Question 1

How often is Cliradex to be used?

Accepted Answer

This product is simply the part of tea tree oil that kills the mites (they state that clearly on the box). The reason they did this is because many studies have shows tea tree oil kills this type of mite however tea tree oil around the eyes is VERY uncomfortable. Yet...this is a VERY expensive product, especially if used as directed (two wipes per day for 60 days). Over all this is a couple hundred dollars to feel better - great, if you're all good after 60 days but many need long term treatment (even if the treatment isn't as frequent such as weekly vs daily). Anyway, for anyone reading this who is looking to save money (or just doesn't have a few hundred dollars to spare) ....do some internet searching and you'll find tea tree oil has a been used in quite a few studies and is now used as a standard protocol for many MD's. The studies have shown that a mixture of 50% tea tree oil with a carrier oil (ie: 5 drops of tea tree oil with 5 drops of jojoba oil for example ... make sure you get a standard glass dropper for each type of oil). In the studies/protocol this 50/50 oil is used (after washing the face) to saturate a q-tip and make 6 strokes across the upper and lower lash line on the skin (not on the inside of the eye...mites like the eye lashes and skin). After the 6 strokes they wait 10 min and repeat two more times. This was done once a week for 6 weeks. During that 6 weeks, on a daily basis the patient in the studies was asked to use a tea tree oil face cleaner (or even shampoo on as a face cleanser) to wash the face/eyes twice daily by making 10 lateral strokes across the eye lashes before rinsing. In some studies the patient was also asked to use a tea tree oil shampoo on their head/hair daily for 6 weeks and still, in some other studies the spouse was treated (lot of variations). Some studies also asked patients to wash the sheets and/or pillow cases daily for 6 weeks but no one really knows for sure if mites survive on textiles/cloth...but it can't hurt to wash your sheets at least weekly (you should anyway). So after all of that, at follow up, 5 of 7 patients were mite free for at least 2 months, at which point the study ended. The two patients who were not mite free (in one study) were over 80yrs but still had a dramatic reduction in mites/symptoms. Mites are very common +65 years old and between 20-30 years old (hormones. oil production, region you live...all make a difference but immune system is a biggy too). Mites are rarely abundant in children but incredibly common in adults +21 years old. One study also asked patients to use tea tree oil body wash/shampoo to wash the body because these mites can also be found in the oily spots on the body....behind the knees, inside of elbows, upper back, etc. Mites were found to be most populous on eyes/eye lashes, eye brows, nose, nasolabial folds, ears and generally from the shoulders up so maybe a body wash would help...maybe not.  As for the tea tree oil eye mixture, I'd caution anyone interested in this....some people find even the 50/50 mix VERY painful (and some are fine with it). Do not try to use 100% tea tree oil...very drying on the skin and the fumes are so strong the eyes just water and water so the oil doesn't really get a chance to work. The studies found 50/50 tea tree oil will kill adult mites in about 5 min. No on really understands everything we need to know about them but I wanted to share what I've learned (just using standard websites, nothing that requires a subscription or account). Cliradex makes the treatment much more convenient but is certainly much more expensive - so it just depends on what your priority is (money or time) I used the 50/50 mix on my eyes and entire face and upper body, along with shampoo and face wash (I used Body Shop but Ocusoft makes one and there are many others - as long as tea tree oil is a prominent ingredient it should be fine) every 2-4 days for about 2 weeks and I noticed an improvement. Hope this helps someone!

Question 2

Did this help whiten up your eyes?  I have severe dry eye which makes my eyes look bloodshot.

Accepted Answer

Cliradex cleansers are for external use only. It will remove excess oils and biomaterials that are causing irritation. So indirectly, it will help remove the irritation. But this is not a "whitener." Please note that drops removing redness are not addressing the cause of irritation.

Question 3

My eyeballs hurt for days after using this. my lids get red too. can i go blind from this stuff? i blot not rub when applying.

Accepted Answer

Thank you for your feedback.
I want to reassure you there is nothing wrong with the product. Cliradex normally has a fresh, cooling sensation. There are two reasons why you may experience a "burning" feeling.
1 - The skin is compromised somehow. A useful analogy would be like putting alcohol on a wound.
2 - A reaction to essential oils

Here are a few tips if you have sensitive skin:
1- Avoid using Cliradex right after bathing. Skin pores may be exfoliated and are more exposed than usual.
2- Wipe gently with Cliradex.
3- Avoid direct contact with your eyes. Keep eyelids gently closed when using Cliradex.
4- Use cold compress after application.

We recommend that during the application:
1 - Closes eyes firmly without squinting too much.
2 - Gently wipe the foam across the lid and surrounding skin. Don't try to press too much on your eyelid skin or into the eye's corner (caruncle).
3 - Allow the foam to air dry briefly (30s) before opening eyes.

If your results don’t improve, then please do not continue to use Cliradex as you may have a skin allergy to essential oils.

The Cliradex Team

Question 4

Do these burn your eyes?

Accepted Answer

I was very much afraid of that too.  But, I was desperate and willing to try it as nothing else was working.  At first the burning was about a four(4) on a 1-10 scale.  Now, after three(3) weeks, it is about a two(2).  I keep a piece of cardboard to fan my face immediately after so the mild burn only lasts about 30 seconds.  It's working so I am okay with this "discomfort".

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Cliradex Towelettes with Tea Tree Oil Extract, 24 Count

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