eye Irritation
The skin around your eyes reacts differently to various cosmetics. In some cases, you may wear a makeup product without a problem for weeks or months, and then suddenly have a bad reaction to it. Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist from the Allergy and Asthma Network, says that repeated exposure can greatly increase the chances of your eyes developing a reaction, even if you’ve never had an issue in the past.
Contact Dermatitis
If you suspect your eyes are reacting to your products, visit your optometrist right away. Contact dermatitis can either be caused by direct irritation from contact with harsh substances in your cosmetics, or it could be an allergic reaction to a specific substance. Some substances can cause both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, and this condition may either appear quickly after applying makeup the first time or over time after repeated use.
Proper Eye Care
Ohio State University Allergy and Immunology Director Princess Ogbogu, M.D., says if your eyes react oddly from your makeup, stop using that product immediately. Some over-the-counter remedies are available for mild relief, but long-term treatments will require the care of a professional eye specialist.
Your optometrist, may suggest some immediate steps you can take to address irritation. These include placing a wet, soft washcloth against your closed eyes for about 15 minutes. This may help reduce redness and swelling from the irritation. For allergic reactions, you may also consider taking an oral antihistamine until you can see a doctor.
Learn more about eye care and how you can deal with eye problems caused by your makeup with Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic. Call us now at (425) 771-8842 (Alderwood Optical) or (425) 485-0430 (Canyon Park Vision Clinic) to schedule an appointment. We serve clients in Bothell and Lynnwood, WA, including Shoreline.