Warning: Washing hair with custard apple water, 5 people hospitalized

A doctor is examining a patient's eyes. Photo: Thanh Loan

Most recently, on September 12, patient NTV (residing in Ha Tinh City) went to the Eye Hospital for examination in a state of pain, throbbing, blurred vision, and watery eyes.

During the examination, the doctors discovered that both eyes of patient V. had corneal congestion and epithelial edema. The doctors promptly provided emergency care and gave the patient antibiotics.

Patient V.'s family said that Mrs. V. used custard apple seeds to boil water to wash her hair, but unfortunately the water flowed into her eyes, leading to the above condition.

Doctor Le Cong Duc, Deputy Director of Ha Tinh Eye Hospital, said that within 1 month (from August 12 to September 12, 2018), the Eye Hospital received 05 patients for examination and treatment in a state of corneal congestion and epithelial edema due to washing hair with custard apple seeds, causing custard apple seed water to flow into the eyes.

Doctor Le Cong Duc said that custard apple seeds contain toxins. If they get into the eyes, they often burn the corneal epithelium. If treated promptly and following the doctor's instructions, the patient will recover after 3 to 5 days. However, if not treated promptly or treated improperly, it can easily cause corneal ulcers, leading to permanent blindness.

“According to folklore, the elderly often use custard apple seeds to boil water to wash their hair to treat lice. When washing your hair, absolutely do not let the custard apple seed water splash into your eyes. If it accidentally gets into your eyes, promptly wash your eyes with saline solution, wash as much as possible, but do not rub your eyes with anything. At the same time, take the patient immediately to a medical facility with an eye specialist for timely examination and treatment,” Dr. Duc further advised.