Pharmacist warns against one common hay fever habit that could lead to more serious eye problems
A pharmacist has said that frequently rubbing your eyes can lead to more serious eye issues. Symptoms of hay fever, which is an allergic reaction to pollen, include sneezing, coughing, rashes, blocked noses, headaches, and itchy red eyes meaning it is natural to want to touch and rub your eyes in moments of discomfort. But community pharmacist Sultan Dajani, from eyecare brand Golden Eye, told The Mirror how allergies can cause more serious eye problems. Dajani said: "When we encounter an allergen, either from inhaling, swallowing, or simply by the skin coming into contact with it, the body goes into fighting mode and the immune system overreacts to the substance. "A protein known as IgE is produced to go after the allergen, and a chemical called histamine is released into the blood – and it is this that creates the symptoms commonly experienced. "So, in fact when we have these types of symptoms the body is functioning and doing its job to get rid of the allergen. "Though we need our body to react in this way, the symptoms themselves can really affect our general wellbeing, lowering our immune system and interrupting everyday activities." Dajani explained that frequently touching our eyes can open up the possibility for further eye problems or infections such as styes, conjunctivitis, or blepharitis. "Our hands come into contact with most things, from people to surfaces, making it easy to transfer bacteria and germs to our faces – and if we are reaching for our eyes, it’s easy for a simple rubbing of the eyes to develop into something else." Issues that could arise from this include a stye, which is a swollen lump on the eyelid or near the eyelashes. Dajani explained: "People tend to get more styes during allergy season. Allergies are known risk factors for styes. With the experience of itchy eye symptoms it can feel impossible not to rub them. One problem that could also be related to rubbing eyes is conjunctivitis, which is an infection of the eye often caused by a virus or bacteria. Blepharitis, when oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, leading to irritation and redness of the eyes, can also be triggered by continuous touching or rubbing of the eyes, Dajani said. Read More Why do we get hay fever and what are the symptoms? Should I keep my windows closed or open in hot weather? What is Stiff Person Syndrome? Signs and symptoms of Celine Dion’s incurable condition The symptoms of hay fever in adults explained 7 tips and tricks for hay fever relief Bear Grylls urges parents to let their children ‘set own rules’ on social media usage
1970-01-01 08:00
Bulgarian Government Deal Hits the Rocks Over Leaked Wiretaps
Bulgaria’s long-awaited coalition deal may face collapse, prolonging a years-long political crisis, as the Balkan country’s biggest party
1970-01-01 08:00
Fernando Tatis Sr. was key in helping Ronald Acuña Jr. regain his swing
Ronald Acuña Jr. can credit a refined approach at the plate to none other than Fernando Tatis Sr.Ronald Acuña Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. are very close, but it was Fernando Tatis Sr. who may have made all the difference in Acuna's newfound swing at the plate.The Atlanta Br...
1970-01-01 08:00
Africa’s Top Fund Manager, Ex-Telkom CEO, Axian Mull Telkom Bid
Africa’s largest asset manager, the Public Investment Corporation, is backing a possible bid led by the former chief
1970-01-01 08:00
Wes Anderson, Ken Loach among contenders for Cannes Film Festival's top prize
CANNES Veteran directors Wes Anderson, Ken Loach and Wim Wenders are among those in the running for the
1970-01-01 08:00
Twitter pulls out of voluntary EU disinformation code
"You can run but you can't hide," commissioner Thierry Breton warns Twitter over upcoming rules.
1970-01-01 08:00
Serb President Steps Down as Party Leader Amid Swelling Protests
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stepped down as the head of his political party in a concession seen as
1970-01-01 08:00
ECB Near ‘Top of Ladder’ on Rate Tightening, Makhlouf Says
The European Central Bank is in the final stretch of its historic cycle of interest-rate increases, according to
1970-01-01 08:00
Hundreds of expelled Germans set to leave Russia
The expulsions follow increasingly strained relations between Russia and Germany over Ukraine.
1970-01-01 08:00
No Picnics for Debt Negotiators: Your Saturday US Briefing
Happy Memorial Day weekend. Summer officially kicks off here in the US and it’s time to break out
1970-01-01 08:00
USMNT rumors: Berhalter to Swansea, Matarazzo on the US job, Steffen's price tag
Today's USMNT news includes Gregg Berhalter being linked with Swansea City,Pellegrino Matarazzo speaking about the US job and Zack Steffen's price tag has been reported.USMNT news: Gregg Berhalter to Swansea CityFormer USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter has been linked with replacing Rus...
1970-01-01 08:00
Serbia's President Vucic steps down as head of ruling party
BELGRADE Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stepped down as leader of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) at a
1970-01-01 08:00
