Eyelid is red, itchy, swollen, and flaky?!
Question: About 4 months ago I was using some old eyeshadow and it irritated my eye. When I woke up the next morning, it looked something like: http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e160/a...
I have discontinued use of all eye cosmetic products, but it continues to flair up ever few days. I take Zyrtec every day due to my dust allergies, so I believe that would have helped with this if it was an allergic reaction. What do you think may be the cause of this and what can I use to treat it? I have been using Clinique eye cream which has helped a lot, but hasn't completely gotten rid of it.
Any help you can give is greatly appreciated since my medical insurance is non-existant right now. Thanks!
Answers: About 4 months ago I was using some old eyeshadow and it irritated my eye. When I woke up the next morning, it looked something like: http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e160/a...
I have discontinued use of all eye cosmetic products, but it continues to flair up ever few days. I take Zyrtec every day due to my dust allergies, so I believe that would have helped with this if it was an allergic reaction. What do you think may be the cause of this and what can I use to treat it? I have been using Clinique eye cream which has helped a lot, but hasn't completely gotten rid of it.
Any help you can give is greatly appreciated since my medical insurance is non-existant right now. Thanks!
Amanda K,
The symptoms that you describe are similar to those of Blepharitis, where the whole eyelid is swollen, itchy, red, dry, scaly. The eye may be stinging, and have burning sensation. This is due to the altered soapy secretions from the infected eyelids. In your case this is probably not the case, as the affected area is on the upper lid nearest to your nose. It would appear from your history, and from the picture, that an allergic reaction has caused your symptoms. The best treatment for allergic eyelid oedema is to find and remove the substance causing the allergy. If this was the makeup that you mention, it would appear that you have already done this. When that is not possible, as in the case of plant allergens, cold compresses and immunosuppresesive drugs such as corticosteroid creams are helpful. However, steroids can cause cataracts and increase intraocular pressure and patients must be very careful not to get the cream in their eyes. This should not be done unless under a doctor's care. Without the possibility of examination, I will add some home remedies that might assist. Apply cold, wet tea bags. The tannic acid in tea bags (another form of cold compress) will soothe and cool down the itch. Cucumber slices are soothing and often help. Also, check - are you drinking lots of alcohol, eating lots of salty foods? Try to cut down on the salt and cut out the alcohol