From the Guidelines
Cosmetic-induced conjunctivitis is an inflammatory condition of the conjunctiva caused by allergic or irritant reactions to cosmetics, classified as a type of mechanical/irritative/toxic conjunctivitis 1. The causes of this condition include allergic reactions to ingredients in cosmetics, such as fragrances, preservatives, or dyes, as well as irritant reactions to certain cosmetic products, like eye makeup or contact lens solutions. The symptoms of cosmetic-induced conjunctivitis may include redness, itching, burning, tearing, and discharge, which can be acute, chronic, or recurrent in nature 1.
Key Points
- Discontinuation of the offending cosmetic agent is usually the first step in treatment, often resulting in resolution of symptoms over a period of weeks to months 1.
- Topical antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine 0.1% or ketotifen 0.025%, may be administered 2-4 times daily for 7-10 days to alleviate symptoms 1.
- In more severe cases, topical corticosteroids, like loteprednol 0.5%, may be prescribed for a short duration of 5-7 days to reduce inflammation, often with preservative-free formulations 1.
- It is essential to differentiate between primary conjunctival disease and conditions in which conjunctival inflammation is secondary to systemic or ocular diseases, such as dry eye or blepharitis, and to address the underlying problems accordingly 1.