How do you distinguish between eye allergies and infections. What are the most effective treatments for itchy eyes caused by allergies. How can you prevent and manage eye allergy symptoms at home. When should you see a doctor for eye irritation.

Understanding Eye Allergies vs. Eye Infections

Eye irritation can stem from various sources, but two common culprits are allergies and infections. Distinguishing between these conditions is crucial for proper treatment. Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, affect approximately 20% of Americans. While they can be bothersome, they rarely pose a serious threat to vision. On the other hand, eye infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi, and may present more severe symptoms.

Key Differences Between Allergies and Infections

• Allergies typically cause itching, redness, and watery eyes
• Infections may produce additional symptoms like eye pain or discharge
• Allergies are not contagious, while many eye infections can spread easily
• Infections often require medical treatment, whereas allergies can often be managed with over-the-counter remedies

If you experience symptoms beyond typical allergy signs, such as eye pain or unusual discharge, it’s important to consult an eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Top 5 Remedies for Itchy Eyes Caused by Allergies

Managing eye allergy symptoms can significantly improve your quality of life during allergy season. Here are five effective remedies to alleviate itchy eyes:

1. Topical antihistamine eye drops
2. Artificial tears to flush out allergens
3. Cold compresses to reduce inflammation
4. Oral antihistamines for systemic relief
5. Avoiding allergen exposure

Topical antihistamine eye drops are often the most effective treatment for eye allergies. They work by blocking histamine receptors in the eye, reducing itching and other allergy symptoms. Some drops even prevent symptoms by inhibiting the allergic reaction before it starts.

Are over-the-counter eye drops effective for allergy relief?

Over-the-counter artificial tears can be very helpful in managing eye allergy symptoms. They work by keeping the eyes moisturized and washing away allergens. However, for more severe symptoms, prescription eye drops may be necessary. These can include antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, or even short-term steroid drops to control inflammation.

Preventing Eye Allergy Symptoms: Environmental Control Strategies

Prevention is key when it comes to managing eye allergies. By reducing exposure to allergens, you can minimize symptoms and decrease reliance on medications. Here are some effective strategies:

• Keep windows closed during high pollen count days
• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters indoors
• Regularly clean and replace air conditioner filters
• Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors to block airborne allergens
• Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen symptoms and potentially introduce infection

Monitoring pollen forecasts can help you plan activities and take preemptive measures on days when allergen levels are high. By implementing these strategies, many people find significant relief from their eye allergy symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Eye Irritation

While many cases of eye irritation can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant professional medical attention. It’s important to recognize these signs to prevent potential complications or misdiagnosis of a more serious condition.

Signs that indicate you should see an eye doctor:

• Severe eye pain or sensitivity to light
• Vision changes or blurriness
• Thick, colored discharge from the eye
• Symptoms that persist or worsen despite over-the-counter treatment
• Swelling around the eye or eyelid

An ophthalmologist can perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of your symptoms and prescribe appropriate treatment. This is particularly important if you suspect an infection, as prompt treatment can prevent the spread of the infection and potential damage to the eye.

The Role of Contact Lenses in Eye Allergies and Infections

Contact lens wearers may be more susceptible to eye irritation, allergies, and infections. The lenses can trap allergens against the eye surface, exacerbating allergy symptoms. Additionally, improper lens care can increase the risk of eye infections.

Tips for contact lens wearers during allergy season:

• Consider switching to daily disposable lenses to reduce allergen buildup
• Clean lenses thoroughly and replace lens solution daily
• Avoid wearing contacts when allergy symptoms are severe
• Use preservative-free eye drops approved for use with contact lenses
• Never sleep in your contact lenses unless specifically approved by your eye doctor

If you experience persistent discomfort or symptoms while wearing contact lenses, consult your eye care professional. They may recommend adjusting your lens type, care routine, or taking a break from lens wear during peak allergy seasons.

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Eye Allergy Relief

While medical treatments are often necessary for managing eye allergies, some natural remedies and lifestyle changes can complement traditional therapies and provide additional relief.

Effective natural approaches to alleviating eye allergy symptoms:

• Apply a cool, damp cloth to closed eyes to reduce swelling and itching
• Use a saline nasal spray to rinse allergens from nasal passages
• Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet to reduce inflammation
• Practice good eyelid hygiene by gently cleaning lids with baby shampoo
• Stay hydrated to help flush allergens from your system

Additionally, some people find relief through alternative treatments such as acupuncture or herbal supplements. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if you’re taking other medications.

The Impact of Diet on Eye Health and Allergies

What you eat can play a significant role in managing eye allergies and promoting overall eye health. Certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce allergy symptoms, while others can exacerbate them.

Foods that may help alleviate eye allergy symptoms:

• Fatty fish rich in omega-3s (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Leafy green vegetables high in antioxidants (spinach, kale)
• Citrus fruits and berries containing vitamin C
• Nuts and seeds with vitamin E
• Probiotic-rich foods to support immune function

On the other hand, some individuals may find that certain foods trigger or worsen their allergy symptoms. Common culprits include dairy products, wheat, and foods high in histamines. Keeping a food diary can help you identify potential triggers and adjust your diet accordingly.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Eye Allergy Management

The field of eye allergy treatment is continually evolving, with researchers exploring new therapies and refining existing ones. Understanding these developments can provide hope for those struggling with chronic eye allergies and inform discussions with healthcare providers about treatment options.

Recent advancements in eye allergy treatment:

• Immunotherapy eye drops to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens
• Novel anti-inflammatory compounds targeting specific pathways in the allergic response
• Combination therapies that address multiple aspects of eye allergies simultaneously
• Advanced diagnostic tools for more precise allergy identification
• Personalized treatment approaches based on genetic and environmental factors

While many of these treatments are still in development or clinical trials, they represent promising avenues for future allergy management. Staying informed about these advancements can help you make more educated decisions about your eye health and treatment options.

In conclusion, managing eye allergies effectively requires a multifaceted approach. By understanding the difference between allergies and infections, implementing preventive strategies, and exploring various treatment options, you can find relief from itchy, irritated eyes. Remember to consult with an eye care professional for persistent or severe symptoms, and stay open to new developments in allergy management. With the right approach, you can minimize the impact of eye allergies on your daily life and maintain optimal eye health.

Allergy or Eye Infection? What to Know – Cleveland Clinic

If you have red, itchy eyes and it’s hay fever time, you likely assume that allergies are causing the problem — and that you can treat it on your own with over-the-counter eye drops. Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as that.

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Even if you find a guide to help you choose the best eye drops from the drugstore aisle, you may treat for allergies when the real problem is an eye infection.

Before you head to the drugstore, ophthalmologist Richard Gans, MD, shares what you need to know about these two very different conditions.

Allergies or infection? Here’s how you can tell

Whether ragweed or pet dander is the culprit, allergens affect the eyes in the same way.

Eye infections can come from many causes — virus, bacteria, parasite or fungus — and the symptoms vary with the cause, but in general, infections have a longer list of symptoms when compared to allergies.  

The bottom line is that if anything more than tear-like fluids come from your eye or you feel eye pain, it’s likely more than allergies.

To get the right treatment, you’ll need your eye doctor to find out what’s behind your eye problem. Eye allergies aren’t contagious but they can be miserable to deal with. If it’s an infection, you run the risk of damaging your eye and/or spreading it to others. 

How can you avoid eye problems?

You can minimize your risks for both eye allergies and infections. Keeping windows shut and other easily implemented strategies can help you survive seasonal allergies, while an air purifier can help you cope with indoor allergies. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the most common eye infection, caused by a virus or bacteria. Either way, it’s easily spread.

You can minimize your risks for both eye allergies and infections. Keeping windows shut and other easily implemented strategies can help you survive seasonal allergies, while an air purifier can help you cope with indoor allergies.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the most common eye infection, caused by a virus or bacteria. Either way, it’s easily spread.

Frequent hand washing is just one way to help prevent pink eye and other contagious diseases. Taking care with makeup and contact lenses also helps prevent bacterial pink eye from spreading.

What to do when allergies or infections strike

Even if you fight the good fight, you may still sometimes need relief from itchy, watery eyes. Depending on your diagnosis, here are treatments that can help.

For allergies: Topical medications are usually better than general allergy remedies for treating eye allergies. Many allergy eye drops are extremely successful in treating symptoms. Some actually work to prevent symptoms by preventing the allergic reaction from getting started.

Your doctor may suggest short-term medications to help control inflammation, such as steroid or anti-inflammatory eye drops. Over-the-counter artificial tears also can help keep eyes moistened and flush out allergens.

For infections: Viral infections generally clear up on their own, but cold compresses and lubricating eye drops can minimize symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to treat a bacterial eye infection.

For eye infections caused by fungi and parasites, the medication will depend on what’s causing the problem. Your eye doctor can help sort that out.

Getting quick diagnosis and treatment is the key when you have irritated eyes. No matter what’s causing the problem, your eye doctor can help you find the right treatment and the relief you need.

5 Tips To Find Relief For Itchy Eyes & Allergies | Spring Allergies

Types of Remedies For Itchy Eyes

If you’re suffering from eye allergies, you’re not alone.

An estimated 1 in 5 Americans deals with the annoyance of eye allergies, or ocular allergies also known as allergic conjunctivitis. While the symptoms caused by eye allergies can be bothersome, they almost never present a permanent threat to eyesight.

However, it’s important to note that itching, redness, burning sensations and puffiness can also be signs of infection. In cases of infection, see your doctor if the symptoms don’t improve with time or with treatment such as over-the-counter remedies.

If you think you may have eye allergies, here are some helpful tips on how to get relief from your red, itchy, and watery eyes.

1.) Avoiding Allergens

Keep an eye on pollen count forecasts. If the count is going to be high, consider staying indoors. A remedy to combat itchy eyes is to replace the filters in your air conditioner and/or furnace. This will help trap allergens while creating a more comfortable environment.

2.) Resist the Temptation to Rub Itchy Eyes!

While rubbing itchy eyes may feel natural, the contact to the eyes will actually release more histamine and aggravate the symptoms. In other words, rubbing itchy eyes may make the problem worse.

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3.) Remove Your Contacts

Did you know that the surface of contact lenses can attract and accumulate airborne allergens? If you are looking for ways to find relief for itchy or irritated eyes, you may want to consider wearing glasses during the allergy season. Also, consider switching to disposable lenses. This way, your contacts aren’t accumulating allergens over a period of days.

4.) Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

Your local pharmacy has many types of over-the-counter eye drops and remedies that may provide relief for your red, watery, and itchy eyes. This approach isn’t only convenient, but also budget friendly. Your doctor can help you find the best brand for your symptoms.

5.) Prescription Medications

If eye drops are not providing relief for moderate to severe, symptoms, it may be a good time to talk to your doctor about what prescription options are available.

Eye Care Solutions

If you need assistance with a vision or eye problem, give our staff of ophthalmologists a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to book an appointment. We offer eye care solutions to clients such as LASIK eye surgery, glaucoma treatments, cataract surgery, and macular degeneration solutions. Our staff is committed to offering new and innovative treatments to patients.

Pinkeye (for Kids) – Nemours Kidshealth

You rub and rub your eyes, but they won’t stop itching. When you look in the mirror, they are red and puffy. What’s going on? Do you have a strange sickness? No — you have a common problem called conjunctivitis. Most people call it pinkeye.

What Is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis (say: kon-junk-tih-VY-tis) is the most common eye problem kids can have. It can cause redness; itching; inflammation (say: in-fla-MAY-shun) or swelling; and a clear or white, yellow, or greenish gooey liquid to collect in the eyes.

It’s called pinkeye because the white part of the eye and inside the eyelids become red or pink when you have it. Pinkeye may start in one eye, but many people get conjunctivitis in both eyes at the same time. Conjunctivitis usually doesn’t hurt, but itching can be annoying. Sometimes it feels like you have an eyelash or a speck of sand in your eye and can’t get it out.

Adults, especially parents and teachers who spend a lot of time with kids, can get conjunctivitis too. Conjunctivitis lasts a short time, usually about a week or less, and then goes away by itself or after treatment.

How Do I Get Conjunctivitis?

Kids get conjunctivitis for different reasons. Most kids get it from bacteria (say: bak-TEER-ee-uh) or viruses. This is called infectious (say: in-FEK-shus) conjunctivitis. Bacteria can be seen only with a powerful microscope, and viruses are even smaller than bacteria! Bacteria live on your skin or in your nose or mouth all the time and you never know it. Most don’t ever bother you, but certain kinds of bacteria can cause infections like conjunctivitis.

Sometimes kids get ear infections when they have conjunctivitis because the same bacteria can cause both problems.

Viruses, like the kind that can give you a cold, can cause conjunctivitis, too. Conjunctivitis is easy to catch just through touching. You can get conjunctivitis by touching the hand of an infected friend who has touched his or her eyes. If you then touch your eyes, the infection can be spread to you. Washing your hands often with warm, soapy water is the best way to avoid being infected with conjunctivitis.

Kids also get conjunctivitis because of allergies or because they get something irritating in their eyes, but these kinds of conjunctivitis are not contagious.

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What Should I Do if I Think I Have It?

If your eyes are itchy, red, or more crusty than usual in the morning, you should tell a parent. Don’t wait, because conjunctivitis spreads easily. Your mom or dad probably will call the doctor for an appointment. Wash your hands often, the infection can spread from one eye to other eye.

What Will the Doctor Do?

No one knows exactly how many kids get conjunctivitis each year but your doctor treats many who have it and can spot it pretty quickly. The doctor also will ask you if your eyes have been red and itchy lately or if you have noticed any goopy stuff in your eyes. It’s important to tell the doctor if you know anyone, like a brother or a friend, who has red and itchy eyes too.

Your doctor will know if you have conjunctivitis by looking carefully at your eyes to see if they are red and if any liquid is coming from them. The doctor will want to know that you can see OK and that nothing has gotten into your eye. Finally, your doctor may examine your ears to see if you have an ear infection caused by the same bacteria that can cause conjunctivitis.

If you have conjunctivitis caused by bacteria, the doctor probably will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment for you. Babies are usually given the ointment and kids and adults get the eye drops. Your mom or dad can help you put the medication in your eyes a couple of times a day for about a week. It’s important to use whatever the doctor prescribes so the infection doesn’t come back. Unfortunately, these drops won’t work if a virus is causing your conjunctivitis. If allergies are causing your itchy, red eyes, the doctor may prescribe special eye drops to help with these allergy symptoms.

If your eyes are bothering you, try using a cool or warm washcloth on your eyes. Sometimes, your mom or dad can make you feel better by gently cleaning your eyes with warm water and cotton balls to remove the gooey liquid or crusty stuff. They should be very careful to wash their hands and throw out the cotton balls they use. Washcloths and towels used to clean or dry your eyes should go right into the laundry so no one else gets infected.

Most schools in the United States require a note from a doctor for a kid with pinkeye to return to school. Kids can usually return to school after their first 24 hours of antibiotic eye drops.

Though it might be tough, try not to touch your eyes and remember to wash your hands often. These two things will help keep pinkeye from spreading to your friends and family members. They will appreciate it!

Itchy eyes – causes, treatment and self-help

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What are itchy eyes?

Itchy eyes, also known as ocular pruritis, are a very common problem. Itchy eyes are usually caused by an allergy or by a condition called dry eye syndrome. You might also have itchy eyelids, usually at the base of the eyelashes, and your eyes and/or eyelids might be swollen.

What causes itchy eyes?

The most common cause of itchy eyes is an allergy. Itchy eyes can be triggered by exposure to pollen, animal fur, mould, dust mites, make-up or eye drops. The body reacts to the trigger by releasing histamine, causing the blood vessels in the eye to dilate and irritating the nerve endings so the eyes water. When the eyes get red because of an allergy, it is known as allergic conjunctivitis (also called pink eye or red eye).

Allergic conjunctivitis is more common at certain times of the year, although you can still have it all year round. It also causes a runny nose, scratchy throat and sneezing.

Other types of allergy can give you itchy eyes. For example, a condition called atopic keratoconjunctivitis produces an inflammation of the surface of the eye because of an allergy to a specific substance. Another condition, vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), produces inflammation in the membrane on the surface of the eye. This usually affects young boys.

If you have eczema, a form of dermatitis, around your eyes this too can cause itching.

Other causes of itchy eyes include:

When should I see my doctor?

See a doctor if:

• your symptoms aren’t getting better
• you have thick discharge from your eyes
• your eyes are stuck together
• you can’t keep your eye open
• your vision is changed or blurred
• you have something in your eye
• you can see a halo around lights
• it hurts to look at bright lights
• your pupils are different sizes
• your eyes are swollen
• you are in pain

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How are itchy eyes treated?

It is important to see your pharmacist or optometrist to work out the cause of your itchy eyes.

Itching caused by an allergy can be helped with antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops. It can help to use artificial tears (eye drops designed to lubricate dry eyes) to wash away any allergens on the surface of your eye. Sometimes you may need to take an oral antihistamine.

If you have something in your eye, try to wash it out with warm water or a saline solution. If that doesn’t work, you should see a doctor within 24 hours.

Itchy eyes self-help

Relieve the itching by placing a clean, cold, damp washcloth or an ice pack over your closed eyes. You can also try bathing your eyes with cold water. Try not to rub your eyes because this will make the itching worse and could damage them.

If you have dry eye, make the air as humid as possible by placing bowls of water around the room.

Can itchy eyes be prevented?

If the itching is caused by an allergy, identify what you are allergic to and remove it. Your doctor can help you and may refer you to a specialist immunologist or allergist if a more complicated assessment is needed. For example, house dust mites and pet fur are common triggers. You should also talk to your doctor about whether changing your medicines could help prevent itchy eyes.

Try to avoid things that can irritate the eyes, such as dry air, wind, pollen, cigarette smoke, dust, chemicals, strong smells, or staring at a screen for a long time. Make a conscious effort to blink more often to lubricate your eyes.

Always use hypoallergenic products near your eyes and use eye protection to prevent pollen, dust or sand from getting into your eyes. Eating a diet with plenty of vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids can also help.

13 Home Remedies For Itchy Eyes + Causes And Prevention Tips

Your eyes are the windows through which you see the world around you. Any damage or irritation to them affects your daily life and makes you miserable. Itchy eyes have increasingly become a common problem for many – blame it on the changing weather or increased incidence of allergies. If you are looking for natural remedies to solve this problem, you have landed on the right page. In this article, we have listed 13 natural remedies to help relieve itchy eyes. Scroll down for more information.

Causes And Risk Factors For Itchy Eyes

This condition is also known as ocular pruritus (1). It can be caused by various factors, like allergies, infections, and a few underlying medical conditions.

The common causes of itchy eyes are:

• Dry Eye Syndrome: Occurs due to lack of moisture and lubrication in the eyes (2).
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: The meibomian glands are located in the upper and lower eyelids and secrete oil. Clogging or abnormal development of these glands may result in an insufficient amount of oil in tears. This may cause the tears to evaporate quickly and results in dry eyes and irritation (3).
• Blepharitis: Blepharitis is a condition that leads to inflammation of the eyelids. This condition is caused by staphylococcal bacteria or eyelid mites (4).
• Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis: This is an allergic reaction caused by contact lenses that results in itching (5).
• Contact Dermatitis: This is an inflammatory skin condition caused due to environmental conditions (6).
• Infectious Conjunctivitis: Infectious conjunctivitis is caused when eyes are infected by viral and bacterial infections.

The factors that can increase your risk of developing itchy eyes are:

• Dust, pollen, and animal dander
• Spending long durations in front of the computer
• Advancing age
• Menopause
• Environmental conditions like dry air, air conditioning, and smoking
• Medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea

The condition is characterized by the following signs and symptoms.

Symptoms Of Itchy Eyes

• Itchy eyes
• Constant watering or dry eyes
• Swelling of the eyes
• Redness
• Sensitivity to light
• A burning sensation in the eyes

Itchy eyes may interfere with the day-to-day activities and need to be treated at the earliest. Here is a list of natural remedies that may help relieve the condition.

Home Remedies To Relieve Itchy Eyes

1. Cucumber Slices

Cucumber contains antioxidants (7). It has a soothing effect on skin irritations and reduces swelling (8). The cooling effect of cucumber may help ease the itching in your eyes.

You Will Need

A cucumber

What You Have To Do

1. Cut a cucumber into round slices.
2. Place the slices over closed eyes.
3. Leave them on until they turn warm.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times daily.

2. Cold Compress

The topical use of ice packs helps in the delivery of oil from the meibomian glands (9). It can also help soothe itching and irritation in the eyes.

You Will Need

An ice pack

What You Have To Do

1. Place an ice pack on the affected eye.
2. Leave it on for 1 or 2 minutes and take it off.
3. Repeat 2 to 3 times.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this multiple times a day. 

3. Tea Bags

The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) present in green tea improves surface inflammation in dry eyes (10). Hence, the topical application of green tea bags may provide relief from itchy and dry eyes.

You Will Need

Used green tea bags

What You Have To Do

1. Collect the tea bags used for making teas.
2. Refrigerate them for 30 minutes.
3. Place the chilled tea bags on your closed eyelids.
4. Leave them on for 10 to 15 minutes and then remove.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this whenever your eyes start itching. 

4. Cold Milk

Anecdotal reports suggest that cold milk acts as a cold compress. Thus, the topical application of cold milk may relieve itchiness and swelling in the eyes.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of cold milk
• Cotton pads

What You Have To Do

1. Dip a cotton pad in cold milk.
2. Close the affected eye and place the soaked pad over it.
3. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then remove it.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a day. 

5. Water

Water cleanses the eyes and may soothe the irritation instantly.

You Will Need

Water

What You Have To Do

Wash your eyes with purified running water whenever they feel itchy.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a day. 

6. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel (Hamamelis) possesses natural anti-inflammatory and astringent properties (11). Hence, it may help in alleviating itchiness and inflammation in the eyes.

You Will Need

• Witch hazel extract
• Cotton pads

What You Have To Do

1. Soak cotton pads in witch hazel.
2. Place them over closed eyelids.
3. Remove the witch hazel compress after 10 to 15 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a day. 

7. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera helps in soothing eye inflammation (12). Its topical application may help relieve symptoms associated with itchy eyes.

You Will Need

• Aloe vera juice
• Cotton balls

What You Have To Do

1. Blend aloe vera juice.
2. Refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
3. Soak cotton balls in the juice.
4. Place one over each eye.
5. Leave them on for 10 to 15 minutes and remove.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this multiple times a day. 

8. Castor Oil

Castor oil has a lubricant effect on the eyes (13). Hence, it may be a good option for treating itchy eyes.

You Will Need

• Organic castor oil
• Cotton balls

What You Have To Do

1. Soak cotton balls with organic castor oil.
2. Strain the excess oil and place the cotton balls on your closed eyelids.
3. Leave them on for 15 minutes.
4. Remove and wash your eyes with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1 to 2- times a day. 

9. Potato

Anti-inflammatory therapies can help in treating dry and itchy eyes (14). The glycoalkaloids present in potatoes exhibit such anti-inflammatory properties (15). Hence, the topical application of potatoes may help in reducing itchiness and swelling in the eyes.

You Will Need

A raw potato

What You Have To Do

1. Refrigerate a raw potato.
2. Cut it into circular slices and place one slice on each eye.
3. Leave them for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the slices.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a day. 

10. Rose Water

Rosewater has anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties that can improve dry and inflamed eye conditions (16). Rose water may be used as an effective eyewash.

You Will Need

What You Have To Do

1. Place two cotton balls soaked with rose water on your eyes.
2. Leave them on for 15 to 20 minutes and then remove them.
3. Alternatively, one can use rose water as eye drops.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a day.

11. Honey

Honey possesses anti-inflammatory and soothing properties (17). It is considered a therapeutic agent and used for treating eye diseases (18).

You Will Need

1 teaspoon of organic honey

What You Have To Do

1. Apply organic honey under your eyelids.
2. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse it off.
3. Alternatively, you can put a drop of honey in your eyes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a day. 

12. Essential Oils

a. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (19). These properties may help soothe itchy and inflamed eyes.

You Will Need

• 4 drops of lavender oil
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (Carrier oil)

What You Have To Do

1. Mix four drops of lavender oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil.
2. Apply the mixture gently under the eyes and around the eyelids.
3. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and wash it off.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times a day. 

b. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (20). These properties may offer immediate relief from itchy eyes.

You Will Need

• 3-4 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (Carrier oil)

What You Have To Do

1. Add three to four drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil.
2. Mix well and apply it all around your eyes.
3. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse it off.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a day. 

13. Vitamins

The deficiency of a few nutrients may aggravate the symptoms of itchy eyes. Vitamins A, C, and E are important for the proper functioning of your eyes. Individuals with itchy eyes usually have a vitamin A deficiency (21). Vitamins C and E are beneficial for the overall health of the eyes and may be used to reverse many eye infections (22), (23).

You Will Need

Citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, carrots, turnips, kale, mangoes, and cheese.

What You Have To Do

Consume these vitamin-rich foods.

How Often You Should Do This

Consume these foods often.

While these remedies help reduce itching in your eyes, there are high chances of its recurrence if you do not follow these prevention tips.

Prevention Tips

• Protect your eyes from direct sunlight and allergens by always wearing a pair of sunglasses.
• Do not wear contact lenses for long durations.
• Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• Flush your eyes with cold water every now and then.

Taking good care of your eyes is very important to avoid itching and swelling. If the itchiness persists, contact an ophthalmologist immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

When to see a doctor for itchy eyes?

You must see a doctor if you experience:

• • Sudden eye pain
  • Vision loss
  • Pain
  • Visual changes
  • Bulging eyes
  • Signs of infection
  • Too much of tearing

What are the best eye drops for itchy eyes?

Itchy eyes are a common symptom of allergies, and in such cases, antihistamine eye drops can help.

How long does it take for an eye irritation to go away?

Normal itching in the eyes usually fades after a good night’s sleep. However, if the itching is due to an underlying infection, it may take one to two weeks to notice an improvement in your condition.

23 sources

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details.

• Stull, Carolyn et al. “The prevalence and characteristics of chronic ocular itch: a cross-sectional survey.” Itch (Philadelphia, Pa.) vol. 2,1 (2017): e4.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5965304/
• Javadi, Mohammad-Ali, and Sepehr Feizi. “Dry eye syndrome.” Journal of ophthalmic & vision research vol. 6,3 (2011): 192-8.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3306104/
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• Nejabat, Mahmood et al. “Efficacy of Green Tea Extract for Treatment of Dry Eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction; A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Study.” Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR vol. 11,2 (2017): NC05-NC08.
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Sucharita Mishra has a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and specializes in writing on Health and Wellness. She has worked on determining various heavy metals present in green tea for her Master’s dissertation at CSIR- CFTRI, Mysuru. After completing her degree, Sucharita decided to pursue her passion for writing. She is addicted to all things black and aspires to become a bat one day.

8 Common Causes Of Itchy Eyes

Having itchy eyes is extremely uncomfortable. Arguably the worst part about it is that you really can’t haphazardly scratch away. Depending on what’s causes the itchiness, the consequences of rubbing or scratching range from just adding to the irritation, to spreading germs and causing an infection, to ultimately damaging your delicate eyeball.

“In most instances, scratching aggravates inflammation and will not resolve the problem, or can even make it worse,” Mark Jacquot, O.D., clinical director at LensCrafters, tells SELF. “When eyes are itching because of environmental allergies, for example, rubbing and scratching can actually release more histamines and make the itching worse,” he explains. In general, the best way to relieve eye itchiness is to first figure out what’s causing it, so you can then treat it at the source.

Here are eight of the most common causes of itchy eyes and what you can do about them.

1. Food, animal, or environmental allergies

“Itchy eyes is usually the hallmark symptom of eye allergies,” Geoffrey Goodfellow, O.D., co-chair of the American Optometric Association’s communications and marketing group executive committee and assistant dean at the Illinois College of Optometry, tells SELF. This is also called allergic conjunctivis. “Allergic conjunctivitis is basically a mini allergic reaction to some allergen—it could be food or environmental, seasonal allergens—in the eye,” Neeta Ogden, M.D., board-certified allergist, tells SELF. “People can also get itchy eyes from just being exposed to a cat or dog,” she adds. Touching an allergen—whether it be a food, plant, or animal—and then touching your eye will likely make it itchy. There will usually be a clear pattern with an allergy. “If itchy eyes are happening daily, it’s the middle of an allergy season, and this happens year-after-year, or if you only get itchy eyes around one clear trigger—a dog or cat, for example—you know it’s an allergic reaction,” Ogden says. Taking over-the-counter antihistamines like Zyrtec or Claritin, or using allergy eye drops, can help calm the allergic response and ease itching.

2. Dry eye

“Dry eye, a condition in which a person doesn’t have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye, is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults,” Goodfellow says. As opposed to some of the other causes of itchy eyes, dry eye is a chronic condition and needs to be treated. “Chronic dry eye causes burning, itching or stinging eyes, intermittent blurring of vision, and—paradoxically—watery eyes,” Jacquot explains. Using artificial tears and avoiding redness-reducing eye drops can help keep eyes lubricated and relieve the itch.

3. Pink eye

If eye itchiness is paired with a pink or red color, discharge coming from the eye, or any of the other classic pink eye symptoms, see an eye doctor. You may need a dose of antibiotics, depending on what’s causing the pink eye. In the meantime, don’t touch your eye—pink eye is super contagious, and you can easily spread it to your other eye or another person.

4. Irritating products

Some chemicals or ingredients in personal care products can lead to contact dermatitis, an irritating and itchy rash on the skin. “This is a delayed allergic reaction to an allergen and is commonly seen with makeup or jewelry and it can lead to read flakey skin especially around the eye lid,” Ogden says. Dermatitis of the eyes can be caused by other irritants, but makeup and skincare are the most common culprits. “Transitioning to hypoallergenic cosmetics, especially for products that go right around the eyes, can be a good way to address itch,” Jacquot suggests.

5. Eyelid inflammation

The medical term is blepharitis, and the most common causes are staph bacteria on the skin, scalp dandruff, and skin conditions like rosacea. Blepharitis causes the eyeballs themselves to become itchy, red, teary, swollen, dry, and crusty, Jacquot says. “Often, dandruff-like scales form where the eyelid meets the eyelashes. In more severe cases, it can cause blurred vision, inflammation of the eye tissue (especially the cornea), or missing eyelashes.”

6. Digital eye strain

“Thanks to our increasingly digital lifestyles, people are much more susceptible to digital eye strain than they once were,” Jacquot says. “All this screen time can stress out the eyes and cause them to feel itchy.” Digital eye strain can also cause fatigue, headaches, difficulty focusing, and potentially impact your vision long-term. To manage eye strain, use the trusty 20-20-20 rule: Look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of digital device use.

7. Something in your eye

Whether a piece of sand from a day at the beach, or a speck of dust that makes its way into your eye, having a foreign object in your eye can cause itchiness, irritation, and pain. But you really don’t want to scratch if you can help it. “Scratching at a foreign object can result in corneal abrasion, which increases the risk of infection and can lead to corneal scarring,” Jacquot warns. If you think there’s something in your eye, try flushing it out with water or artificial tears (which are just eye drops without any extra chemicals or purpose beyond lubricating your eyeballs). If it still itches or hurts, it’s possible the object just left irritation or a small scratch in its wake. If you really can’t get something out of your eye, call your eye doctor or go to a local eye clinic or the ER.

8. Contact lens use

If you wear contact lenses daily, you may experience itchy eyes for a few reasons. Long-term contact use can increase your risk of developing dry eye, Teri Geist, O.D., co-chair of AOA’s communications and marketing group executive committee and an optometrist at Midwest Eye Care in Omaha, Nebraska, tells SELF. Allergens can also collect in the lenses and make allergy symptoms worse, she adds. Some people can also develop a contact lens allergy called giant papillary conjunctivitis or contact lens-induced papillary conjunctivitis, Jacquot says. “This allergy makes the eyes sensitive, red, and itchy. GPC occurs when the contact lenses continuously rubs against the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that lines the front of the eye and inside of the eyelids),” he explains. Risk factors include poor contact lens hygiene, family history of related allergies, and conditions such as asthma, eczema, or hay fever.

Why Are My Eyes Itchy? 10 Causes Of Itchy, Dry, Red, Watery Eyes

You probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your eyes. After all, they consistently show up for you every day. But when you’re stuck wondering, Why are my eyes so damn itchy? it’s all you can think about.

At a very basic level, having eye itchiness means that your eyes’ protective measures have been breeched. “The surface of the eyes, like our skin, is in constant contact with our environment,” says Aditya Kanesa-thasan, MD, a corneal surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital. Both the actual surface of your eyeballs and your tears help protect your eyes from a range of potential issues, he says. But sometimes they’re just not enough and ~something~ creates a problem for your eyeballs. Cue the itchiness.

Getting to the root of what’s going on can help you to make it stop—and hopefully prevent itchy eyes from happening in the future. With that in mind, these are some of the most common reasons for itchy eyes, plus what you can do to make the discomfort stop ASAP.

1. You have seasonal allergies.

There are a few reasons why seasonal allergies can cause itchy eyes. One is that allergens like pollen can directly enter your eyes, making them uncomfortable, says Vivian Shibayama, OD, an optometrist at UCLA Health. And, if you’re struggling with allergy issues like sneezing and a runny nose, odds are high that you’re also dealing with watery, itchy eyes. “Your eyes and nasal sinuses are all connected,” Shibayama points out.

Also, your eyes are naturally involved when you have an allergic reaction. “This reaction involves the release of substances that can cause swelling, itching, tearing or redness in this tissue,” adds Muriel Schornack, OD, an optometrist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

2. Your contacts are causing problems.

Your contacts seem innocent enough, but they can cause your eyes to get irritated—and itchy. An itchy feeling in your eyeballs that’s caused by your contacts is usually “simply caused by the presence of a foreign body on the front surface of the eye,” says Schornack.

Taking a break from your contacts when your eyes feel off—and making sure they’re well cleaned before you use them again—should help. If you feel like your eyes are constantly irritated by your contacts, Dr. Kanesa-thasan recommends that you stop using your contacts and see your doctor to try to figure out what’s going on.

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3. You have dry eye.

Dry eye happens when the amount or quality of your tears isn’t as good as it should be. This can happen if there’s something wrong with any of the elements in your tear film, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI).

Under normal circumstances, your eyes usually do a pretty good job of lubricating themselves. But, when you have dry eye, you can struggle with symptoms like redness, burning, and, yep, itchiness.

Why? “A dry or irritated surface will be inflamed and feel itchy,” Shibayama says. With dry eye, the nerves in your cornea (the clear outer layer on the front of your eye) become “hypersensitive” to normal things they interact with, says Danielle Orr, OD, assistant professor of clinical practice at The Ohio State University College of Optometry.

4. You have pink eye.

Pink eye, a.k.a. conjunctivitis, is a general term for “anything that causes inflammation of the conjunctiva,” the thin membrane that lines the inside of your eyelids, Schornack says. “Conjunctivitis may arise from allergy, infection, or any inflammatory condition of the eye,” she says. That can lead to intense symptoms like eye swelling, watery eyes, redness, and itchiness.

5. You’re dealing with a viral infection.

Interestingly, there may be a link between COVID-19 and itchy eyes, a small study in BMJ Open Ophthalmology found. The researchers studied 83 patients with the virus and found that 81 percent had some kind of eye issues within two weeks of other COVID-19 symptoms. Those included sensitivity to light, eye soreness, and itchy eyes.

Given that your sinuses and eyes are connected, it’s also possible to have itchy eyes with other respiratory infections as well, Shibayama says.

6. Your beauty products are irritating your eyes.

While you don’t apply beauty products directly to your eyeballs (although if you do, we should talk), teensy bits of mascara, eyeshadow, and other products can leach into your eyes and the surrounding areas, causing irritation.

“Many beauty products contain a variety of substances, including dyes, perfumes, and preservatives to which a person can develop an allergy or hypersensitivity,” Orr says. “This can lead to redness and swelling of eyes or the skin around the eyes, and usually itching as well.”

7. You have an eyelid infection.

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids that usually affects both of your eyes along the edges of the eyelids, according to the Mayo Clinic. Blepharitis usually happens when oil glands near the bottom of your eyelashes get clogged by debris. “This debris can lead to overgrowth of normal skin bacteria in the affected area,” says Schornack. And then you’re left with irritation, redness, and itchiness.

8. You have an eyelid mite infestation.

Seriously, this is a thing. The mites are called demodex folliculorum, and it’s “quite common” to have an issue with this, says Shibayama. These mites feed on skin cells and oil, and “can be itchy,” she says.

If you do happen to get an infestation of these, don’t stress—you can get rid of them with antibiotics, steroid drops, or creams.

9. You’ve developed eye strain.

This is actually linked to dry eye. Eye strain happens when your eyes get tired from intense use, like staring at your computer screen for a long period of time or driving for a long time. “Symptoms may be caused by a lack of an even layer of moisture on the surface of the eye,” Schornack says. That can cause dryness in your eyes—and that can feel itchy, Shibayama says.

10. There’s something in your eye.

Obvious, yes! Sometimes something can get caught in your eyelid or tears, causing your eyes to feel…off. “Sometimes these are organic pieces of grass, hay, or other debris that are kicked up by the wind, or loose eyelashes which happen to get stuck under the eyelids,” Dr. Kanesa-thasan says. That can lead to irritation and itchiness, Orr says.

A clue that your itchy eye could be due to something pesky in it, versus something else, per Dr. Kanesa-thasan: It usually just happens in one eye, not both.

How To Relieve Itchy Eyes

The best relief for itchy eyes usually depends on the source of the itch. But doctors says these steps may help you get relief, and fast:

• Use over-the-counter lubricant drops. Schornack specifically recommends preservative-free drops, since preservatives may irritate your eyes. This can help re-wet your eyeballs and rinse out any allergens that may be lurking on the surface.
• Try antihistamine drops. These can help calm your eyes if your itchiness is on the more severe end of the spectrum. “Mast cell stabilizer combination eye drops are usually effective,” Orr says.
• Opt for a cool compress. Wetting a washcloth with cold or cool water, wringing it out, and applying to your eyes can help you find relief, Shibayama says.
• Use an oral antihistamine. About 99 percent sure that your itchy eyes are due to allergies? An oral antihistamine can help, Schornack says.
• Clean your eyelids. If you think you might have blepharitis, gently cleaning your eyelids and eyelashes with baby shampoo can be helpful, Orr says.
• Don’t rub your eyes. It’s super tempting, but Dr. Kanesa-thasan says it’s best to take a pass. “This can worsen the discomfort and risks damage to the eye surface,” he says.

When To Call Your Doctor About Itchy Eyes

If you’ve tried basic, OTC remedies and you’re still uncomfortable, Dr. Kanesa-thasan recommends calling your eye doctor. “Your eye provider can diagnose what is causing your specific symptoms and the best treatment plan with a simple eye exam,” he says.

And, if you’re having other issues, like decreased vision or discharge from your eye, call your doctor ASAP.

Korin Miller
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more.

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A cat itches 🐱 – causes of itching in cats, treatment and prevention

With shingles, small bald patches and bald patches appear on the cat’s skin. They can be red. The hair in these areas falls out or looks “sheared” (“ringworm”). The cat itches, as a result of which new and new lesions may arise. To make an accurate diagnosis in this case, you need to contact your veterinarian. With microsporia, the diagnostic method is to illuminate the skin of the animal with a special fluorescent lamp.In this case, the foci of infection glow with a bright emerald color. The treatment of lichen is long-term, but the disease is not fatal and is curable in modern conditions. Most often kittens, young cats and cats with reduced immunity suffer from lichen. A healthy adult cat, even when faced with fungal spores, may not get sick.

If your cat is diagnosed with lichen, you need to observe mandatory hygiene, do not let the animal on the bed, limit the pet’s communication with children.

Worms

Worms rarely cause itching in animals.Itching in the anal area (when the cat crawls and rubs the anus on the floor) is a symptom of inflammation of the paraanal glands, and not helminthic invasion. The paraanal glands are two small sacs to the right and left of the anus, in which liquid with a specific odor collects. Normally, they are regularly emptied on their own, and if this does not happen and the fluid (secretion of the glands) accumulates, inflammation and itching occurs. It is uncomfortable to scratch with a paw in this place, and the cat begins to “fidget” and rub against the floor.It is necessary to go to a veterinary clinic, where the doctor will cleanse the glands and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.

Bacterial and fungal diseases

A lot is known about the most common fungal infections, but there are also bacterial skin diseases in cats. These are weeping, inflamed, reddened lesions with loose hair, causing itching and anxiety of the animal. Such lesions can occur after minor trauma, scratches, or food allergies.This bacterial infection is treated with topical and systemic antibacterial agents. The first thing that a cat owner should do is to exclude licking, despite the stable stereotype, the cat’s tongue, rough as sandpaper, inflicts additional trauma on itself, and does not “cure” the disease.

what is the reason and what to do. Veterinary advice Center for the rehabilitation of temporarily homeless animals “Yuna”

Dogs itch. And this is the most natural thing in the world – every dog ​​owner knows this.However, this is not a reason to turn a blind eye to this behavior. There is always a reason behind the constant scratching. And sometimes it’s not just a reflex, but a disease or something that makes your pet uncomfortable. In this article, we will tell you what to do if your dog itches. Read on!

Why do dogs scratch and itch

Dogs can scratch and scratch for a number of reasons: they are overcome by separation anxiety, they want to defend their territory, they have itchy skin, fleas – whatever.Therefore, it is always difficult at first glance to determine why your dog is scratching and scratching itself.

Sometimes completely harmless things become the cause of scratching. For example, a dog’s skin may be too dry and irritated. In this case, excessive scratching can cause wounds on the dog’s skin, causing constant anxiety and the desire to scratch the wound even more. It’s a vicious circle.

If you live in an area with low humidity, your dog is more likely to have dry skin that is fairly easy to recognize.When you pet your dog, you may notice flakes of dandruff in the undercoat, and the skin itself may look cracked and dry. The slightest stimulation of the skin, even gentle stroking, can provoke intense skin irritation and uncontrolled scratching.

While dry skin or insect bites are intermittent causes of itchy skin, there are a few times when you really need to get your dog tested. For example, a dog is brushing itself until it bleeds.

In this case, bites of parasites, such as ticks, fleas, etc., may become the cause.This leads to incessant itching, constant scratching and restlessness in the dog.

The second reason is that your dog may be allergic to what it is experiencing. This may be an allergy to new food, treats from the table, household chemicals, etc.

Read also: Foods from our table, which can and cannot be eaten by dogs

But one of the most serious threats is the infectious sources of dermatitis – ringworm and yeast infections.These causes must be eliminated as soon as possible. And you can’t do without the help of a veterinarian.

Helpful Hints

The most important tip is to take your pet to the vet. At the appointment, a specialist will examine the dog, and if necessary, tests will be taken. And already on this basis, a diagnosis will be made and appropriate treatment will be prescribed.

If for some reason you are unable to visit your veterinarian, there are several things you can do to help your dog and relieve itching.Most often this is due to nutrition. Therefore, review the pet’s diet and adjust it.

For example, if you only give your dog dry food, give it digestive enzymes along with it. This will prevent your skin, fur, etc. from drying out. These can be any prebiotics. Another option is to include more wet food in her diet.

We also recommend checking the dog’s surroundings. Sometimes new toys made with allergenic materials, new bedding, or new shampoo can cause allergic itching.

If your dog’s scratching problem is strictly behavioral, there are several ways you can control it. For example, you can put a special collar on your dog so that he cannot reach the area where the biggest scratches usually appear.

But in any case, the dog should be taken to the vet as early as possible. Because all your actions may not have any results, unless more serious reasons are ruled out.

Tell your friends

90,000 Simple tips.How to wean a child from bad habits – Moscow 24, 11/27/2017

Do you notice that your child is constantly biting his nails, sucking his thumb or dragging everything into his mouth? How to cope with bad habits in children and what are they really talking about? The editorial staff of the Moscow 24 portal decided to help the parents and explained everything in pictures. Images by Polina Breeva.

• Do not blame children for biting their nails, pulling out their hair, or picking their noses.Perhaps the reason for this is yourself. Nails in the mouth may indicate neuroses that provoke frequent quarrels in adults. Many habits appear due to lack of attention, affection, too strict education and punishment. Another possible cause is weaning too early.

  By themselves, these habits are not dangerous, but if you do not get rid of them, then, for example, becoming the president of a large company, in a difficult situation, you can start chewing your tie or picking your nose. At the same time, frequent anxiety can lead to more serious consequences, such as nocturnal enuresis.

• The habit of biting nails or “tasty” inedible objects, as a rule, appears from three to four years of age. Usually nails bite “themselves” and “themselves” bite when a child is worried or afraid of something.

  Do not frighten the baby that if he tastes everything, he will soon become toothless, like grandfather, and if he pulls out his hair, he will go bald. This will only increase his anxiety and inner tension.Instead, suggest brushing your teeth or brushing more often.

• Licking and biting lips complements the list of bad children’s habits. Sucking on the upper or lower lip is hard not to notice: bruises, inflammation and cracking appear on them, and in the wind and frost, the lips quickly weaken, crusts form, on which infections or herpes can appear.

• If a child bites his nails, psychologists advise not to scold him for it.Instead, it’s better to keep the baby’s hands busy. Give him a ball or draw with him. If you understand that he bites his nails out of boredom, while watching the cartoon, let him collect the puzzle.

• Older children should be taught by example to cut and clean their nails on time. You can buy a special children’s manicure set for your child. For girls –
  offer to do a beautiful manicure (like mom’s) if she stops biting her nails.

• The most difficult thing is to get rid of the thumb-sucking habit. Most often it is the thumb or index finger on the hand, less often the big toe. Constant finger pressure on the front teeth can lead to a defect, as the tissues holding the teeth are very plastic during childhood. Frequent thumb sucking may cause the maxillary incisors to grow incorrectly.

  In addition, due to the habit of sucking a finger or biting nails, eggs of worms can enter the body along with dirt.

• It is not very pleasant to watch how children wield their fingers in the nose. In addition, because of this, they can be teased by their peers. But before you move on to getting rid of the habit, take a closer look at yourself and those around you. It may turn out that the baby has adopted this habit from one of the adults. So, if you like to read in the toilet, then perhaps one day you will see that your children are doing the same.

• When a child sucks on his thumb, bites his nails, or bites his lips, it naturally calms him down.For the same reason, many adults put cigarettes or a bottle of beer into their mouths.

90,000 How to get rid of the habit of touching your face – not only because of the coronavirus :: Health :: RBC Style

© Hayley Catherine / Unsplash

author

Yulia Tsiruleva

05 May 2020

We all do this: with three hands our eyes, scratching our nose, wiping our lips with the palm of our hand, and at the same time we do not realize that this can be dangerous.We will tell you what the risk is and how to get rid of the bad habit.

Research from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas showed that the average person touches their face 23 times per hour.Doctors warn that touching your face during an epidemic (not only coronavirus) is dangerous – this increases the risk of infection. But in practice, this precaution is more difficult than wearing a mask and remembering to keep your distance. It is impossible and unnecessary to get rid of the habit of touching the face completely. But you should try to reduce the number of touches and be more attentive on the street.

Why do we touch the face

Unconscious touching of the face is characteristic only of humans and some primates.This touch triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps you calm down in times of stress. In addition, researchers from the University of Leipzig argue that this is how a person controls emotions and attention. We touch our face when we flirt, reflect, or try to get away from communication.

© Giorgio Trovato / Unsplash

Why is it dangerous

Viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19, are transmitted by touching an infected surface.People wash their hands much less often than touch various objects and then face. The mucous areas of the eyes, nose and mouth are the gateway for the virus. WHO experts emphasize that medical masks cannot fully protect against infection. The BBC cites the opinion of Stephen Griffin, a virologist at the University of Leeds, who notes that masks help to touch the face less with unwashed hands. But this is not enough to mitigate the risks.

How to get rid of a bad habit

It is difficult to unlearn automatic actions, so the challenge is to make them more conscious and rare.Healthline magazine has found how to beat a dangerous habit.

Method number 1: track the moments of touch

Try making a list of the situations where you touch your face. In this list, you need to note what exactly you are doing – scratching your nose or forehead, rubbing your eyes, and also indicate how often this happens. So unconscious actions will become more conscious. You can share the list with friends on social media to help you track your progress. In addition, it is worth hanging around the house and office reminder notes “Not three eyes”, “Don’t touch your face.”

Method number 2: take your hands

Spinners or anti-stress balls are suitable for this. The main thing is to ensure that they remain clean. At home, you can do cleaning or a hobby – embroider, knit, collect puzzles. If you have nothing to pick up, experts recommend interlocking your fingers, sitting on your palms, or spreading your arms out to the sides.

Method # 3: Introduce a new piece of jewelry or fragrance

To develop a new habit and interrupt automatic actions, you need something out of the ordinary.A new ring, bracelet, wristband, or regular elastic band on the wrist can help pay attention to unconscious movement and stop it.

Also, the brain quickly reacts to an unfamiliar smell, so it is useful to buy an antibacterial soap or sanitizer with an unfamiliar, persistent scent. This will make it easier to track down the attempt to touch your face.

Method No. 4: Wear gloves

We usually wear gloves on the street, where we often think of dirt and germs. It is worth trying to walk in them at home – the association with the street and the fear of infecting will help to realize the habit.But we must remember that this is not the safest method, since with our gloved hand we still touch different surfaces.

Find out how to take a coronavirus antibody test and what it will tell you about.

90,000 eyes must – Traducere în engleză – exemple în rusă


Aceste exemple pot conține cuvinte vulgare.


Aceste exemple pot conține termeni colocviali.

And be that as it may, my 90,039 eyes should stop itching.

And for whatever it’s worth, my eyes have stopped itching,

His 90,039 eyes have to get used to 90,040!

When a creature with binocular vision looks at an object, eyes should rotate around a vertical axis so as to project images into the center of the retina of each eye.

When a creature with binocular vision looks at an object, the eyes must rotate around a vertical axis so that the projection of the image is in the center of the retina in both eyes.

Your 90,039 eyes should 90,040 remain protected from the slightest light for two weeks

You eyes must be protected from the light for two weeks.

Let’s take a break; your 90,039 eyes should be 90,040 rest.

By law , eyes must be open.

In strength training, it is specifically stated that 90,039 eyes should be 90,040 open.

When we found him, his 90,039 eyes should have been 90,040 open.

When injected into animals, their eyes 90,039 must be 90,040 closed with duct tape, or they will remain open.

When animals are injected with it, their eyes have to be taped shut or they stay open.

His 90,039 eyes should be 90,040 clear when I shoot him.

When I take him down, his eyes will be clear.

When you get to the immigration counter, eyes should be 90,040 wide open.

When you get to immigration, keep your eyes wide open.

Should my eyes be open or closed for this part?

Your 90,039 eyes should be 90,040 more ferocious!

My eyes should be close to yours and it should make you cry.

Like, the bridge of your nose and it makes you cry.

The eyes should be clear and the gills should be red, not pink.

Eyes should be clear and gills should be red, not pink.

Your eyes should heal.

Your eyes should be enchanting.

Again, eyes should be open.

You should have eyes on the back of your head.

If it is a psychological problem, his 90,039 eyes should 90,040 respond to the rotation of the cylinder of optokinetic stimulation.