Perhaps the most common eye problem associated with eye makeup is conjunctivitis, or pink eye. Although most makeup contains preservatives that prevents bacteria from forming, it's still possible to have bacteria grow on your makeup. This could happen if it's expired or not properly concealed.
The main danger with sharing makeup is passing on an infection like viral conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Exposure to even a small amount of virus can lead to a very uncomfortable infection. If you have signs of a viral infection, make an appointment with your eye care provider.
Expired Products
The preservatives in makeup break down over time, making it easier for bacteria to grow. Once the dermatologically approved formula of makeup changes, that poses serious risks for allergic reactions and severe eye infections from makeup.
Pink eye has several causes. Bacteria: Bacteria can be transferred to one or both eyes through physical contact, poor hygiene (touching eyes with unclean hands), or use of contaminated makeup or face lotions.
Symptoms include red and inflamed eyes, swollen eyelids, sensitivity to bright light, and pus inside the eye. In most cases, eye infections can be quickly and effectively treated by your doctor. In very rare cases, eye infections from eye makeup can be severe and even lead to temporary or permanent vision loss.
There are eye conditions with similar symptoms to pink eye. It's common to mistake allergies, styes, iritis, keratitis, and blepharitis for it. They can have different causes and require different treatments. Protect your eye health by setting up an exam with our team.
It can be hard to tell whether the infection is caused by a virus or bacteria. In general, the discharge associated with viral conjunctivitis is watery, whereas it will be thicker and more pus-like when the infection is caused by bacteria.
Patient counseling. Advise patients to remain home if they have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis with systemic signs of illness, especially if they cannot avoid close contact with others. Patients may return to work or school after any indicated therapy is implemented.
Use cold compresses and artificial tears to help relieve some of the inflammation and dryness caused by pink eye. You can purchase these over the counter without a prescription. Stop wearing contact lenses until your eye doctor says it's okay to start wearing them again.
You may experience breakouts, bacterial infection, fungal infection, or rashes. Expired lipsticks can bring mouth related ailments like cold sores. Never apply expired makeup onto broken skin. A cosmetic expiration date should be clearly displayed somewhere on the packaging, product label or product casing.
Viral pink eye is usually highly contagious for 10–14 days. In some cases, it can take three weeks or more to heal.
The side effects that come with sleeping in makeup can include itchy, bloodshot eyes, an allergic reaction or even a full-blown infection if you are not careful. Sleeping in eye makeup has also been connected to the development of pink eye in many women.
It is recommended to use spray bottles to apply the disinfectant (1 part bleach to 9 parts cool water; prepared daily) to contaminated surfaces such as door handles or any object the sick individual has touched.
Not only can particles of makeup land in the eyes and cause redness and irritation, but more serious infections that threaten sight can result if the surface of the eye is scratched with an infected brush or makeup pencil.
Pink eye is extremely common, and is something that you usually don't need to go to urgent care for. Rather, you can wait until the next morning and be seen in the office. Many cases of pink eye are viral and don't require antibiotics at all. There are three different types of pink eye.
Myth 3: Pink eye is highly contagious
Allergic pink eye is not contagious at all. Bacterial pink eye can be spread to another person from the time you develop symptoms until about 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment. Viral pink eye is infectious for as long as you have symptoms.
You usually don't need antibiotic drops or ointments to treat pink eye. They don't help alleviate the symptoms or make you less contagious. It's difficult to distinguish between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, but both typically are self-limiting, meaning the illness will go away on its own.
I would wait at least two weeks for makeup application but would wait longer if the eye remained red and uncomfortable or if the virus caused inflammation in the cornea. Your eye doctor can tell you what type you had and whether the infection involved your cornea.
When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, they're more visible. This is what causes the whites of the eyes to appear reddish or pink. Pink eye also is called conjunctivitis.
Pink Eye in Toddlers and Children
This condition is best treated by over the counter medications such as Benadryl, and allergy eye drops. Keeping the windows closed and showering at the end of each day during the allergy seasons would help your child as well.
Carefully clean the eye area with warm water and gauze or cotton balls. Gently put cool compresses on the eye. If your doctor suggests it, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort (check the label for how much to give and how often).