Well-being Q&A: Wrinkles and cloves
Dr VL Shyam, answers queries exclusively for readers of Friday
Whenever I travel to India, I suffer from a blocked nose and itchy eyes, so much so that I end up rubbing them a lot. And now I've got wrinkles around my eyes. What can be done?
Afrah F, Dubai
A runny nose and nasal congestion, watery or itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, itching of the nose, roof of mouth or throat, sinus pressure, facial pain, swollen blue-coloured skin under the eyes and a decreased sense of smell or taste are typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
People with puffy eyes caused by allergies constantly rub and stretch the collagen, fibres and skin around the eyes resulting in loose, baggy skin. Small, horizontal wrinkles under the eyes are typical of allergic rhinitis, especially in those who have eczema. The skin under the eyes is more prone to wrinkles because the skin is thinner and more sensitive than other areas of the body.
Wrinkles around the eyes are common in people over the age of 40.
- If your skin is not fully hydrated, it can develop wrinkles. Drink at least ten glasses of water every day.
- Get a good eye cream that contains a high sun protection factor (SPF).
- Wear sunglasses while outdoors.
- We may not realise it, but we rub our eyes when we are stressed. Find ways to reduce stress.
- Application of castor oil/egg-white around the eyes may help.
I simply love cloves. I get through at least 15 to 20 in a day. Is this habit harmful?
Name withheld upon request
Cloves are often recommended in herbal medicine for the treatment of stress, toothaches, headaches, coughs, indigestion, asthma and blood impurities. Cloves causea Pitta imbalance in the nervous, cardio-vascular, gastro-intestinal, kidney and respiratory systems. This means excessive use has to be stopped. Most food cravings last no longer than 20 minutes, so distract yourself for that time and your cravings will likely pass. Try eating healthy snacks like carrots, wholewheat crackers, almonds and fruits when cravings occur and drink plenty of water.
