Forehead rash/swollen eyelids

[ctall5]

I am 33 and have the same thing as the daughter of "At Wit's End".  However, I'm not so concerned about the rash on my forehead as I am about my swollen eyelids.  If it's acne, then why do my (our) eyelids swell?  I happen to use a Clearasil cream as well.  I wonder if that has something to do with it?  I also have allergies to ragweed, dust mites, fragrance, etc. and take Claritin just about everyday.  I have also been wearing a wool hat with fleece on the inside for the past month or so, which is another strange coincidence.  


This discussion is related to Forehead rash acne or an allergic reaction?.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

For how long have you noted this?

Do you have other associated conditions like itchiness over the eyelids, flaking or scaling of the area involved?

Any eye redness, eye pain or a sensation of sand trapped in the eye?

Are both eyes involved?

With what you have posted and taking into account that you have a strong history of allergies, this may be a case of blepharitis.I am thinking of seborrheic blepharitis. There are other causes of blepharitis ( swelling and redness of the eyelids).This involves a bacterial infection and a complication of rosacea (a skin condition usually mistaken for acne).

An allergic reaction secondary to some unknown triggers may also be the cause.Does the swelling subside when you take the Claritin?

I suggest you try to avoid any possible triggers.Try to stop wearing the new hat and observe if the condition subsides. A consult with an opthamologist may help. If this is a case of blepharitis you will need proper instructions from an eye doctor in cleaning and caring for the eyes.

[ctall5]

The swelling is in both eyelids.  I have had the scaling and itchiness but, right now, they are red and burning.  Claritin doesn't seem to help, but it cuts back on my other allergies that may aggravate it.  It all started about 2 months ago.  

About 5 weeks ago, I went to my GP.  She said it was blepharitis and that I should wash my eyelids with baby shampoo.  I did that, but it wasn't helping.  

So, a few days ago I went to the allergist who said that, to her, it looked like contact dermatitis.  She made me an appointment with the dermatologist - I go in a little over a week.  

The dermatologist is going to do patch testing for chemicals, etc. in lotions and cosmetics.  Also, I just happened to run into someone else who had suffered from swollen eyelids and she said that it was propylene glycol.  Anytime she used or ate something that contained propylene glycol (propylene glycol alginate, when it's in food), her eyelids would swell.  She said her dermatologist figured it out.  I'm hoping that, during the patch testing, they can test me for propylene glycol as well.

I, also, read that someone with swollen eyelids was allergic to benzalkonium chloride.  Here's the link:  http://www.skinandaging.com/article/3002 - you'll have to scroll down a bit, but there's a picture of the person's eyes and they look just like mine.  

From what I mentioned above, do you still think it's blepharitis and that I should see an opthamologist?  If so, I will call and make an appointment.  Thanks for your help.  I am open to anyone's suggestions/advice in order to figure this out.