With the return of winter viruses, putting hydroalcoholic gel on our hands could find a place of choice in our habits.
But, for the little ones, this gesture is not trivial, reminds Gilles Martin ophthalmologist at the Rothschild Foundation Hospital (Paris XIX).
It can cause lesions in the eyes, especially when the disinfectant solution comes from dispensers placed at child height.
On the occasion of Sight Day, Thursday, October 14, and on the eve of that on hand washing, the doctor recalls that these problems are preventable.
How do children end up with gel in their eyes?
GILLES MARTIN.
Gel dispensers have been installed everywhere, especially in stores.
They are to be operated with a pedal, and some have their pourer at children's face height.
However, many parents let their children help themselves, some children find it funny to press the pedal themselves.
But sometimes the gel can land on the child's face and in their eyes.
An alert was issued in 2020 on this problem.
What about today ?
There are fewer children affected.
During the summer of 2020, we saw at least two a day in consultation, today it is much less, it must be said.
The message has become commonplace.
I also think that parents are more careful and that the use of hydroalcoholic gel has decreased.
In some places like parks, vending machines are much less crowded.
Ophthalmologist Gilles Martin recommends that parents do not let their child use the gel on their own.
Rothschild Foundation
With the return of winter viruses, barrier gestures and the use of frost are strongly encouraged.
Is there a danger?
No, but we must remember that using hydroalcoholic gel is not a trivial step for children.
And that the problems are preventable.
For example, parents should be told not to let children take it alone, especially if the dispenser is at face level and, if possible, put the gel directly on the hands of the little ones.
Read alsoCréteil: the eye of a schoolboy burnt to 80% following a jet of hydroalcoholic gel
What are the risks if not?
For the vast majority of children who are seen in consultation, the screenings do not have serious consequences.
But when there is an important projection, with a rinsing which is badly done, it has the effect of a burn and the child keeps the eye closed and can no longer open it.
We can see on examination that the surface layer of the eye, the epithelium, is gone.
A treatment is then given to hydrate the eye, and promote regrowth of the epithelium.
It should be remembered that alcohol can cause anesthesia of the eye.
It is not because a child no longer has pain in his eye after a few hours that it is not necessary to tell himself that there is nothing.
You have to consult even if things are better.