Last weekend, between 2/4 and 2/5, attention was drawn to the number of people who had vision problems following using hair ointments during the pre-carnival in Recife and Olinda, in Pernambuco.
According to a survey carried out in public and private emergencies in the capital of Pernambuco, almost 150 people were assisted reporting problems related to the use of this type of hair cosmetic. The occurrences were not related to a specific brand of ointment.
The symptoms presented by the revelers were:
- Redness;
- Intense pain in the eyes;
- Difficulty opening your eyes;
- Blurry vision;
- Ardor;
- Foreign body sensation in the eyes.
Prohibition by Anvisa
Cases of temporary blindness and other symptoms caused by hair ointments have been recurrent. The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), in a recent determination, suspended the use and commercialization of Cassu Braids ointments, manufactured by Microfarma Indústria e Comércio Ltda.
Anvisa’s determination came following the state of Rio de Janeiro registered 200 notifications of cases of temporary blindness or eye burns following using the brand’s ointments.
In March 2022, the regulatory agency had already prohibited the sale, distribution, manufacture, and use of the Ômegafix hair styling ointment, manufactured by Cape Indústria de Cosméticos Ltda.
What to do in case of accidents with hair ointments?
Ophthalmologist Núbia Vanessa, from the CBV-Hospital de Olhos de Brasília, says that modeling ointments, when in contact with water and even sweat, can cause burns, irritation and edema on the eyelids.
“These reactions can cause serious problems, even causing sequelae that lead to a decrease in visual acuity”, warns Núbia.
She recommends that the use of ointments be avoided by revelers. If this is not an option, suggest that they try to find out if at least the product is authorized by Anvisa.
In case the ointment comes into contact with the eyes, people should wash the area with plenty of running water or saline solution. Then it is necessary to seek emergency eye care.
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