Conjunctivitis Types, Causes, and Eyelash Extension Precautions
When you hear "conjunctivitis," you probably think of symptoms like red eyes, itching, or eye discharge. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is a very familiar eye condition with various causes.
This article details the main types of conjunctivitis (viral, bacterial, allergic), their causes, symptoms, treatments, and specific points of caution for eyelash extension wearers and salons.
Contagious Conjunctivitis: Viral and Bacterial
These types of conjunctivitis can spread to others and require special care.
Viral Conjunctivitis ("Hayari-me"): Characteristics and Measures
Caused by specific viruses, this type is highly contagious. It's often called "hayari-me" (epidemic eye) in Japanese and includes the following main types:
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Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (EKC): Caused by Adenovirus. Often presents with severe symptoms like redness of the white part of the eye, heavy discharge and tearing, eyelid swelling, and eye pain. It can also involve the cornea (keratitis), causing a gritty sensation, and may cause swollen, painful lymph nodes in front of the ears.
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Pharyngoconjunctival Fever (PCF or Pool Fever): Caused by a different type of Adenovirus. In addition to conjunctivitis symptoms, it can be accompanied by a sore throat and fever (around 39°C). It's called "pool fever" because it can spread in swimming pools.
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Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis (AHC): Caused by Enterovirus, etc. Features bleeding under the conjunctiva (subconjunctival hemorrhage), although this is less common recently.
Incubation Period and Symptoms: Depending on the type, the incubation period (time from infection to symptom onset) is typically several days to a week. Symptoms usually peak around one week and can take 2-3 weeks to resolve naturally.
Treatment: There's no specific cure for the virus itself. Treatment focuses on supportive care, such as eye drops to reduce inflammation and antibiotic drops to prevent secondary bacterial infections (mixed infections).
Infection Control Measures:
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Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
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Wash hands frequently with soap and running water.
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Do not share towels, handkerchiefs, etc.
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Use tissues to wipe away discharge or tears and dispose of them immediately.
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Bathe last and change the bathwater daily.
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During the contagious period (about 1-2 weeks from onset), it's advisable to stay home from work/school if possible and minimize contact with others.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Characteristics and Measures
Caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
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Symptoms: Characterized by conjunctival redness, a foreign body sensation, and typically thick, yellow, sticky discharge.
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Infection: Often occurs when the body's resistance is low. It's generally less contagious than viral conjunctivitis.
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Treatment: Antibiotic eye drops are usually effective, and the condition typically resolves within a few days to a week.
Non-Contagious Conjunctivitis: Allergic
This type is caused by an immune reaction and is not contagious.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Causes and Itching Characteristics
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Cause: Occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances (allergens). Common allergens include pollen, house dust (mites, dust, etc.), and pet dander.
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Symptoms: The hallmark symptom is intense itching. Other symptoms include redness, watery discharge, tearing, and eyelid swelling.
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Types:
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Seasonal: Symptoms appear during specific seasons (e.g., hay fever from cedar, cypress pollen).
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Perennial: Symptoms occur year-round (e.g., due to house dust, mites).
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Severe forms include Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), which can be difficult to treat.
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Why Are Allergies Increasing? Factors like increased pollen counts (from cedar/cypress planting), environmental changes (more asphalt, airtight homes), air pollution, and changes in hygiene are thought to contribute complexly.
Eyelash Extensions and Conjunctivitis: Important Precautions
There are specific points to consider regarding conjunctivitis in the context of eyelash extension services.
Importance of Pre/Post-Procedure Checks and Hygiene
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Confusion with Incubation Period: Viral conjunctivitis has an incubation period. If a client was already infected before visiting the salon and symptoms appear a few days after the procedure, they might mistakenly believe the extensions caused it.
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Hygiene Management: Thorough disinfection of tools and hand hygiene in the salon are crucial for preventing the spread of bacterial and viral conjunctivitis.
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Eye Area Cleanliness: Keeping the eye area clean, regardless of whether extensions are worn, helps prevent all types of conjunctivitis. Remind clients about proper cleansing and face washing.
Eye Discomfort? See an Ophthalmologist First!
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Top Priority: If a client complains of itching, swelling, redness, discharge, or other discomfort after the procedure, strongly advise them to see an ophthalmologist immediately. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or determine the cause yourself.
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Consultation: Checking for allergies and the current condition of the eyes during the pre-procedure consultation can help prevent potential issues.
Conclusion: Protecting Eye Health with Correct Knowledge
There are various types of conjunctivitis, each with different causes and treatments. Understanding the difference between contagious and non-contagious types is essential. For infectious conjunctivitis, personal prevention and consideration for others are crucial.
When enjoying eyelash extensions, maintaining good hygiene and seeking prompt medical attention from an ophthalmologist for any eye abnormalities are key to protecting your eye health.
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