Red around the eyes of my 21 month daughter

[rankdlc]

My daugter is 21 months old.  In December I noticed that she her one eye was getting red underneath her bottom lashes on the inner eye.  It then went to her upper eyelid of the same eye.  It would get red for a day or two then would look dry and finaly go away.  Two days later it would reapear on the lid of both eyes and the innner lower lash of one eye and the outer lower lash of the other.  I took her to the doc and he tought it was do to her cold.  It has been happening on and off since then.  I though it may have to do with her cutting her upper eye teeth but they have cut and it is still happening.  She was also at my mothers for a few days and she took her to the er for a bad cough and again mentioned the eyes and the er doa did not seem concerned but gace her emicor(i beleive), I through it out after my doc said she should not put it on her eyes.  No one seems to be concerend but her eyes are red off and on all the time now.  I am at my wits end because something is there.   Even though she can not speak to let me know it bothers her it is obviuos.  I again asked the doctor and he said maybe excema but all the resarch I have read it does not look anthing like it.  Again it gets red for a couple of days, no blisters or swelling then goes very dry and disapears for a day or two.  She does have tears when she crys.  I have made a eye doctor appointment just incase.  What can I do for her?  I have had her away from the home to see if it may be an allergy, but it still happens.
Thank you in advance for your help.

Laurie

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It sounds like mild eczema.  I can't even think of what else it could be.  By all means see a dermatologist, but I wouldn't worry--this does not sound serious or allergic.  As for why it comes and goes, that's just what eczema does.  A little weak (1/2%) hydrocortisone may help speed the recovery, though it usually comes back, at least for a while, in which case you either treat it again or just let it ride if it's mild.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[rankdlc]

I should also add that my daughter has been teething since Dec. and has had a could the flu and recently tonsilitis which she had been given Penesillin(please excuse the spelling I am typing this with 2 1and1/2 year olds tugging at me)She also had an allergic reaction to the Penesillin and broke out in hives and swollen black and blue ankles.  I know this is not the cause of the red eyes as the reaction was last week and her eyes have bee doing this since Dec.  I just thought I would give you this info.  The pooor girl can not get a break.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I don't think penicillin allergy is related.

Dr. Rockoff