The skin around the eyes is particularly sensitive to colorful carnival makeup. The professional association of ophthalmologists gives tips. Colorfully made up, the fools set out again in the next days and weeks to drive away the winter. No matter whether cheerful clown or gruesome witch – the make-up, which transforms us in such a way, should be carefully selected. Because it is not uncommon for individual ingredients to trigger allergies, be it the synthetic colors themselves, be it the solvents contained in the cosmetics.
Pay attention to the ingredients of the makeup
Especially the skin around the eyes and the fine skin of the eyelids reacts particularly sensitive, it can swell strongly and itch. Particles of makeup often get onto the surface of the eye, then the conjunctiva may also be affected.
Prof. Dr. Norbert Pfeiffer, director of the University Eye Hospital in Mainz and scientific member of the board of the Professional Association of Ophthalmologists advises to pay attention to the ingredients when buying makeup. Unlike medications, however, the ingredients of cosmetics are not always subject to declaration.
Caution when using makeup
In general, appropriate makeup is recommended for contact lens wearers. Also, the inner edge of the eyelid should not be made up.
If one wants to continue to use the carnival make-up from the previous year, one should look carefully: “At the latest when water or oil settle or when the make-up becomes grainy, one must throw it away,” Prof. Pfeiffer makes clear. Bacteria and other pathogens can also settle in tubes.
Treatment of affected eyes
If it is eyes and eyelids “too colorful,” then the first thing to do is to gently remove the makeup, greasy colors, for example, with the help of a greasy cream. Then clean the skin with water and a mild soap. Cold compresses and cold pads on the eyelids and cheeks relieve the symptoms. If the swelling and itching do not decrease, the ophthalmologist may prescribe an antihistamine, or in severe cases, a cortisone preparation.
Foolish contact lenses only for experienced wearers
From an ophthalmologist‘s point of view, caution is advised when contact lenses with special designs are part of the foolish outfit. “These contact lenses are really only suitable for experienced contact lens wearers,” emphasizes Prof. Pfeiffer. “They are often not of particularly good quality optically, and the printed motif makes the contact lens thicker and less permeable to oxygen. Therefore, they are often not as tolerable as conventional contact lenses.” Even so-called “fun lenses” should be individually fitted by an eye doctor.
In terms of hygiene, there is no difference: “They need to be cleaned just like other contact lenses. When reinserting a contact lens that is not completely clean or even contaminated with germs, there is a risk of serious complications with corneal ulcers that can go as far as loss of vision.” In the dark, when pupils are dilated, some motif lenses can obstruct vision. Therefore, be sure to remove these lenses from the eye when driving at night.
