Are you taking steam without covering your eyes? You might be damaging them

Dr Yamuna BS, a chief doctor at Guduchi Ayurveda said, “Not covering your eyes can lead to irritation, redness, dryness, burns, and eye strain due to direct steam exposure.”

The steam from hot water can be quite intense (Source: Freepik)

Do you often take facial steam? If yes, then do you cover your eyes with a cloth? If you don’t, then though you might end up with glowing skin but your eyes may face serious issues.

Dr Aishwarya Santhosh, an Ayurvedic doctor shared a video on Instagram about facial steam, she captioned the post, “Eyes are predominant sites of agni mahabhoota ie fire element. The head is generally the site of kapha dosha or earth and water element (ie cooling nature is there). The element of eyes is fire or agni, which means the fire situated in the eyes is very strong in nature. Giving a heating treating in any way is not good for the eyes. As heat from steam can vitiate the eyes easily and will create eye issues like blurry vision, increase the inflammations of the eyes and many more problems. ”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr.Aiswarya Santhosh | Ayurveda doctor (@ayurvedic_healing)

Dr Yamuna BS, a chief doctor at Guduchi Ayurveda said, “Not covering your eyes can lead to irritation, redness, dryness, burns, and eye strain due to direct steam exposure.”

Steaming can be a more comfortable and calming experience if you cover your eyes. A handkerchief can help relieve the stinging sensation that some people get in their eyes due to the damp heat, added Dr Rohit Saxena, HoD, ENT Department, Sharda Hospital.

Story continues below this ad

Dry eyes might result from your eyes’ moisture evaporating after being exposed to steam. This can be very irritating, and to relieve the dryness, you might need to use eye drops or other therapies. If the steam is too hot, it can cause burns or scalds to the delicate skin around the eyes and eyelids. This risk is higher if you accidentally get too close to the steam source, explained Dr Saxena.

What type of cloth should be used for covering the eyes?

Dr Sudha Asokan, a founder, at Dr Sudha’s Ayurveda Kendra mentioned that selecting the right cloth in Ayurvedic steam therapy embodies the principle of Ahara (proper intake). Here are some preferred options:

*Organic Cotton: Soft, breathable, and non-irritating, organic cotton cloth is a favored choice for eye coverings during steam therapy, aligning with Ayurvedic values of purity and comfort.

*Muslin Fabric: Lightweight and gentle, muslin fabric allows for optimal airflow, promoting a soothing and rejuvenating steam therapy experience.

Story continues below this ad

Findings on the effects of steam inhalation on eye health

Dr Yamuna said steam inhalation research is mostly focused on its advantages for respiratory health, however there have been some studies on its impact on ocular health. Studies show that:

*Exposure to heat: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat and wetness can cause dryness and inflammation in the eyes.
*Thermal Injury: Research has shown that improper steam inhalation techniques have resulted in thermal injuries to the face and eyes.
*Preventative Measures: Various studies recommend taking preventative measures, such as shielding one’s eyes, to reduce these risks.

📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram