From eyelid primer and eyeshadow to eyeliner and mascara, there are plenty of opportunities for bacteria to catch a free ride on any of the makeup products used around your eyes. That’s because eyelashes naturally have bacteria on them. Once a makeup brush is used on the eyelash or eyelid, the brush is contaminated. Eventually, the contaminated brush can cause a buildup of bacteria in the makeup container itself and increase the risk of an eye infection or allergic reaction each time the product is used. 

Although most makeup has a relatively long shelf life, they can be contaminated with bacteria after only one use. As a result, it’s a good idea to keep track of how long products such as mascara or eyeliners have been used and change them about every three to four months to reduce the risk of infection. Some other ways to safely use eye cosmetics include:

• Avoid sharing makeup to limit exposure to infections.
• Stop using eye products immediately if they cause irritation.
• Washing your hands before applying eye makeup.
• Using only clean cosmetic tools.
• Not storing cosmetics at temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius).
• Waiting until an eye infection has healed to use cosmetics.
• Being especially careful about using eye makeup if you have allergies.
• Removing eye cosmetics gently to avoid scratching the eyeball or other sensitive area around the eye.
• Making sure eyeliner pencils are sufficiently sharpened so the wood casing doesn’t scratch the eyelid.
• Not trying to put on eye makeup while in a moving vehicle or using a sharp object to separate mascara-clumped eyelashes. 

For more tips about preventing serious eye conditions caused by old makeup, visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/OldMakeup.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

Catherine de Medici is generally credited, or some might say blamed, for wearing the first pair of high heel shoes when she became engaged to the Duke of Orleans in 1533 because she felt self-conscious about her diminutive stature. High heels eventually became a sign of higher social status and wealth, and today high heels are available in a wide selection of shapes, styles and heights. Unfortunately, high heels — those shoes with a heel two inches or higher — are one of the leading reasons why women have foot problems. 

Wearing high heels for an extended period of time can make the toes bend into an unnatural position and redistribute weight incorrectly. As a result, women could experience a number of different ailments, including ingrown toenails, nerve damage and bunions. High heels also may contribute to osteoarthritis in the knee, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, shortened calf and back muscles that can cause muscle spasms, and an overarched back that puts strain on the knees, hips and lower back.

But don’t worry — you can still make a fashion statement in heels as long as you follow a few easy tips. Choose shoes with lower heels — an inch and a half or less — that have a wide heel base. Make sure shoes are the correct size and select ones with soft insoles that can reduce the impact on your knees. If you’re going to slip on a pair of heels, wear them on days when you don’t have to stand or walk as much, and switch them out with athletic or walking shoes when commuting to and from work.

To learn more about how to take care of your feet, take the quick, online foot health quiz on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/FootHealthQuiz.

Photo credit: iStock/Thinkstock

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com