Every morning, it’s the same story: glancing in the mirror, you notice those little yellowish deposits in the corner of your eye. No appetite, right? What do you think it is? A sign of fatigue or a warning signal from your body? Rest assured, the truth is much simpler (and more natural) than you think… Why do you see this yellow crust when you wake up?
They’re commonly called “sleep crusts” or even “sleep scabs” (yes, we see you smiling). Behind these harmless little bosses lies a genuine cleaning mechanism orchestrated by your body during the night.
This deposit is composed of a mixture of mucus, sebum, dead cells, and… neutralized bacteria. That’s right, your eyes spend a small part of the night fighting off impurities and persistent microorganisms. If you keep your glasses on until they become cloudy, you don’t need to worry, as this deposit will disappear naturally. As a result, when you wake up, you’ll find these familiar traces in the corners of your eyes.
But why the yellow color?
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The yellow tint isn’t accidental. It’s due to the presence of all the debris your immune system eliminated overnight. This is one of the two areas of the eyelids most likely to be affected.
Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman likes to compare these residues to the “remnants of a silent war” that takes place while you sleep. It’s a powerful image, and it has the advantage of acknowledging the essential work your body does to maintain your eye health.
Wondering if something’s wrong? Signs to watch for: Even a slight change in vaginal discharge is normal. However, excessive discharge or associated symptoms such as:
Red eyes,
itching,
burning sensation,
dullness in the eyelids,
…you should inquire about the transmission of a potential infection if you are not already aware of it. For example, conjunctivitis (also called viral conjunctivitis).
In the fall, the best thing to do is to take steps to obtain informed advice and, if necessary, appropriate treatment.
How do we know what the labels are?
Even if we are familiar with natural phenomena, we know that there are steps we must take to reduce even the smallest deposits:
Adopt rigorous eye hygiene: gently clean the area around your eyes every evening with a cotton pad soaked in lukewarm water.
Wash your hands regularly before touching your eyes: this is an essential habit to limit the penetration of bacteria.
Use artificial tears if necessary: to relieve dry eyes and promote the natural removal of impurities.
Change your pillowcases and towels frequently: these textiles, which come into contact with your face, can harbor unwanted microbes.
Single Keyhole
The next time you notice those small yellowish deposits in the corners of your eyes, consider them a subtle sign that your body has been working to protect you overnight.
Thank you.
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