Surgeons' issue serious health warning to those who wash bedding under 60 degrees

Daily Record

2 days ago

An eye surgeon is warning Brits of a huge rise in a health condition that causes your eyes to swell and become inflamed.
With nicer weather on the horizon, many of us will be wanting to chuck our bedding out on the line to dry in the warm heat. While washing your bedding is a common occurrence for most people, experts are now saying that Brits should be careful about what heat they are washing their bedding on.
Eye surgeons have issued a serious warning to anyone who washes their bedding at a temperature lower than 60 degrees. This is due to a significant rise in cases of demodex blepharitis, which is an eye condition caused by a type of parasite.
One surgeon has reported a "huge increase" in cases, which is becoming a massive issue for those living in the UK, reports the Express. As a result, people are being urged to make sure they are washing their bedding at 60 degrees at least
Demodox blepharitis is caused by dust mites that enter into a person's eyes at night while they are in bed. This can lead to inflammation, redness and swelling. However, by simply putting your washing on a higher temperature, this condition can easily be prevented.
Eye surgeon Julian Stevens said: "This is a massive issue. Me and my colleagues are seeing more and more people at the clinic for demodex and optometrists on the high street are also seeing a huge increase."
He believes this increase is due to more people washing their bedding at lower temperatures, thus unknowingly allowing the mites to survive. He added: "And the reason is that, whereas our parents used to wash at 60°C and hotter, everyone's now using low-temperature washes."
A study has found that anything above 54 degrees is a "lethal temperature" for the mites, however many people are unaware of this and continue to do their washing at lower temperatures.
According to the NHS, blepharitis is a condition that involves the eyelids becoming itchy and swollen. Thankfully it is not often a serious condition and can be treated by washing the eyelids.
The symptoms of the condition can include sore and itchy eyelids, a gritty feeling, flakes or crusts at the base of the lashes, and washing up with your eyelids stuck together.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you should clean your eyelids twice a day, reducing to once when the condition lessens. However, the NHS urges that you should persist with cleaning your eyes even when the symptoms subside.
On top of this, people are cautioned not to wear contact lenses or use eye makeup, such as mascara and eyeliner, when experiencing symptoms.
Healthline states that there are two types of Demodex mites - folliculorum and brevis. The former is more common and they reside in your hair follicles and consume skin cells. Typically found on the face - around the host's eyes - these mites can cause bother to your eyes and eyelashes.
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However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology does state that while it may feel uncomfortable to know these mites are on your skin, the mites have "long been considered a friendly bystander of normal skin".
The problems instead begin when they excessively multiply, which the academy says can lead to chronic blepharitis and other eye problems.
One treatment for Demodex mites is over-the-counter remedies that include low concentrations of tea tree oil or hypochlorous-based acid, which can come in the form of scrubs, sprays or wipes.
However, the Centers for Dry Eye does caution that individuals should always dilute the tea tree oil before use, as well as perform a patch test on a small area of skin. Users should also avoid direct contact with the eye and seek advice from an ophthalmologist.
Other advice includes keeping good eyelid hygiene, not sharing personal items, changing your eye makeup regularly, eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated. And above all else, keep your bedding clean.