Accidentally spraying deodorant into your eye is a common mishap that can cause immediate discomfort. It generally does not lead to severe or lasting damage. Deodorant products are designed for skin application and typically contain ingredients with a low order of toxicity, meaning serious injury to the eye is unlikely.
Immediate Steps and Expected Symptoms
The first step after getting deodorant in your eye is to flush it thoroughly with water. Use lukewarm water. You can pour a gentle stream of water from a clean jug or teapot, directing it from the inside corner of the eye near the nose, across the eye, and flowing out towards the ear.
Alternatively, you can submerge your eye in a clean bowl or sink filled with lukewarm water, opening and closing your eye repeatedly to ensure complete rinsing. Eye irrigation can also be accomplished in the shower if it can be done without delay. Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes to adequately dilute and remove the irritating substances.
Immediately after exposure, you will likely experience symptoms as the eye reacts. Common reactions include stinging, burning sensations, and noticeable redness of the eye. Your eye may also produce an excessive amount of tears as a natural defense mechanism to wash away the irritant.
Temporary blurred vision can also occur due to irritation of the cornea. This blurriness is usually a transient effect that often resolves as the eye recovers from the irritation. These symptoms are typically temporary and should subside significantly with proper and thorough flushing of the eye.
When to Seek Medical Care
While most cases resolve with home flushing, certain persistent or severe symptoms indicate that professional medical attention is needed. Seek a doctor if you experience persistent pain that does not subside after thorough flushing, or if your vision remains blurred for an extended period, such as the next day. Continued redness or irritation after rinsing also suggests the need for medical evaluation.
Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) is another warning sign that should prompt a visit to an eye specialist. Any signs of infection, such as discharge from the eye or swelling around the eye, also necessitate prompt medical care. These symptoms could indicate potential issues like a corneal abrasion or more significant chemical irritation that requires specific treatment to prevent further complications.