That mascara wand can do more than just make your lashes longer. It can also give you an eye infection. Every year, many women end up with eye infections from cosmetics. In rare cases, women have been temporarily or permanently blinded by an eye cosmetic, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Eyelashes naturally have bacteria on them. As soon as you use a makeup brush on the eyelash or eyelid, the brush is contaminated. Over time, the infected brush leads to a buildup of bacteria in the cosmetics container. This increases the chance for an eye infection or an allergic reaction with each use of the product.
Most cosmetics do have long shelf lives, but since they can be infected with bacteria after only one use, it is a good idea to keep track of how long you have been using products like mascara and eyeliners. Although there are no guidelines for cosmetics use, risk of infection can be reduced if you change them every three to four months.
If you experience signs of a viral infection, including discharge, swelling of the eyelids, or inflammation of the white of the eye, make an appointment with your primary care physician or eye care provider.
Follow these Safety Tips
The FDA offers the following tips for the proper use of eye cosmetics:
- Immediately stop using eye products that cause irritation. If irritation persists, see a health care provider.
- Wash your hands before applying eye cosmetics. If you don’t, the bacteria on your hands could cause an infection.
- Make sure that any cosmetic tool you place near the eye is clean.
- Don’t allow cosmetics to become covered with dust or infected with dirt or soil. Wipe off the container with a damp cloth if you can see dust or dirt.
- Don’t use old containers of eye cosmetics. If you haven’t used the product for several months, it’s better to throw it out and buy a new one.
- Don’t spit into eye cosmetics. The bacteria in your mouth may grow in the cosmetic and later use may cause an eye infection.
- Don’t share your cosmetics. Another person’s bacteria in your cosmetic can be harmful to you.
- Don’t store cosmetics at temperatures above 85°F (29°C). Cosmetics held for long periods in hot cars, for example, are more at risk of weakening the preservative.
- Avoid using eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection or the skin around the eye is red. Wait until the area is healed.
- Take extra care in using eye cosmetics if you have any allergies.
- When applying or removing eye cosmetics, be careful not to scratch the eyeball or some other sensitive area of the eye.
Makeup does expire so be sure to check expiration dates and the FDA status of cosmetics before buying and applying.
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit Steward DoctorFinder™.
*Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration, fda.gov
