It is also probably undetectable in breast milk. No pediatric-specific problems have been documented in children over five years of age. They should avoid rubbing the eyes, since this causes the mast cells in the eyelids and conjunctiva to degranulate and release more histamine. Cool, moist compresses are often effective. Oral antihistamines may help, but they may also reduce tear production and this drying effect can actually worsen symptoms.
Artificial tears can help reduce symptoms and wash away allergens and inflammatory mediators.
Allergy sufferers can also modify their environment. Opticrom is available in two sizes. In rare cases, the misuse of topical anesthetics such as benzocaine and lidocaine can cause a reversible blood disorder known as methemoglobinemia, that an oxygen deficiency in the blood turns the skin bluish. Patients should be warned not to use more than the recommended amount of these products, never to use them for more than seven days, and not to use them on broken skin. After 50 Stephanie Sinden is a pharmacist at Clark's Health Centre Pharmacy in Simcoe, Ontario.