Allergy inhibition

Abstract

Allergen contact with a person's allergen-responsive tissues is reduced by removing airborne allergens from body surfaces adjacent the person's eyes. Airborne allergens may be removed from body surfaces adjacent the person's eyes by irrigating such areas with an irrigating fluid or by wiping such areas with a pad. Preferably the irrigating fluid or the pad is treated to augment its effectiveness in removing airborne allergens or otherwise preventing them from entering the eye, and/or to reduce allergy symptoms in the eye area caused by airborne allergens that enter the eye.

1 - 17 . (canceled)  
   
   
       18 . Apparatus comprising a pad adapted to wipe external areas of the person's body adjacent the person's eyes, said pad being treated so as to increase its effectiveness at removing airborne allergens from external areas of the person's body adjacent the person's eyes or otherwise inhibit airborne allergens from entering the person's eyes, to reduce the allergenic effect of airborne allergens that land on body surfaces adjacent the eyes, or to otherwise alleviate allergy symptoms.  
   
   
       19 . The invention of  claim 18 , wherein said pad is electrostatically attractive.  
   
   
       20 . The invention of  claim 18 , wherein said pad is moistened with a fluid.  
   
   
       21 . The invention of  claim 20 , wherein said fluid is an aqueous solution.  
   
   
       22 . The invention of  claim 20 , wherein said fluid includes an antihistamine.  
   
   
       23 . The invention of  claim 20 , wherein said fluid includes a substance leaving a residue on surfaces tending to entrain or immobilize airborne allergens that land on such surfaces.  
   
   
       24 . The invention of  claim 20 , wherein said fluid includes a substance leaving a residue on surfaces tending to diminish the allergenic effect of airborne allergens that land on such surfaces.  
   
   
       25 . The invention of  claim 20 , wherein said fluid includes a skin-treating substance.