World of beauty

A newer product recently introduced into the world of beauty is cosmetic contact lens or CCL. (CDC. Website. 2009.) Contacts were initially intended to help vision issues in individuals who suffer from blurred vision. For zero power contact lens wearers complications such as mild discomfort, sight threatening diseases and corneal infections often occur. (CDC. Website. 2009.) Since the CCL do not require a prescription purchases can be made anywhere the product is sold, this creates the issue of higher infection increase due to not visiting the eye doctor as often and not being knowledgeable in contact safety. Non-prescription contact lens wearers were at a higher risk of interacting with infections compared to those who have a diagnosed need for them. Infections such as conjunctivitis are easily communicable in contact lens wearers other bacterial, or fungal infections can develop as well. Although contact lenses can increase the wearers chances of getting fungal infection, these are more common in immunosuppressed individuals. Acanthamoeba keratitis is a highly symptomatic and sight harming infections. (CDC. Website. 2009.) The concern referencing the amoeba keratitis is due to it environment of choice such as swimming pools, fresh water, soil and even lakes. Contracting this disease is a higher risk in those who wear contacts because the microorganisms can get caught under the contact that lens and germinate from there.

According to the CDC symptoms of Acanthamoeba can be eye pain and redness paired with blurred vision, excessive watering or tearing, light sensitivity as well as the sensation that something is in your eye. If these symptoms occur remove contacts and contact your eye care profession for a complete diagnosis. The CDC also emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, like any infection or disease the earlier its diagnosed the easier it is to cure or treat symptoms. Since the Acanthamoeba has very similar symptoms to other eye infections sometimes it can be more difficult to treat. In 2006 the CDC was contacted by the health department with concerns referring to a possible Acanthamoeba infection outbreak in Chicago. This case study lead to the link between the infection and a common eye contact solution, Advanced Medical Optics. As the research continued other factors in daily activities of the infected people proved that the eye care solution was not the main cause of the outbreak. Other factors included tap water contamination, length of contact wear and exposure to other elements.

Staph infections are usually treatable with antibiotics. If left untreated, staph infections can transfer to the bloodstream, lungs and the heart. Septic transferred staph infections can become a result of death. Forming in the resemblance of a pimple or acne, many who are infected with the disease are tempted to pop the unflattering “zit.” When this occurs the bacteria already growing becomes more mobile and spreads to other areas. In the case of a woman in Texas, she developed a serious staph infection due to dirty cosmetic brushes near her eye brow area. After popping what she assumed was a pimple the infection spread. Since staph infections are quick moving bacteria the infection spread and within hours she reported to the hospital. Environmental factors, including temperatures and humidity, can play a big factor in the growth of staph infections. Individuals with eczema are more likely to contract the infection due to open wounds in the skin. Some skin conditions caused by infections are folliculitis, furuncle and impetigo. Staph infections typically show in a few hours to days. Symptoms include redness pain and swelling in the infected area. If someone has an eczema outbreak, gets a cut or exposed to poison ivy/oak they are encouraged to clean and cover exposed areas as well as apply antibiotic ointment or treatments recommended by physicians.

Majority of infections caused in the world of cosmetics are preventable, the simplest form of prevention is simply cleaning tools and not sharing makeup. Being knowledgeable about the products you’re a consumer of helps ensure your host safety as well as the safety of others. With all the bacteria that are surrounding your, environment, constantly it is important to keep products that are used daily as safe as possible. That requires the public to be educated on the possible disease and infections that surround us every day and simple steps to ensure the safety of ourselves and others. Remembering the safety tips provided by the FDA website, we as consumers are taking the steps needed to prevent and reduce the spread of infections. By keeping ourselves informed and educating new and veteran consumers of cosmetics we are able to create a safer environment to play. Annual trips to the optometrist can help ensure healthy eyes, washing hands before applying make or touching the face reduces the risk of disease transfer to eye, skin, and mouth. Being knowledgeable of recalls of makeup and proper tool handling are top tips everyone can use to make sure they are safe from bacteria and germs lurking in your makeup bag.