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Published on: July 5, 2017
Relation between cooling sheet effect and tear histamine concenration in allergic conjunctivitis
Nobuyuki Hirakawa1, Ryohei Yanoshita, Masaru Yoshii
1Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Chome, Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan. no.hirakawa@kobayashi.co.jp
Summary
Cooling sheets effectively reduce eye itching in allergic conjunctivitis patients, even when combined with medication. This study found no significant change in tear histamine levels, suggesting itching relief is independent of histamine concentration.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Allergology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Allergic conjunctivitis is a common condition causing significant ocular discomfort, primarily itching.
- Current treatments aim to alleviate symptoms, but novel, non-pharmacological approaches are of interest.
- Cooling therapy is a recognized method for reducing inflammation and itching in various conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of cooling sheets in alleviating eye itching in patients with allergic conjunctivitis.
- To investigate the effect of cooling sheets on tear histamine concentration.
- To determine if cooling sheets, alone or in combination with levocabastine, impact ocular itching and histamine levels.
Main Methods:
- A study involving six patients with allergic conjunctivitis and four healthy volunteers.
- Eyelids were cooled using cooling sheets before and after treatment.
- Ocular itching was assessed using a five-level itching score, and tear histamine concentration was measured.
Main Results:
- Combination therapy with levocabastine and cooling sheets significantly reduced eye itching.
- No significant changes in tear histamine concentration were observed before and after the application of cooling sheets.
- The reduction in itching correlated with the use of cooling sheets, not with histamine levels.
Conclusions:
- Cooling sheets are a beneficial adjunct therapy for reducing ocular itching in allergic conjunctivitis.
- The anti-itching effect of cooling sheets in this context does not appear to be mediated by changes in tear histamine concentration.
- Cooling therapy offers a practical and effective method for symptomatic relief in allergic conjunctivitis.
