Do not use eye drops indiscriminately, as the wrong kind could damage the cornea, a doctor warned on Tuesday.
Many people stay up late over the Lunar New Year holiday binge-watching television or playing video games, and often use eye drops to relieve dry or sore eyes, Tri-Service General Hospital ophthalmologist Tai Ming-cheng (戴明正) said.
Mild symptoms of dry eyes often improve with rest, but if discomfort persists, artificial tears should be considered, he said.
Photo: Lin Chih-yi, Taipei Times
However, people should understand their needs before purchasing artificial tears, as some over-the-counter products contain hyaluronic acid, lipids or other lubricating ingredients, Tai said.
Those who need to apply drops more than four times a day should choose preservative-free formulas to avoid corneal damage from high-frequency use, he said.
Most preservative-free products are sold in single-use packaging, and people can consult pharmacists for guidance, he added.
Some over-the-counter drops contain steroids or other chemical ingredients that could cause side effects if used frequently, Tai said.
While some eye drops claim to provide a refreshing sensation and temporary relief, long-term or daily use is not recommended, he said.
Meanwhile, a doctor on Monday advised people to stay moisturized, get plenty of sleep and avoid certain foods to prevent skin conditions commonly seen during the holidays.
Xerotic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and herpes are often reported after long holiday breaks, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital dermatologist Huang Yu-hui (黃毓惠) said.
Staying up late is a major cause of skin problems, the most common consequence of which is flare-ups of seborrheic dermatitis, leading to dandruff on the scalp or eyebrows, she said.
If immunity drops due to fatigue, cold sores, caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus, might also appear around the lips, Huang said.
The best skin care is sleep, she said, advising people to go to bed before 11pm, with their skin regaining its firmness and elasticity after a week of adequate rest.
Those with a history of seborrheic dermatitis should use anti-dandruff shampoo, she added.
Holiday banquets with rich dishes could also pose hidden skin hazards, Huang said.
Patients with rosacea should avoid alcohol and spicy foods to prevent pustules and redness, she said.
Foods that claim to boost immunity — such as ginseng, lingzhi mushrooms, mutton hot pot and ginger duck stew — could further disrupt an already imbalanced immune system for those with autoimmune conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, she added.
For those who enjoy winter soaks in hot springs, Huang warned that cold weather combined with hot spring water could easily trigger xerotic eczema, particularly on the lower legs.
She recommended using petroleum jelly as a simple and safe option to relieve symptoms.
Lotions with stronger moisturizing effects, especially products labeled for atopic dermatitis that are fragrance and alcohol free, are also recommended, she said.
Moisturizer should be applied before symptoms appear, and applied multiple times a day — in the morning, midday, in the evening and before bed — to keep in moisture during cold, dry weather, to prevent xerotic eczema, she said.
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