ideas to go with the self care basket: a bottle of nail polish, a one month audible gift subscription ($15), a scented candle, a cooling eyemask (though I've seen these at dollar tree so if you're trying to just fluff up the gift with little extras, I think the dollar store version of this is perfectly acceptable), some calming tea/sleepytime tea (if you're trying to keep the gift more on the casual side, you could throw in a few teabags vs the whole box), some stationery/cards (if she is writing to her husband and/or seems the type). this isn't something you can put in a gift basket-- but she might benefit from checking out the app "insight timer" it has a crap ton of guided (and non guided) meditations that you can sort through by time length (so if you literally just need a 5 minute guided anti-anxiety meditation, you can find it easily).
Thought it was these but the packaging is slightly different. These are the ones I use though and they're amazing for getting rid of dark circles and puffiness and I only use them one or two times a week.
I use this when the attack is particulary painful and the rescue meds don't work so well. A very kind person in this sub group recommended it and it works for me. 30 minutes with my eyes closed and this on makes the pain subside. gel eye mask, $7.64 Amazon Hope you feel better soon.
When my husband and I bought out house, we decided that the spare bathroom (without windows) would be the migraine bathroom.
It's got a single night light in it that's the low yellow color. The bathtub has dark out curtains on it. It's got a silent fan. We keep a shower spray that's mint and eucalyptus in there. The tub itself has a high, flat side that is flush with the wall, which makes sitting and leaning on the wall very comfortable. We got a small electric kettle and mug that stay in there so that I can have tea while in the shower.
Then before I leave the shower, my husband will bring one of these bad boys in and I'll use that while drying off.
Mostly, though, I just want to brag about my brilliance of black out curtains on the shower. Life changer! My husband gets enough light from the night light to help with outside-of-shower stuff, and my shower is pure dark inside.
I love these masks! You can put them in the freezer and they’re great to wear as you’re getting through the rest of your morning routine ☺️
Buy 4 of those sleeping eye masks with the gel beads inside and freeze 4 of them. Walk around with one on your head/hairline/upper forehead until it melts completely (1-2 hours), put it back in the freezer and get the next one. As long as you keep putting them back in the freezer, you’ll always have one frozen and ready to wear.
I know this because I have a portable AC in my bedroom but not in my living room — I work in my living room.
I’m new to the migraine game (whee!), but I got a jelly mask off of Amazon that you can refrigerate or microwave. When I get a migraine I microwave it and either put it on or rest it on my forehead. You do have to microwave it every 20-ish minutes but it’s nice instant relief.
Here is the link, not sure if this is allowed:
Gel Eye Mask with Eye Holes- Hot Cold Compress Pack Eye Therapy | Cooling Eye Mask for Puffy Eyes, Dry Eyes, Headaches, Migraines, Dark Circles, Sinus - Reusable Eye Face Mask | Ergo Gel Bead (Pink) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N1VLB8F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_8-VQFbDW3XPYE
http://www.amazon.com/ForeverOzone-Bare-Bones-Ozone-Generator/dp/B007GS5L08
Same one I use, it's alot cheaper since it's a bare bones design with no case, you just need to put a box fan behind it to supply it with air.
Also word of caution, once you turn it on leave the room as you do not want to breath in ozone, it's not toxic, but it will irritate the hell out of your airways.
After it's done running, a few hours depending on the size of the room. Unplug it and let the room air out for about 30min - 1hour.
I don't know how the ones that those shops are but i bought this one https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B018MQVSXQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I find it pretty good because it just blocks out all light. I feel the simple ones that you see most people wear on airplanes let in light around the edges of them and that wrecks the purpose of them.
Cheaper alternative that's supposed to be just as good: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBL172C?crid=1CFGVGENSOYZI&sprefix=aroma&linkCode=sl1&tag=greateblessi_allergyhelp-20&linkId=78c3bcc5bd0b2d19517be32644b05ec9&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Saw it in this video: https://youtu.be/iBVgQpKKbE4
I will link below to the mask I got. You will notice the difference between this and homemade compresses pretty much immediately. After a couple days of using it once or twice a day I began to feel better and then it was just a matter of doing it regularly to maintain the health of the glands. Your vision will get SUPER blurry (temporarily) when you use it - thats a good thing!! Thats a sign that oil is flowing and working to relieve your eyes!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P76NG3C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
You can try the Aroma Seasons one. I've used mine a lot and it can get really hot and due to the design, it really does concentrate the heat on your eyelids.
This is the one i bought
Aroma Season Heated Eye Mask, For Stye Blepharitis Moist Treatment with Flaxseed, Warm Therapy to Unclog glands, Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome, Chalazion, Stye, MGD and Blepharitis (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBL172C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0DBSK8VBTR2TFENY0N0D
Aroma Season Moist Heated Eye Mask with Flaxseed, Warm Therapy to unclog glands, Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome, MGD,Stye and Blepharitis (Blue) … https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07LBL172C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_B3EM6K4VR5RK3PSSKX58
Try that link. That’s the one I have. I’m in Canada btw.
I got the "Aroma Season" mask through Amazon a few weeks ago, and it's been great so far. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P76NG3C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I looked over the reviews before purchasing. Some of the Amazon reviews have commented about short life span. I went ahead and took the risk for $30. (Some of the reviews noted successful refund or replacement for dying units.) Other reviews suggested it didn't get hot enough, but I haven't found that to be a problem. It has 3 heat levels (low, medium, high) and 3 pre-programmed durations (20, 40, 60 minutes). I can tolerate the high level, but just barely. I found the medium setting works great for me.
There are other similar plug-in options on Amazon. Just seemed a lot easier to me than the microwave route.
If it’s a small gift card - a personal care guilty pleasure. I like these for a moment of relaxation Under Eye Mask 24 Pairs - Reduce Dark Circles, Puffy Eyes, Undereye Bags, Wrinkles - 24K Gold Gel Under Eye Patches, Vegan Cruelty-Free Self Care by grace and stella https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014E2D6BY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_38AQ2BTWYAPHG1JADA2K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If it’s a bigger gift card - a coffee/espresso machine or cute bag.
I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LBL172C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I like that one because it distributes the heat evenly, at least in my experience.
With the Ocusoft - I'm trying to remember. I certainly have dry eyes when I have Bleph happening, yes. On a regular basis I think my eyes are just kinda normal. I'm just saying though, the Ocusoft were just a bit TOO abrasive for me. I do know when I switched it was way better. Is the Skinsmart an antimicrobial?
Electric eye mask.
Aroma Season Heated Eye Mask, For Stye Blepharitis Moist Treatment with Flaxseed, Warm Therapy to Unclog glands, Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome, Chalazion, Stye, MGD and Blepharitis (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBL172C/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_6E8YTZVSFGFG3C6WFSCH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The warm compress thing never produced the desired results for me personally.
If your glands are blocked then one of these suckers will loosen em up -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P76NG3C
At times when I use this, my vision is blurry afterwards for an hour, due to all of the oil being released. It gets to the point where it's not safe to drive.
Nice to hear!
Is it this one: https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Season-Flaxseed-Syndrome-Blepharitis/dp/B07LBL172C ?
Stupid question: are you suppose to have the cover on it while you use it?
I've recommended the Aroma Seasons one before in this sub, this is the link. It's a bit smaller than the usual eye masks but really concentrates the heat on your eyelids. I got mine shipped overseas over a year ago and it's still been my best purchase for bleph!
It's definitely a little pricey. I've read reviews of the cheaper masks and have noticed they either don't get as hot or break down after constant use. I had an issue with mine after 4 months, reached out to the company, and then they replaced it free of charge. The second one that came was an improved version so seems they fixed the issue because it's been going strong ever since.
I use high setting for 15 minutes morning and night then gently massage the upper and lower eyelids right after. Sort of pull down on the upper and roll up on the lower. Don't have the strap of the mask too tight it can leave a red mark I've noticed.
If you want to save money you could go for this:
I bought this for traveling in case I lose it in transit. Used this on a trip recently and it worked pretty well. Doesn't get quite as hot but does the trick.
I’ve just got one removed (possibly getting another one removed soon) a few months ago but more than an ice pack, get one of those eye’s mask that have an ice pack. Those will help much better because with the cord they have to stay around your head, will help you to keep it right in your cheek instead of holding the ice pack with your hand.
Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078TBSBRR/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_6QAPW19C5S57574CJEA0
And also, you’ll get a hole between your scar and your teeth so also get a water flosser like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GNVF8S8/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_K76QRTB7FWR7KXA61BP6
I got the Aroma Season one from Amazon, it's a little smaller so it really concentrates the heat on your eyelids. It was a little pricey cos I had it shipped overseas, but I've been using it daily and it's still held up well and I've had it for almost a year already! Here's the link.
Do you suffer from hayfever or have any allergies? My undereye area gets quite dark when I have allergy flare-ups. For puffiness I recommend using an eye cream with caffeine plus a cold eye mask like this
I have an ice face mask from Amazon that really helps my eyes not feel the way I do when I’m tired, and helps wake me up a bit! (https://www.amazon.com/Therapeutic-Migraines-Technology-Optix-55/dp/B07N1VLB8F/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=ice+mask&qid=1631559613&sr=8-6)
Me! I usually take Excedrin Tension Headache or 1000mg Tylenol + a can of Coke. If it’s a really bad migraine my neurologist and OB both approved Fioricet for me and it helps tremendously. I also like using this!