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Conjunctivitis - allergic - Management
What self care advice can I give a person with seasonal or perennial conjunctivitis?
- Advise symptomatic people with seasonal or perennial allergic conjunctivitis to:
- Remove contact lenses, if these are worn, until symptoms and signs resolve.
- Avoid rubbing their eyes.
- Avoid exposure to the allergen when practical.
- Place cool compresses on the affected eyes to ease symptoms.
Clarification / Additional information
- Exposure to pollen is reduced by staying indoors but is usually impractical and unnecessary if symptoms are well controlled with drug therapy. Practical measures to reduce pollen exposure include keeping windows in buildings and cars closed at times when pollen counts are high, using wrap around sunglasses and using a car fitted with a pollen filter.
- Reducing exposure to house dust mites involves significant inconvenience and cost to the patient. There is a lack of any good quality evidence for its effectiveness but it is recommended by some experts. It should only be considered when drug treatment has failed to control symptoms and the responsible allergen has been confirmed by allergy testing. Measures recommended include:
- Fitting mattresses with house dust mite impermeable covers; use synthetic pillows and acrylic duvets, and keep furry toys off the bed. Wash all bedding and furry toys at least once a week.
- If possible, choosing, wooden or hard floor surfaces instead of carpets. Blinds that can be wiped clean should be fitted instead of curtains. Surfaces should be wiped regularly with a clean, damp cloth.
Basis for recommendation
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