Sore, puffy, dry, red eyelids... Help needed, as my pharmascist is the definition of useless!

[onix600]

Apologiies in advance for this crazily long post- perhaps if I had forced my pharmacist to read all of this, he might have actually been helpful.....


For the last few weeks I have been suffering from incredibly sensitive eyes/eyelids which are red, dry and sore, similar to sunburn. I initially thought it was because of some cheap make-up remover wipes that I used to take off my mascara. Although I had been using them for a while, they soon started to sting and burn the area around my eyes whenever I used them. The use of any eye make-up other than mascara would result in a stinging sensation, which varied in terms of severity. Moisturiser and even baby-lotion would burn my skin. Since then however, I have been using some Garnier make-up wipes, made for sensitive skin and the problem seemed to get a bit better, although eyeshadow was still strictly off-limits. But then, last Sunday, my eyes had gone back to their previous state, of being very red and sore. I hadn't worn any make-up or used any products on or near my eyes at all on Sunday, so I'm confused as to what caused it to return.

On Monday and Tuesday, several people commented on the state of my eyes, especially the right one, which seemed to be in a worse condition. My eyelids were dry and painful to touch, especially in the corner and it was continuously weeping, until yesterday afternoon when it seemed to heal up to the point where it looked sore, but no longer felt it.

And then today- my awful eyes are worse than ever. While my actual eyes are fine, my eyelids are large,  puffy and as per usual- RED. My left one was expectionally bad, where it was almost hard to keep open. Since the day has gone on, they've somewhat improved, although they remain puffy and red.

One more thing- it may or may not be related but yesterday morning I woke up with a dry, red, sore patch of skin around the left corner of my mouth. When covered up with makeup, it's not so bad, but still notciable and sometimes itchy. I put on some E45 cream today, as I thought this would help, but I think it made it worse as it started stinging and burning almost immediatley. I never had this before, only since the problem has returned to my eyelids. Related, perhaps?

What is going on with my evil, crazy eyes?! I look awful, as I'm very pale and the contrast between my pale face with the random red patch near my mouth and my dry, puffy eyelids makes me resemble something out of a horror film... :( Any ideas of what the problem could be or how to fix it? Or has anyone else suffered similar symptoms? All help would be greatly appreciated. :)

Alex.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

The list of things that might cause this is extensive and long. Dry eyes, eye or eyelid infections, blepharitis, thyroid eye disease, corneal problems, allergies, eyelid abnormalities to name a few.

You will need to make an appointment with an Eye MD physician-ophthalmologist to work through the causes.

While waiting you can use warm compresses to the eye and get some Refresh-PM which you can apply to the eyelids and eyes at bedtime to moisturize them and for day time use preservative free artificial tears (they come in individual twist top vials).

JCH III MD

[onix600]

Thanks for your help. I always thought it would be unlikely that anyone would be able to say, "THIS is the problem & THIS is how you fix it....", but it was worth a shot.
Incidently, my eyes have improved hugely over the last 24 hours after the use of some eye drops... I'm thinking it might have been blepharitis as the eye drops I used were supposed to heal it.
Thanks again.

Alex.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

You are welcome, glad things are better.

JCH III MD

[cdaley]

I'm having the exact problem you described (including the use of eye makeup remover wipes, down to the red patch on the 'right' corner of my mouth). I've been doing the hot compresses on my eyes and using Cetaphil lotion on my dry patch and eyelids. The dry patch is gone now, but the sore eyelids remain. Did you ever get a diagnosis from a doctor??

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

-

[Anna1978uk]

I am having the same problems you describe Alex. It came on from nowhere, I am 30 and have been wearing make up every day for 15 years and for the last 12 months my eyelids have been getting progressively worse. I also have a random 2cm diameter dry patch of skin on my cheek.

People are work have started to comment on my eyes which is starting to get to me. I am still wearing make up and eye shadow, mainly to cover it up but I am starting to believe its eyeshadow (although this doesn't explain the dry patch on my cheek). I am bridesmaid for two of my friends next May 09 and I really want to get it sorted out - I look like something out of Thriller with zero make up on! Its starting to affect my confidence.

I can't think it is any different products I am using, my doctor has only prescribed me Alphaderm steriod cream but that just burns (when it gets in my eye) and makes the skin custy. I will do the above but what is causing this to us all?!!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

-

[mysoulheloves]

I don't wear makeup at all and use only Eucerin skin care products and still have this same problem (ie - I don't think it has anything to do with makeup).  It seems to come on every year when the weather changes.  It seems a bit allergy related for me as I notice I also have a bit of nasal drainage.  But I don't know of any kind of antihistamine eye cream.  I goop on the moisturizer at night but it doesn't seem to really help with the redness.  I've had this problem for years.  My last attempt to get help the guy at the front desk at my eye doc told me to see a dermatologist.  So the search continues.  

[ladytalking]

Why blame the pharmacist? He or she is not an MD.

[semchic]

I'm having the same problem and wonder if it has something to do with age and weather.  I'm 31, hve had the problem come and go for about a year now and it seemed to have started from nowhere.  I've always worn make-up but I've tried switching make-up, cleansers, brushes etc and every couple of months it still comes back in my right eye.  Products designed for sensitive eyes don't help.

My doctor told me to start washing my eyes with baby shampoo instead of eye make-up remover and that has helped reduce the puffiness and itchiness.  My dermatologist also prescribed a steroid cream but I'm reluctant to use a steroid cream on my eye.

ONyx 600- What is the name of the eye drops that helped the blepharitis?  I'm want to try that next.

[Lena27]

Hi everyone,

I am 28 years old and developed the sympoms you all described around September 2008.  The only thing is that I never had a drye patch next to my mouth.  I wore any brand/type makeup all my life and I used cosmetics, parfumes and detergent all these years without any issues.

I saw an eye doctor first back in September 2008 who prescribed Alrex (steroid eye drops) and Optiva (moisturizer).  Alrex worked like a charm, in two days I was back to normal.  After my prescription was done in about 6 weeks I decided not to refill it and in about 2 days all symptoms came back.  I refilled my prescription and in 2 days I felt relived again.  In November 2008 I saw my primary care physician for full physical who asked whether I use any medication and I said Alrex.  After primary care physician learned that I have been using Alrex for 3 months, she advised that I see an allergist or go back to an eye doctor since steroid medication like Alrex is not recommended for prolonged use and can lead to complications.

December 2008 I saw an allergist and was tested for sesonal stuff, dust and cat dog stuff- all the usual.  None come up - none.  The allergist confirmed that I am not allergic.  I was given eye drops to relieve itchy red eyes and was advised by the allergist to avoid using Alrex, which allergist suggested is not a cure for the problem.
  
For 2 weeks I was fighting the symptoms, with and without the eye drops, Allegra, Claritin and other Allergy and Dry eye relieve drops - none of it worked - none.  Lubricants didn't do anything either- my eyes are dry and puffy, red and bumpy.  Regardless of whether I use or don't use makeup some days I wakeup and can't even open my eyes.

January 2009 I went back to see the allergist and begged him to prescribe Alrex to me.  I was reminded that Alrex is not a solution to my problem, but rather a temporary relief.  I was told that I will not be prescribed Alrex.  I was offered a test to see whether I am allergic to common chemicals in products, and in the meanwhile I was told to make an appointment to see dermatologist.  So, here I am sitting scrathing my eyes and wondering whether the patches on my back will bring any results - follow-up is in 2 days.  At this point I want to be allergic to something, anything, so I can get a medication that works.

The plan is: if test comes out positive than I will know which chemicals to aviod.  If test comes out negative I would have to see a dermatologist and the eye doctor again.

I hope that all of you got some kind of relief and bring my sympothy to all of you, since I know exactly how it feels....:(
If any of you found a solution please post it here so we can hopefully find a relief.
Thank you.

[Blonde_pony]

We are all a member of this awful red swollen eyelid club I guess with no real answers to our problem.  Except for maybe one thing that I found in almost all body, face and hand creams, and makeup and even hair conditioner that maybe our problem.  It is called methylparaben, and it is and additive that is prevalent in most of our external products we all use daily.  It has been banned in Europe and Canada but not in our own beloved USA!  Shockig to say the least.  I went to a web site called www.cosmeticsdatabase.com
and typed in my favorite hand cream.  Low and behold there was the ingredient Methylparaben with all the hazards it causes and it causes skin irritation $  to eyes  as well as other horrors.  Check it out for yourself and be ready for some shocking information.
I read all ingredients now and buy carcenagen free ingredients in all my makeup and creams and my eyes are way better!.  I am not a doctor but no doctor I have been to knows what this eye problem I had was, and I have been to four doctors even an eye doctor.  SO, what I am saying is, this ingredient may or may not be YOUR partticular problem, but I know my skin around my eyes are not itchy or burn and red anymore after eliminating products with Methylparaben in them! Hope this helps any of you.  My heart goes out to you all, for I have suffered for a year and a half with this too.  All my thoughts and prayers to you all.  .

[Phoebe3]

i seem to have the exact same thing that alex described! back in january i woke up and one eyelid was huge and swollen. i thought it was just an allergic reaction as sometimes i got that in the mornings. but it was still there the next day. i stopped wearing any make up just in case i was allergic to it. my eyelid was really red and very dry. then it spread to my other eye.
i have had this problem for 4 months now and nothing i do seems to make it go away. my mother is convinced it's stress related as i have had a lot of exams to deal with recently, but no matter how much i try to relax, no matter if i moisturise daily and wear absolutley no make up, my eyes remain red, sore and very itchy.
its so ugly! i have loads of wrinkles under my eyes where i have swollen up so many times and been rubbing my eyes. my eyebrows are thinning because i keep rubbing them (though i try so hard not to!) and i feel rubbish. i went to a GP about it and he gave me some antihistamines which haven't done anything, and some hydrocortisone, but because its on my eyes i can't put it on for more than a week. its obvious that it hasn't been very effective!
i have noticed that salt water seems to make the problem worse. for example when i sweat or cry, my eyes sting really badly.
please! does anyone know what could help me?
phoebe
x

[Tadgh151]

I have just developed the same thing. it started in march, thought it was too much studying, eye cremes ect.

I am also in Canada so that rules out that chemical you have in your products that starts with M since we don't have it here but we do have this puffy eye syndrome, redness, stinging, sunburning feeling. Mine are also peeling.

Don't know what to do either. Your posts let me know that I am in for a run around. Thanks for the heads up.

Glad you posted,

Amanda

[MLStein]

My MD just switched me from Alrex to Optivar drops (a non-steroid antihistamine).  Maybe you can ask your MD about using that.

[Alena11]

Hi, I have lower lid problem since January 2009. Both lower lids become puffy, a little bit itchy, red and visibly dry. I went to ophthalmologist and was prescribed Tobradex (antibiotic/corticosteroid). This medication helped after I used it for a couple of weeks. I stopped using it, and everything was fine for a while, my lower eyelids were back to normal, without that awful wrinkles and puffiness and redness. But in about 10-14 days the problem started again. I again used Tobradex for about 3-4 days. Everything went back to normal, but all the symptoms are back once more. I don't use cosmetics, except for a facial cream (which I don't apply near the eyes) and an eye cream (Clinique), which I stopped using once I got this problem. I wash my face with cold or warm water only. Please help, I don't want using Tobradex forever. I'm also wearing contacts and it's not an option for me to stop wearing them.

[Linda72347]

Two days ago, I noticed a sore under my right eyelid...lids are puffy and red and hurt. I went to my eye doctor yesterday...didn't wait...she said i had a clogged eye duct, She gave me  steroid eye drops to take 3x daily. She told me to put hot compresses on it 2x daily. I was told that it may take a few weeks to heal. I searched the problem and it appears that infants have this...is this really what I have? It hurts.....Please help. Never had problems with eyes...I am 61.

[dinkee]

I have been searching for some kind of answer to my eyelid problem which sounds very similar to all of your guys' problems. What seems to continually be dismissed by any of my doctors is that it is NOT my eye, but rather my EYELID.
I am 34 and I woke up one day with a huge puffy, red, stinging, burning eyelid. My initial thought was allergies as I do suffer from them, but no antihistamines have worked. It normally lasts 4-6 days at a time but the strangest thing is that when the welling finally goes away, my eyelids actually get almost scabby and start pealing. It burns and is miserable. There seems to be no consistent behavior that brings it on either.
I went to a homeopathic doctor who told me it was perhaps hormonal. I had blood tests which were fine as well. I have kept food, activity and medication logs for 3 months and there seems to be no correlation to any of it. I am starting to really freak out that there is something serious going on and no doctors want to take the time to figure it out.
I am starting to wonder if perhaps this is a side effect of some kind of mold I cant see. I need a "Dr.House"....is anyone out there that help us poor women.

[Jesizadie]

Me tooo!!! red puffy itchy flakey eyelids, I went to a pharmacist, and she said she has  had the same problem and that its a fungus, she told me to use lamasil (athletes' foot creme), and so far all the looks of the problem have gone away, its just still kinda itchy, but i think its working, i just started using it a couple of days ago, so we will see.
Hope this helps anyone,
Im just tired of being ugly, without makeup :/

[SoreEyes2009]

Re: Dry/Sore/Burning/Flaky/Puffy/Itchy Eyelids=Nice!!!
Hi Alex ------ READ CAREFULLY:
I have experienced the same problems as you for a while.  Checked out on the internet and followed some advice: e.g. I bought "MAC Moisturelush Eye Cream" from the Bay ($36 + tax) - but it didn't help. I couldn't find avocado oil, recommended by someone on the internet.
The doctor prescribed me Hyderm Cream 1% - (or Hydrocortisone Acetate 1%)" to use twice a day (morning and night).  Plus, at night, he said I should add (don't laugh!) Preparation H (which is for hemorroydes) on top of the first cream;  he said this would reduce the puffiness within a week.  I followed this treatment for 3-4 days and my eyelids went better, but not 100%. I still felt some dryness (it's like letting egg white dry on the sking...)
What has made me feel REALLY BETTER is this:
1. Use a "beauty mist" or a 'face spa' - you can buy it from any cosmetics department (for about $40-50).  Add 2 camomile tea bags in the water and keep your face (especially your upper part) in the steam for 10-15 min.  
If you don't want to spend the money on the spa, a cheaper method is this:  boil water in a saucepan, add 2-3 camomile tea bags, take the saucepan away from stove, keep your face over it with a towel covering your head and saucepan, so that you capture all the steam onto your face.
2. Apply this excellent Eye Repair Cream around your eyes: "Obsessively EYEWITNESS Organic" produced by 'Kiss My Face Corporation'.  It costs $16.49 + tax at SuperStore in the organic section of the store.
For the first time after a long discomfort I have felt relief and my eyelid skin gets to normal.
It is essential you don't rub or touch your eyes with dirty hands and do throw out all your makeup and start fresh with quality items (doctor recommended MAC).  
I personally have difficulty in finding a good makeup removal.  Remaining makeup cloggs the pores and over time it creates this eyelid problem.  That is why, 'beauty mist' steam is extremely beneficial, as it does an in-depth skin cleaning.  A little makeup break or very little use of makeup is also good for your skin.
I hope this helps (in fact, I'm sure it will help you)!  Good luck!

DD

[devandry]

I had the same problems with my eyelids - ichy, swollen, dry, then the skin would just peel off - it was awful.  I went to the doctor who sent me to the dermatologist.  They said I was allergic to something but did not know what.  I also have RLS (restless leg syndrome) and at night I would take Advil to help alleviate the symptoms.  I realize now that sometimes I would take Aleve instead of the Advil and that is when my eyes would swell up and burn and itch.  I looked up Aleve online and it said that sometimes it causes rashes, swelling, etc.  It is the naproxine that is in Aleve that was causing my problem.  I have not taken Aleve for over 2 years now and have not had a flare up.  I hope this helps.

SD

[steph8062]

I just started having this problem about two weeks ago and the thing that has helped so far is maximum strength Neosporin + pain relief. It works right away with the itching and the peeling but there is still some discomfort on my left lid. I use it for a day or two but then it comes back a week later. So I guess it's time to see the doc. I'm 31 and this all knew to me the only thing I have done different is join the Y and use the sauna and the pool.

[Ames69]

I have had this too for the last few weeks. Only on one eyelid. Dry, sore and red. The skin is kind of strectched, it's very weird. Nivea made it worse. So I went to pharmacy and got aqueous cream as she thought thats about all you can use on your eyes. Anyway, it's not better although slightly improved, it's still very itchy and dry and pink. I
might go to the docs but reading all your posts possibly a waste of time, like normal. I'm in the UK so can't be thay ingredient and I haven't changed anything either, and it's only on one eyelid. Mysterious.

[Ashley180]

you all could be allergic to Formaldehyde. This chemical compound is found in pretty much all beauty products- shampoos, nail polish, lotion, make up, clothes, you name it.

[Cyn11]

I feel so relieved to have stumble across this forum!  I can't believe how many have these exact same symptoms!  Mine developed around Feb/Mar 09.  I am in my 50's, redhead fair complexion and I have always worn make-up (lightly). I thought the problem first started when I tried a new brand of make-up BUT ...my story is the same, I stopped all make-up, used nothing harsh on my skin and no improvements.  Neosporin was my first relieve along with a gentle skin toner.  Two days ago it flared up again and that is why I'm back in search of an answer!  I'm going to try the steaming and fungus creme... I too want this gone and to be able to use eye shadow again!  I'll keep watching your posts and I'll let you know if I have "great" results!  Thanks ALL

[FiveMittens]

I can't believe I just found this board.  When I was reading all of your posts, I felt like I was writing it all myself.  I actually have tried everything also to figure out what is going on.  

My problem is I get an itchy, swollen, red, eyelid on my right side when I wake up.  This occurs about every 2-3 weeks.  Then I also get almost like an acne rash on the right side of my mouth, lower jaw.  I also get a nose sore, again on my right side.  

I went on-line to see if this has anything to do with allerigies, that is what I was thinking about.  Cremes sting like crazy when I put on my eyelid when it's inflamed. What is going on?  I am 33 and this all started about a year ago.  Very frusterating.

[ossie555]

I've suffered from some of these symptoms.My GP advise to use 1% Hydrocortisone ointment with caution as it actually ages your skin.However I have found Aloevera soothin and efective relief. if applied at overnight.
Give it a go it works for me.

[Starboard]

Hi everyone,

I've went through this entire thread and there seems to be a lot of conflicting causes and varying symptoms. I don't wear make-up and have been using Lubriderm on my whole face since I was 15 (I'm 32 now). I suddenly developed "the eyelid problem" about two months ago.

It started with dry, stiff upper eyelids and then progressed to redness, lines and puffiness. Putting lotion on would offer some relief in the first month, but now this problem has moved to my lower lids and the skin is looking kind of like "aligator" consistency (ie- wrinkling that's in squares, instead of just lines across the lids). Putting lotion on now actually stings mildly and the skin still feels stiff, despite the lotion. Plus now it's itchy.

I made an appointment with my doctor for tomorrow, as I can't take this anymore. Has anyone who's not a make-up wearer experienced what I'm describing? This is absolute misery and looks terrible!!

Thanks and I hope we are all able to find some resolution to this problem soon. I'll report what I find out from the doctor's tomorrow when I get back.

[Minka85]

Hey everyone,

I too am currently suffering from a flare-up of very red, itchy, dry and sometimes swollen eyelids. I get this every once and awhile, and for me i know is caused by allergies. Sometimes when i start getting those irritated itchy eyes from allergies i end up rubbing (and sometimes even  scratching - BAD, i know!) my eyes like crazy which later turns into inflammed bright red, itchy and puffy eyelids. This eventually turns into dry, scaling and then peeling skin on my lids. Then once the redness subsides i am left with a brown colouring around my eyelids (like what your skin looks like after sunburn). Anyway, i have searched the internet looking for an answer to what this condition acually is, and believe that (for me personally) it is due to (allergic) contact dermatitis of the eyelid. Here are just a couple of sites that may be helpfull to some of you:

http://www.parkhurstexchange.com/node/5136

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1197726-overview


**Please note that in no way am i suggesting that this is the answer to any of your problems, and if you are really concerned then you should definately consult a GP, Dermatologist etc. to get a definate diagnosis.


Anyway, the only way for me to treat my problem is to follow these steps:

1.) Itchy eyes: First and foremost do not rub, scratch eyes as this will only lead to more irritation, redness and swelling (possibly even an infection). For really itchy eyes i find that for me personally the best thing is to refrain from touching my eyes as much as possible (no matter how itchy - even if it drives me crazy) and to apply a cool compress which seems to help eleviate some of the itching.

2.) Swollen puffy eyelids:  For this i usually use a cool compress which i apply to my eyes several times a day. You could also use cold tea bags which are great also.

In the past i have also suffered from bacterial conjuntivitis which i experienced similar symptoms, one of which being massive swelling of my eyelid which would last for days (usually it only occured in one eye, though sometimes it would spread to both.) as well as severe redness and burning in my eye, for which i consulted my doctor. For this i was prescribed some Clorsig ointment for my eye and sometimes also antibiotic tablets if the case was severe. Therefore if you are experiencing some massive swelling and soreness of your eyelids it could be a sign of an infection, so you should consult your doctor so that they can prescribe some antibiotics or meds to help soothe the problem.

3.) Dry, Red eyelids: Ok, there really isn't much you can do to stop the redness other than not rub your eyes or apply anything which will irritate your lids even more. The only thing i feel safe applying to my already irritated lids to help with the dryness is 100% pure Vitamin E oil. It can be a little sticky and feel a little strange but it doesn't burn or irritate my eyelids and it's great for burns, rashes and abrasions, aswell as dry, cracked skin. Anyway, it seems to work for me.


Well thats pretty much it. it's not a miracle cure, and it does take a few day for results to settle in. I know it won't be the solution to everyones problem, but i hope some of this information will be of use to some of you.  

[Sdevandry]

Hi.  I had exactly the same symptoms as you.  Red, itchy, burning eyelids.  I felt like someone was holding a match to my eyelids and burning them.  The only relief I would get would be from a cool compress (or ice cubes) which would stop the burning.  After a few days my eyelids would then dry up and the skin would peel off my eyelids.  Just like a sunburn and peel.  I didn't know what was causing it. It was happening every month.  I would just get done peeling and it would happen again.  Very frustrating.  I went to my doctor who sent me to a dermatologist.  Nobody knew what was causing it but they both agreed it was an allergic reaction to something.

I have RLS (restless leg syndrome) and at night I would take Advil if needed.  We were in Hawaii on vacation and my legs were bothering me, so I went to take some Advil.  I forgot to bring the Advil but I did bring Aleve and so I took that instead.  After about 1 hour my eyes started burning and itching like crazy.   Looking back I realized that all the times before when I had this problem I had taken Aleve.  When I got back home I went to the doctor and he said that I was allergic to naproxen which is in Aleve.  If you look up naproxen on the web you will see that it causes rashes, swelling, itching, etc.  I am now very careful not to take any medicine that has naproxen in it.  This was 3 years ago and I have not had a reaction in 3 years.  

I  have read through everyone's comments on this thread.  A lot of people have been talking about make up that may be causing the problem.  Many have talked about using different lotions to help alleviate the pain and discomfort.  They really need to keep track daily of medicines, foods, lotions, etc. to see what is triggering their attacks.  It is definately an allergic reaction and the only way they are going to stop this is to find out what the root cause is.  The cause of my allergic reaction was naproxen which was taken internally - not from anything external.  

I don't know if anyone else has takien Aleve and have had these same symptoms.  I hope this information helps others.

[celrocks]

i have somthing like alex said but my eye is not dry its puffy and pink and it BURNS i also have really bad head aches and the bone close to my eye thats puffy and burnsthat bone puffy and sore but its not pink do you know what i have

[Cyn11]

I'm reporting back. I tried to find the common thread amongst all of these and I'm not sure there is one, we may be looking at a couple three different sources to the eye problem.  I don't use Aleve or anything else similar to it.  Ruled out for me.

Age is not a factor as we have ladies of all ages.

The past 4 days I have been treating it like a fungus and have had major results. I think I developed this during the winter months when I was snug in a warm bed (we burn wood in the winter) and heat rises to our upper level.  I'd wake up "sweating" from the room temperature being way too warm. (Not hot flashes!)

My last major flare up came last week after doing yard work on a hot day and I was "dripping".  My eyes took no time at all to become red, swollen and sore again. (Mind you ... between major flare ups, I never truly went back to normal, always a mild pink tone with peeling.

I started on Tinactin antifungal cream for ahlete's foot this past Wednesday. The redness and dry flakes went away following the first treatment. I actually wore a little eye shadow to work yesterday for the first time in weeks without any problems.  My doctor said that this is a safe product FOR ME to use as long as I do not get it in my eyes. (I apply with a Q-Tip) Infact, since this started I have used Q-Tips so that I do not spread it anywhere else.  He said I may have to use this twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks...applied very "lightly".  I have no problem with that as long as it goes entirely away.  If not, he also said we could try a corticosteriod. .. which I would rather avoid doing.

I would appreciate hearing back from Jesizadie and any others that have solved the problem for any length of time.  Good Luck to you ALL!!!!!

[slippersue]

About 2 months I woke up with an itchy corner of my left eye lid, I thought I had been bitten by something in the night as there seemed to be a bit of lump under the eyelid.  Anyway as the days went on the redness, itchyness and soreness grew and spread on that eyelid.  And then it went to the other eyelid.  All the time I was putting some pure aloe vera gelly on it and also some vitamin E oil.  The bit in the corner of the left eye got better or in fact it all moved to the crease of my upper eyelid between the eyelid and the eyebrow, on both eyelids and there it stayed for the next few weeks.  All the time I was applying the aloe vera gelly and some aloe vera gelly and propolis creme.  It stung a lot when I applied it but I thought that must mean it's doing some good.  The whole eyelid area was quite swollen and if I didn't put cream on very tight and dry and scaly, it was horrible and I looked awful and felt depressed especially when I looked on the internet and found this forum, I felt I was doomed to a life of puffy, itchy, sore, red eyelids.

I had been to the doctor and he recommended 1% hydrocortisone cream, which I was reluctant to use because he said not to tell the chemist what I was using it for because they wouldn't give it me as it is not supposed to be used on the the face especially not close to the eyes.

I then spoke to a dermatologist acquaintance and she said use the hydrocortisone cream, just putting a small amount on the affected areas twice a day, then when it had cleared it up to GRADUALLY wean yourself off it, use it once a day and then every other day and then every two days, otherwise the condition could come back.  If this didn't work she said to go back to the doctor and ask to see a specialist.

Anyway so far IT HAS WORKED and my eyelids are now back to normal.  I can't tell you how relieved I am, although I know everyone who has this problem will understand.  Perhaps many things cause these symptoms and so the same cure won't work for everyone, but I hope this helps someone.

[Kar4211]

This is the second time this has happend to me in the last month or so.  I went to the doctor, he said it is some kind of fungus.  Get this he told me to use "Athlete's Foot Cream" on my eyelids.  Well I did and the inflamation (inflammation) and redness has gone away for now.  I am very anel about touching and rubbing my eyes.  "don't know"?  have not worn eye make up and always look like I am tired.  After reading all of your comments, this has to be something enviormental.  God knows.  

[Pudge55]

I have been suffering with the same horrible eye problems as everyone here.  I will see another doctor (again).  But until then, 3 things have helped:
1) Putting a special cover over my pillow (a zippered one that goes over the pillow before you put the pillowcase on) and washing it and the pillowcase frequently has helped.
2) Warm compresses
3) A touch of Cetaphil to the dry corner of the eye.

Good luck; I am awaiting any more news from all of you.

[shelliedrez]

I just woke up with a puffy pinkish eyelid on my right eye yesterday morning.I had burning sensations just in my right eyelid before it showed up.It started a few days ago.I also have a sore right outside of my left nostril.I also have been getting strange raised red bumps on my leg&arm.They start out itchy then burning.I know you cant do this to your eye but after I shower I apply hair conditioner on any bumps(good for acne&mosquito bites too)and leave on for couple minutes then rinse off.This takes a few days but it really helps.It could very well be contact dermatitis.I wash my hands a lot because I have cats.I just started applying neosporin on eyelid.But I really think using a q-tip instead of finger is best so dont spread infection.

[slippersue]

Well, my success with sorting out my red eyelid problem didn't last long,  I noticed some dry patches coming in the corner of my eye lid next to my nose on both eyelids and the next day, red, burning, puffy sore eyelids back again.

Rang doctor and he said use the hydrocortisone cream again, which I did and it has cleared it up, but don't want to have to keep using it, as skin will thin and veins bulge.

Am now trying Graph 200 homeopathic pills, and vitamin E oil on the eyelids.

I think it might be eyelid eczema, which can be caused by low self esteem, which would fit at the moment.  I think this is a chronic condition that you just have to manage.  I'm going to try and raise my self esteem!

[Catherine_Rose]

Hey you guys! My name is Rose; Im 19 and surprise surprise I have the same thing wrong with my eyelids and underneath them. Well my friend's son has had excema since he was born and he's 4 now. She took a look at my eyes and she said it looks just like his sores on his body thats on my eyes. She let me try some of his steroid cream and his strong antibiotic ointment and it has cleared up almost completely overnight. Im relieved finally! My eyelids were so bad that they were bleeding, red, swollen, and a layer of skin peeled off on top of my eyelids and underneath them everyday. I could barely put my makeup on everyday because my skin was sooo raw from the peeling but I had to, otherwise I'd look like a freakshow in a horror movie. IT WAS THAT BAD! I had tried taking allergy medicine because I have cats and I thought I was becoming allergic to pets and their pet dander but it didn't help, not even with the swelling. This has been going on for months now but now it looks so much better and the pain is gone. I dont know what sparked this but it jus showed up one day. I hadn't changed anything I had used like makeup, facial lotions, shampoo..nothing. I had just woke one day and this painful process started. But anyways, I also put a mixture of coconut oil and tea tree oil on my eyes every night and it helps too. It moisturizes and repairs your skin. I think everyone with this problem should give this a try. It helped me and Im sooo thankful!!!!

[skclay]

Ok, so I've read all these posts, here's my story...

--Started over Christmas break 2008/2009, so about 8 months ago.  We always spend X-mas at our old fashioned lakehouse with a wood burning fire place.  It can get hot at night under all the blankets and my room is on the top floor where heat rises.  I woke up one morning with red, puffy, dry eye lids and red, puffy dry skin right under my eyes.  I had just started using a new eye cream from Clinique, which I promptly stopped using.  Obviously, I wasn't stressed over X-mas break, so I thought it might be the eye cream or just the dry cold air from winter.

--It starts to happen every 2 to 4 weeks all during the spring semester at school.  I tried to think of common things that happened each time.  
     *I thought it might be the sun, bc I had been going to the tanning bed, which I promptly stopped doing (it's
       horrible for you skin anyways).  But then it happened one morning after it had been raining the previous day,
       so I ruled out the sun.
     *I thought it might be my laundry detergent on my pillows, bc it always starts in the morning, like I'll just wake
      up with red, puffy, dry skin all around my eyes.  I thought i might be allergic to something in my laundry
      detergent, but then I started using the non-allergy kind that is #1 recommended by dermatologists and it still
      kept happening :(
     *I thought it might be my makeup, but I will go days without wearing my makeup and then it will just randomly
      happen.

I finally go to the dermatologist, which starts my endless co-pays with no results!  She told me to use Cetaphil facewash and moisturizer, which the face wash has the methylparaben (which is apparently banned in Canada and UK but not USA).  The face wash is ranked 7 out of 10 on the hazard scale on the www.cosmeticsdatabase.com website and is considered high hazard... thanks dermatologist!! (complete sarcasm)
She also gave me a steroid based cream to use the first couple times I went, but she said that can't be used long term, so I when it kept happening, she said to come in for a skin allergy test...I did the whole patches on my back thing for a week and the results said I am severely allergic to nickel which we decided is probably in my eyeglasses frame, so I bought plastic glasses...and it still happens!!! Arg!!  So, the dermatologist gave me this eczema medicine that is the consistency of vaseline that literally burns the **** out of my skin and makes it itch a million times more!!  So, now I am at an ultimate complete loss for words, my frustration level is high!

Just out of curiosity, how many of you guys have some form of red hair and fare skin??  B/c I have Irish in me, and I have a red tent to my hair and am definitely fare.  My family worships the sun and I always felt like the odd ball out, so i would just end up getting really sun burned a lot.  I'm 21 and really wonder if I've done permanent damage to the skin around my eyes!!!!!!  I'm terribly afraid!

Maybe it is the fungus, bc i do wear contacts and am probably not the best about washing my hands before I put them in/take them out, but then wouldn't my actual eye ball get messed up?!?  All I know is it is frustrating as anything!

[catklein]

This exact thing has happened to me every two weeks for about two months. so frustrating. If you get something that helps, how do you know if it really is working because it goes away in a couple of days anyway and is regularly coming back

I am at a loss and i hate it. Makes me look old and feels terrible.

My doc basically told me to slowly stop using everything. That helps. Not.

I am going to see my dermatologist soon but don't feel hopeful that she will find the answer.

I wish someone could just tell us what the heck it is.  : (

[EchoM]

This has just started happening to me too. I am 44. It is only on my left eyelid, just at the outer corner. I have tried pure Aloe, Hyderm creme and Blistex Medicated Ointment. The Blistex seems to be working! I have been putting it on at night before sleep for 4 nights in a row now and things have cleared up nicely. I think I will stop using it now and see if this problem develops again. In the meantime, I hope this can provide you with some relief.

[MissSharon]

This started happening to me in June.  I am 44 and this started out on both eyelids and looked like I gotten burned on my eyelids.  There is swelling, itching and redness.  I tried Neosporin first and it was a big mistake.  My eyes swelled up and were redder and itchier than ever.  Then I combed through the internet and found that there are lots of us with this problem and many were going to the doctor with no results, so I decided not to spend the money for a doctor to tell me to stop makeup, stop this and to stop that, with no results......Antifungal cream has helped the best.  I've put it around my eyes twice a day and it's helped.  The redness is mostly gone. I just have scaling for the most part.  What I have noticed the most in the last three months is that it flares up the worst around my period.  I suspect this is all hormonal and I need to take the next step to find a specialist in Dallas to help me.  I suspect this is a matter of balance in my system at this point since there is a flare up at the same time the last three months.  I'll keep you all posted as to what I find out.....

[anjolina]

Its just aweful. I have had this puffy, red, tender eye thing for about a week now. My right eye is swollen and red. Both eyes have this patchy dry spots on them. Everybody has mention dry eyelids but has anyone had dry patches? I have dry flaky patches under my eye and above my eyelid on the brow bone. HEEEELLLPPPPP :(

[slippersue]

I've solved by red, sore, puffy eyelid problem.  I've been clear now for a month having been plagued with the problem since the beginning of June.
On 19th August I went to see a woman who specialises in getting rid of allergies.  I was at my wits end, I just couldn't get rid of the problem, basically I was keeping it controlled with cortisone cream, using it as little as possible, but having to keep using it.  

This lady uses a technique called NAET, she confirms your various allergies using kinesiology and then clears them with NAET.

I went to her every week for 5 weeks, and she gradually cleared my allergies one by one and during that time I had to use the cortisone cream less and less and the last week I didn't use it at all, and I haven't used it since.  During the treatment I used Aqueous Cream to moisturise my eyelids and occasionally I use it now but less and less as time goes on.

My eyelids aren't back to their normal colour but they are not dry at all or itchy and definitely not swollen, so I'm very happy.

The lady said it was caused by an allergy because it was cleared by cortisone.

Hope this helps someone.

[des900]

Thyroid abnormalities can cause such problems,so its a good idea to take a complete thyroid function test.

[jellobug]

Hi guys...I have been suffering with this for close to 10 years now.  I find a 50/50 mixture of Hyderm Cream & Aquatain or Lubriderm works great.  I only put it on in the morning as Hyderm Cream is not good to use for prolonged periods.  Is 10 years too long?  Probably, but I have no clue what else to do.  If I skip a few days without the cream my eyes go all red and puffy again.  Crying doesn't help, makes it worse.  Tired and want to rub your eyes?  Forget it.  Any my doctor doesn't help.  

Keep posting your stories, maybe we'll figure this out for ourselves!

[bentleyandrew]

I am so excited I found this group!!  I have just experienced the same exact awful symptoms out of nowhere. . . I just realized that I have been taking Aleve instead of Tylenol lately and I just took another one a few days ago. . . I always thought I had a funny reaction to Aleve bu then thought I was just over analyzing some weird symptoms.  But now I think my scratchy throat and general discomfort are connected to taking Aleve!!  I also checked my "cheap" lotion I've been using that smells fabulous but has the "M" ingredient.  So I"m going to stop using both and see if my symptoms wain.  I hope so because I'm thrity-four and I have two babies and I already don't sleep!  It would be nice if my face didn't decide to have a night mare as well!

[justeyes]

Does anyone here dring Budweiser?  I'm almost ready to connect a Bud to the itchy and red eyelids.  It is horrible, just like you all have described.  I have put mentholatum on my eyelids, which sort of causes the puffiness to drain.  It is a good moisturizer too.

[Sdevandry]

Hi.  I posted a while back about Aleve.  I was using Advil on occasions for RLS, but when I didn't have Advil handy I used the Aleve.  I was having red, itchy swollen eyes about every two weeks and I didn't know what it was.  I went to the Dr. and a dermatologist who just said I was having an allergic reaction to something but they didn't know what it was.  We were on vacation in Hawaii and I was having a problem with my legs.  I had forgotten to bring Advil and so I took 2 Aleve.  Within 45 minutes my eyes were burning and stinging like someone put a match to them.  I put cold compresses on my eyes to cool them down.  I looked up Aleve and found out it had naproxen as a main ingredient and then I looked up naproxen and it does cause problems like this.  So I quit taking Aleve - that was 3 years ago - and I have been symptom free since.  Thank God I found out what I was allergic to.  There are other prescription medicines that also have naproxen as an ingredient.  It is hell to go through this and I hope and pray this is the answer for you as it was for me.  Good luck.  Sue

[LLJJKK]

Like all of you, I too have the same problems.  Went to three different doctors.  Was given several
types of eye drops and creams.  The one that really worked was Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream 0.1%.
After two days of using it twice a day, the red and puffiness cleared up. Hope this helps

[Peaches2009]

My 17 year old son started having dry, red, itchy eyelids and under the eye this fall.  I assumed it was allergy but cant pinpoint it.  My first step was a baking soda and water mixture to make sure the skin has an alkaline PH  since any irritated skin would not have an alkaline base.  This helped.  He also put aloe vera lotion at night.

That worked but then he started basketball practice and everyday after practice it would flare up big time...again the baking soda worked by morning but again flare up everyday after practice.  I decided the sweat was irritating it.

So I thought it might be fungus also, so instead of using a fungus cream that I felt might be risky on the eye, he is using organic apple cider vinegar...the vinegar will kill bacteria and change the ph.  It stung the first time but as it healed no longer stung.  After the vinegar dried he puts organic coconut oil on it, since coconut oil has properties that kill bacteria also.  

We just started this a couple days and its working so far.  I hope it goes away for good.

good luck

[bbent]

this thread was interesting, I've had my eye issue for about 3 weeks, i'm 32, don't drink Budweiser and don't use Aleve.  Mine started with my eyelids feeling like they were severely sunburnt.  Dry, tight, red.  Then they peeled, I bought eucerin's clear baby rash cream and put that on them at night, after about a week, they cleared up, still don't look "right".  Then this past weekend, i woke up and it looked like someone punched my in the eye, big red PUFFY circle around one of my eyes, so not the same burnt feeling, but now just dry and old looking, the puffiness has gone down a bit...but the HELL!!  I've procrastinated going to the dr.'s and reading all of this, it seems like it would be pointless.  With all of us having the same symptoms, does NO doctor know what this is???  HELP!

[ItchyMcScratcherson]

I am 26 years old. I have been having an issue with my eye for about a month. At 1st, I also thought it must be allergies, even though I have never had an allergy ever in my life. But the only symtom I had at first was itching. There was no redness or swelling. Then a few days later after uncontrollable itching it became red, and swollen. The affected area had creases in it, which I can only describe as "wrinkles." Still assuming I had possibly touched something, then touched my eye and was having an allergic reaction, I went to Rite Aid. I bought some Cortisone 10 and put it on my lid. *poof* It all went away...... for 2 or 3 days. Then it came back and the cream wasn't even helping. Then the lid began swelling, to the point that it was visible to others. I now have to wear sunglasses at all times because of my eye- it looks gross and people stare at it. Then I went to the doctor. She told me it was dermatitus, and I may have gotten it from sweat dripping into my eyes. This made sense to me because I had recently started exercising again. She prescribed Cortisporin Ophth Ointment, some eye drops, and told me to get some OTC Claritin. It went away for a week... then came back. NOW it's on both eyes, and on the Right eye it is spreading downward below my eye. Once the redness and swelling disappear, I am left with a dry scaly surface. If I rub it during this period of the cycle, it BURNS like it's cut open or something. It burns like heck. I haven't used any new products or anything. I can't figure it out. Haven't worn makeup in forever. It's frustrating. Now I have developed a rash on my arms, and near my armpits. I am thinking: mites (eeeew I hope not), or fungus. I am going shopping tonight for something called NEEM. I read on a board similar to this one, and almost everyone that tried it there said it worked. There's also something called Egyptian Magic that they were saying worked like a charm, but it's $36 a jar so I am going to start with Neem Oil, and Neem soap. The only problem is, I don't want a quickk fix. I hope this isn't something I will have to continue to do, I am REALLY searching for a permanent solution, but I will take what I can get for now. I will let you all know how the neem oil works out. Anybody else out there find anything out yet that can help?
OBSERVATION:
Has anyone here noticed that only women have posted? I haven't seen one post here by a man. I think there's something to that! Anybody out there using contraception? Maybe it has something to do with that? I have the Mirena IUD.

[ItchyMcScratcherson]

I just did some more research. I am becoming more and more convinced that this is a fungus. It turns out that the Neem Oil is used in other countries- they call it "The Tree of 40" because it supposedly cures/ heals 40 different ailments. Among these, it cures fungus, and also works as an insecticide. If it were a fungus, it would ALSO explain why some of you have a dry patch on your cheek, forehead, or near your mouth- because fungus can spread. It could still also be mites, but none of you have mentioned any other symptoms that describe a mite problem. I went to the store on my lunch break, and couldn't find neem oil. Tonight, I am going to get some tenactin cream, and put it on my lid. If it works, we'll know it's a fungus. If not, back to the drawing board...
And it's likely we all got the fungus (if that's what it is) from our makeup bag. Maybe not cleaning our brushes properly, or using really old eyeshadow? This would also explain why no men have posted......
Wish me luck!

[kristie603]

I have red flaky itchy red puffy eye lids and a spot on my neck... I am 30 years old. I recently went to a police academy school and about two weeks in is when it started.  @ first i thought it had to be exema (eczema) but it didnt go away.  It got so bad that one day i wuke up and my right eye was swollen shut...went to the ER where they discoved that it was a form of athlets foot!!! ON MY FACE..i was perscribed antibiotics and fungile cream and its still bad... I look terrible and im at my wits end!!  I dont want to look like this on my wedding day august 2010 :(  any ideas?? ***@****
thanks,]
kristie

[Peaches2009]

IT WORKED!

Problem solved.

I agree with the above poster who said they believe this is all fungus related.  Since I posted above about my 17 year old son our problem is over since we used organic apple cider vinegar and coconut oil...both contain properties that kill bacteria and fungus.

He has never had another incident and we are in the height of basketball season.

I dont know if he should stop using it but for now we are going to continue...he uses both at night before bed.  We will continue during basketball season.

p.s. His twin brother is now using the vinegar on his acne and it is clearing up too!!!

[meddhelp]

i've had the same symptons and then one day my eye sight started to get really blurry to the point where I could hardly see. I went into hopsital where they gave me steroid tablets and eye drops, it was a painful recovery but the next day i woke up and could see properly again! as the steroid tablets worked, they gave me mild steroid cream for my eyelids and everything healed back to normal.
They told me that it was an allergic reaction to my makeup so since then I haven't worn any makeup yet it's the skin irritation on my eye lids keeps recurring!

i've used E45 cream but it has no effect, if anything it makes it worse! the steroid cream works every time but I know i shouldn't keep using this as it thinnens my skin in the long term

my eyes also feel dried out seem to water slightly, and I feel like i have to re-focus my eye sight often as if I keep going into a daze!
im trying to find a cure for this, but i always use the steroid cream in the end before my eye sight gets really bad because i dont want to have to go through loosing my sight again because it was really scary!

ive also used baby johnsons shampoo and moisturized my eyelids well which was recommended by the doctors but these methods have no effect.

[Celewen]

Hi everyone,

I'm rather relieved to have found this board. And indeed the pharmacist was useless.  It hadn't been until about a month ago I developed many of these similar symptoms.  First, it started around the eyes, and around the mouth.  It was all red and swollen, which became itchy and dry. After a while, it eventually began to peel. I put a moisturizing cream on my face, and then it spread throughout my entire face.  It was embarrassing, but most people couldn't tell.  It just gave my face a reddish tinge.  
I used Vaseline on my mouth and also around the eyes.  It made it feel better temporarily, but it didn't really go away.  After I "peeled" my skin became a bit more normal again.  However my eyes never really healed.  They healed a little, but now the redness, itchiness, and swollen problem has come again to torment me once more.
Blistex Lip Ointment has helped my mouth a lot, I have to keep myself from licking my lips, since that just dries it out and makes it worse.  I came here looking for help for my eyes.  They hurt so much, and the burning sensation isn't going away.

The idea of it being a fungus is intriguing and makes a lot of sense.  I have yet to use an anti-fungal cream. I think I will try a little and if it helps, I might try the organic apple cider vinegar and/or coconut oil.  I also saw Neem Oil.  I'm willing to try anything to cure this.  

I also used to wear make-up and I tried not wearing any but that didn't change anything.  So now I just wear it to cover it up.  By the way, I am 17 years old and I've never had this problem before.  It just occurred overnight and is determined not to go away. Doh.

-Celewen

[UKman880]

Hi, I too am having this problem. I'm a male, - maybe the first to post on this forum. My eyelid is driving me mad, all the usual symptoms as everyone above has mentioned - soreness, redness, swollen. The doc gave me an antibiotic cream, I had to stop using it as it made it worse. I got desperate and rubbed some HC45 on it, this gave me some relief and it got better for a few days although went dry and crusty, now it is back and I'm about to go back to the doc again, I don't feel comfortable putting more HC45 on it. I will keep an eye on this forum and if I'm given a magical cure I will let you all know.

[oxo4444]

Hi all,

I seem to be having the same problem, on and off for the past two months.  It is driving me insane.  It seems also to react to bright lights (i.e. strip lighting) and burns the hell out of me and gets worse.  The other symptom I have is dry chapped lips and if it gets really bad I get a red burning dry patch just on the right side of my chin.

The way it starts with my eye is a burning senstation with "old looking" skin.  If I dont put the 1% cream on it straight away, it will balloon up and I wake up with a really swollen eyelid the next morning!! Just wondering if anyone else have my symptoms and what they have tried that has worked.  PS have changed all my make up products.

Look forward to hearing from you!
  

[sunnyherbs]

so i was out trying to cure this difficult embarassing recurring eye infection and was looking for coconut oil and apple cider vinegar. the only store that carried it happened to have an employee with the same problem and an eye that looked just like mine! he said his case is chalazions. fish oil helps which should be taken anyway because its so healthy and beneficial for you. i am still waiting to try the coconut oil and vinegar batch. i just didnt have enough money to buy the two. but as soon as your eye hurts start using warm compresses to dispose the build up. antibiotics and steroids are not necessary unless the build up is proposturous. i just recently started suffering from this. its a clot in your eye and forms into a cyst. these are the best known remedies, which happen to be natural thankfully and will help. make sure though to take action as soon as it forms! the eye itself will be sore and sensitive as if you just took a punch to the eye. your eyes are extremely sensitive and can effect your whole bodily function. i am one suffering from this odd infection like you all and wish the best of luck to all of you! i know how embarassing and painful it can be and i am one of full confidence and actually enjoy pain. so good luck! HOPE THIS HELPS. if you happen to have blepharitis it differs from chalazions because it burns really bad and is way more painful. either way, these remedieswill help. stay away from cortisone creams. theyre really bad for you.

[oxo4444]

sorry meant to say I also have extreme fatigue.  The eye problem is worse when I go on the computer and in the morning when I wake up.  Initially it was one eye (recurrent not every day) and now the other eye seems affected also.

Thanks in advance....any suggestions/diagnosis appreciated....

[Peaches2009]

Apple cider vinegar should not be expensive.   Coconut oil can be but the vinegar is something you can start off with first.  I use Braggs ACV which is organic and its cost is under 5.00.

My son is still doing good, no outbreaks but we have to continue the ACV or you can tell it starts to get red.  Seems like it goes in cycles and peels a little bit, or flakes, live the ACV is killing the bacteria or whatever.  Then the coconut helps with moisturizing.

[Peaches2009]

update:

My son skipped three days of using the vinegar and he didnt tell me he quit.  He thought since it was doing so good he could stop.  well the red itchy started coming back and I was all worried again.

He finally admitted he had stopped using the vinegar so he started again and it was all gone.  Again, it seems when he sweats its the worse. But praise God the vinegar is working.

I told him to continue using it until basketball season is over then we can try stopping.

[ndmom3]

Hi, I am 56 and the itchy skin, red and puffy, and watery eyes just started for me also. Right eye much worse than left. The unfortunate thing for me is that I rub them so hard and my skin isn't as flexible as a 20 year old anymore.  So now I have wrinkled, red, puffy, itchy, sensitive eyelids.  Corners of eyes red from watery eyes.

I thought it might be dog hair but I have alway had dogs.  I went to eye dr. who gave me some drops and told me to put hydrocortizone onthe skin. She also said my eyeball was swollen a little bit but wasn't concerned.  I don't think she really knew what to do.  It helps a little, but like every other entry I read, it comes back if you stop.
I tried changing my pillowcase now every night and that seems to help.  And I have to keep dogs off my pillow. And one other thing my dad taught me a long time ago, get a shot glass and fill it with water and put it up in your eye and wash your eye out.

So now I look like that dog in little rascals with the black circle around his eye except mine is red.  

[slippersue]

Hi
On 29th Sept I wrote to say that I had been clear for a month, well it's now December and I am still clear.  I am so relieved that it's gone away.  

I can't recomment NAET enough, don't know if it's available in your country, it originated in India.  It has worked for me.

[slippersue]

NAET was started by an lady from India in California.

[Nayru]

Hi everyone.

I'm a college student and moved into a rented house to go to school in September. As soon as the heat was turned on at the beginning of October I started waking up with these swollen eyelids. The skin around the eyes (especially the upper eyelid and the corners) became dry and scaley. I had no idea what was wrong, I went to a walk-in clinic and the doctor gave me some allergy drops which helped with the puffiness but didn't get rid of the dryness. I went to an allergist and I wasn't allergic to anything they tested for. I was starting to get really concerned because my vision was starting to go and I couldn't see the boards in class.

Funny thing is whenever I went home for the weekend the symptoms would slowly go away. I went to some eye doctors about the problem and they told me I had neovascularization occurring.

I googled neovascualarization and allergies and voila I found a website outlining all of my symptoms.

Turns out I have Allergic Conjunctivitis, more specifically Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis (AKC). I'd suggest you look up the symptoms.

Not really sure what I'm allergic to at this point but I'm getting out of my lease and moving back home in a couple of days.

Hopefully this helps, I didn't see anyone bring up Conjunctivitis.

[puffedupeyes]

I am 40 years old and this is the third year in a row that I have had this extreme puffiness around the eyes and scaling and wrinkles. It usually starts with my left eye and then goes to my right eye also. This only  happens in the winter months for me. I live in L.A. where there is practically no rain anytime except the winter months. We just had a week of rain and now for the first time this year my eyes are again severely swollen today. In the past three years Elidel around my eye has worked. It is not a steroid which at least doesn't have the bad side effects of thinning out your skin but it does sting my eyes quite a bit while I am using it. In the past, my symptoms got better in 2-3 days but it could come back after a month. I don't usually use any medication so I don't think it's from aleve. I have always worn make-up and I have been using the same make-up as before.  I went back to my old make-up last year after my symptoms cleared up and did not have any problems, so I know it is not from make-up. I have been using the same sheets and mattress as always. I have a feeling it is from mold or fungus since I have attributed my case to rainy winter months.Also, I have been exercising and really sweating lately  which also can be linked to mold or fungus. I am getting allergy testing tomorrow which sounds like it will be a waste of time and co-pay after reading everyone else's comments. I hope elidel works this time again otherwise I will try other remedies that I have been reading about in these comments.Oe other thing that I read about which was interesting is that I also have the Mirena IUD which someone else also commented about. I also get frequent yeast infections which I don't know if it has to do with the IUD either.

[margypops]

I  have spent the last hour reading this super supportive thread, I have had itchy sore ,red BOTTOM of my eye lid, just the rim, the top eyelid sems okay ..I also have a very itchy scalp which is another Mystery ,I too have tried varying remedies and tested for allergies I am going to try the anti fungal creams, also go and get Neem oil ,any idea if itchy scalp is part of it ?

[pmscom]

My eyelids are driving me crazy this morning and I was in here to seek relief and found this discussion board. I'm going to try the Tinactin which is the item that I can find easily here in my small hometown. I also have the prescribed steroid cream that I use only during the flareups...  I also have the prescribed eyedrops that I use only when I have irritation.  However, has anyone thought of a connection to this and YEAST.  I am being treated for an overgrowth of yeast in my body (not the feminine kind of yeast)...but yeast in my digestive tract.  I came down with this outbreak after someone gave me a bag of SweetTarts and I ate a bunch. Sugar feeds the yeast.  Makes me wonder...

[AimInTX]

I've had the exact same symptoms for a couple weeks now and the only thing I know I did differently than my normal routine was to treat my kids (and myself as a precaution) for lice.  

I notice a lot of us are in our 30s and probably some of you have children... has anyone else noticed this after using Rid or another lice treatment?  I can't imagine the effects would linger this long, but who knows...

Would be interesting to see what we all did in common just before the swelling started that was out of the norm for us.

[Dazon50]

I have been dealing with stinging, tearing, red eyes for over 2 weeks.  I have allergies, and take pills for that along with eye drops, ketotifen fumarate opthalmic solution/zaditor.  

I thought at first it was one of the newer supplements I started taking....Sharp Mind.  I took it back, but noticed the symptoms continued.  It was so bad that it was hard to drive as I kept squeezing my eyes shut and they were tearing so bad.  I then thought it was the jojoba oil with vit. E that I had also recently started using, so I stopped that.

I was given the suggestion to use coconut oil (virgin) for skin, but I am still having the redness & tearing/stinging.  It isn't as bad as when I was using the jojoba oil with vit. E., but I can't really use the eye liner right now, so am going without.  I am going to not use the coconut oil today and tomorrow & see if that helps.

If none of these work, I think I will go to the eye doctor.  It is hard to say what it is on my own.  I don't get as much sleep as I should, so that might have something to do with it.  As I sit here, typing, I have my left eye closed and it is tearing.  Annoying as can be.

I wish everyone the best with finding solutions to what is causing their problems with their eyes.

[eyeliditis777]

I had a problem with dry, red, itchy eyelids about two months ago and I read this post and started to freak out!!!  This is a huge problem and some people have been dealing with it for months/years.  My problem lasted about a month and this is what I did:  I started by just doing hot compressions on my eyes but that didn't really work, I stopped using my eye make up but that didn't work and I hated having "naked" eyes.  The thing that healed my eyes was this Lye Soap my father-in-law gave my older sons that's supposed to work on acne.  It's called Grandma's Lye Soap and it cleared up my dry, swollen, red, itchy eyes in just a few days!!!  On the back of the soap it says:  Highly recommended for dry skin, may ease skin discomfort, Psoriasis, Eczema, Acne, Winter dry, itchy skin.  It's Detergent & Fragrance Free.  I highly suggest you try it because it worked for me.  My father-in-law is from Dubuque, IA and I guess he buys the soap there...the number on the soap is 800-345-3925 and it's out of Tulsa, OK.  Good luck!  My heart goes out to all you guys!!!

[VEMS]

Sorry for repeat post-I'm new to this. Out of the blue, this year I have had three bouts of red, puffy, dry skin around my eyes. It occurs on the inner edge of the eye, next to my nose and flares up above and below the eye. The skin goes red,  very dry,  puffs up and lines form.  I have tried a number of things but Vaseline petroleum  jelly so far has worked the best.  It doesn’t seem to “depuff” my eyes very quickly but rehydrates the skins and the swelling eventually reduces (about 2-4 days). However, yesterday I applied Calendula Sore Skin Relief and the improvement was almost immediate.  Within a few hours the skin was soft and the swelling and lines had almost gone.  This latest bout has lasted almost 2 weeks and today is the first time I have looked normal.  I think my problem is allergy related and I suspect a shampoo that I started using 6 months ago.  The first ever bout of this problem was just after I started using this shampoo. Hope this helps.

[ogodithurts]

Hi

I live in the UK and have had this problem for about 2 years. I also have rough patches at the corners of my mouth. I have a very strong allergy to wasp stings but have not been found allergic to anything else. So I guess what goes into your US products is not what has caused this. Strong argument in support of the fungus theory.

My eyelids are inflamed and my eyes watery. A facial at the beautician recently made me weep for days. I wear no make up near my eyes and only mineral products on my face.

Peaches2009 said IT WORKED! Presumably that means coconut oil and cider vinegar, but I don't imagine her basketball playing 17 year old son wants to wear eye make-up.

Does anyone have a definitive answer to this? It is driving me wild.

ogodithurts

[ZeeIn]

Could be a simple allergy to all the toxic chemicals in the wipes.  Never use them again and make note of the ingredients and let your Primary know.  Also, an Allergist would be a good doc to visit and/or good dermatologist.  

My sister had a severe reaction to a lip balm that took her a while to get rid of.  Her doc prescribed ointments that made no difference.  I gave her some organic cocoa butter  (with no preservatives) and it finally cleared up.  She was allergic to one of the chrmicals in the balm.

Read the ingredients in those eye wipes and then ask yourself if you would put those ingredients directly in your eyes.   I use Shea and Cocoa Butter on my face and baby oil to remove mascara, if soap and water don't work.  Organic soap is also best.  I have lots of allergies and pure is always better than something loaded with dyes and preservatives.   It doesn't last as long, but that is also a good thing.  Good Luck!!    

[LKlauschie]

I have had bouts of blepharitis since I was a teen (I am now 56). I wash my eyelid margins with diluted baby shampoo and do washcloth soaks (recommended by the ophthalmalogist). Nothing has helped. I went to the optometrist today and he diagnosed me with Rosacea. He also gave me prescriptions for Restasis and Lotemax. I will let you know if it works.

[Deebrat]

I can't understand this problem sorry people I've tryed it all nothing works for me, whell at first its great then it just stops working. I'm sure we have something hopefully we will figure it out because the doctor do not help at all. I've had this time for about 3 mounths and it just started to go under the eyes

[slippersue]

I too have suffered from Blepharitis for years, nothing seems to cure it, it's a nuisance.
Perhaps that causes a weakness in the eye area where allergies can then attack.  I really believe it is an allergy problem and it could be many allergies as it was with me.  Since my NAET treatments my in August 09 my eyelid are still normal, thank goodness.  But I had more than one allergy that was affecting me.  I still have the Blepharitis and certain things rev it up - wheat straw dust, horse dust in particular.  I am going to get these eliminated by NAET, so I will keep you posted on the Blepharitis front.

[Cugsy]

I have had red and itchy eyelids for about a month now.  I tried E45 and Aloe Vera cream, which eased the itchiness but did nothing to help the underlying condition.  Went to see my GP who advised bathing the eyelids in Johnson's baby shampoo and putting on vaseline.  He also gave me some Loratadine anti hystamine tablets.  None of these has had the slightest effect.  Bumped into a nursing acquaintaince who said I had a fungal infection.  Managed to persude my chemist to sell me some Canestan cream who was reluctant only because I wanted to use it near my eyes.  I said I would be extremely careful - which I have been - and I do believe it's starting to work!!  Watch this space....

[eva428]

I have a toddler she's going to be 3 in a couple weeks. She has red,dry,scaly eye lids and also red eyes. When wind blows in her face her eye lids and eyes seem to get even more red. I've tried putting lotion around her eyes n I've also tried an eye cleanser, but it looks to me that its not helping. Also she has very dry skin I've tried putting calamine lotion I've tried baby lotion. I've even tried not putting any lotion at all..she's always had dry skin since she turned 1! What can do so that she doesn't have this anymore?

[darenka]

Hello, my name is Susan and I'm a mushroom.  I suspect that at least for some, it is indeed a fungus.  I have the same eye lid problems most people are describing, but I also have patches of that miserable sore, stingy, itchy, raw, burning, chapped skin on several other places (back of knees, chest, inside elbows, etc...)  I seem to have a reoccurring yeast infection as well.  I've been using anti-fungal creams and they do seem to help, but as this nasty bugger is spreading on me, I want a cure, not just palliative care.  It's a little frightening to apply things near the eye and as many of you know, it seems to seep into the eye and cause additional problems.  

I have read that there are several types of fungal infections of the skin and they can be difficult to diagnose and treat--some respond to one drug, others to another.  It often presents itself as a rash or allergy which complicates diagnosis/treatment.  One broad spectrum drug fluconazole (used as a 1 day pill to cure a yeast infection by some US MDs) seems to work well on many of the fungi.  For a chronic skin infection, treatment seems to be 7-14 days.  So wish me luck in strong arming the doctor to try this remedy.  I will report back my results.  

And for the statistics keepers here:  48 year old female.  I don't wear makeup, I currently live in Germany (so no creams or potions with the earlier suspected chemical).  For birth control I use Depo Provera shots.  Problems started in the fall about when we turned on the heat (being wimps from warmer climes we do this earlier than the locals).  I do have thyroid issues, but they have been controlled for years.  Dog owner, with no known allergies to them, but I do have seasonal allergies.  Because of my symptomatic relief with the anti-fungals, nothing else helped, I'm quite sure in my case it is fungal.  One of the problems is we are talking about something that could have several causes.  A rash can be a result of 20+ different things.  I'd suggest people try several things, if you are have good results with anti-fungal stuff--logically, you have a fungus.  If your problem abates with antihistimines, it's allergy based.  There probably isn't one single cure for everyone.  But I certainly wish everyone success in finding your cure.  This is painful and unsightly.  I even looked up leprosy, because it's that awful.  I'm a social leper at least with these unsightly eyes--imagine old dry skin bags, with nearly open sores and chaffing skin.  Makes some of you glad to be 19, doesn't it?  Good luck everyone.  

[darenka]

I forgot to add, that if your problem is fungal based, you'll receive some relief by using dandruff shampoo to wash your face.  For more mild cases, the dandruff shampoo and anti-fungal creams might be an effective cure.  

[puffy2010]

I have redness and puffy upper eyelids in both eyes and chapped lips and redness around the lips.  I have read the comments and am going to try washing with baby shampoo and use the extract from an aloe vera plant.  Any other remedies?

[smilesalot233]

This eye lid stuff is not new to me. As a younger person I use to get this when I would go out in the garden and eat tomatoes off the vine to my heats delight. I would get this red puffy itchy scalling patch on my upper eye lids all the time. When I stopped eating tomatoes the patches would eventually go away. I have since stopped eating tomatoes. I am 45 and 2 weeeks ago I started having the eye lids flear up and they have been bothering me since. (no tomatoes in my diet) I do not wear make up and I have not changed any products that I have been using. I have not taken any meds or advil etc. I know that I am sensitive to molds. I am in Colorado (USA)

I am going to attempt the apple cider v. and check in to NAET thank you all for your input and follow up. It is nice to know that I am not the only one suffering with this.

[jluthye]

Well, as EVERONE gas stated, I am glad to have found this thread.

I have all the symptoms too. Red dry itchy and eventually peely upper eyelids. I originally thought makeup, but then decided it wasn't.

After reading the posts, I think there are two forms. There are those that are caused by allergies and those that are fungal. When I say allergies, it can be food allergies to. Have you been craving something since this started? I know yeast, and cradle cap in infants have been related to food allergies. I am on a restrictive diet due to breastfeeding an infant with MANY food allergies. I have not journaled a link to my outbreaks however, only her throwing up. Yay something else to add.

Then there are the fungal patients. It may not be a reaction to the makeup but once your makeup is infected its ALL infected. You are supposed to change out your mascara every 3 months due to fungal as eyelashes are a big culprit.

I too notcie a 3 fold increase in symptoms after sweating. I am thinking I have a combo. Fungal and allergy, and I assume that most don't try to treat both which is why it is ineffective.

I have also read that is can by thyroidal/rheumatoid I have come across this too "Sjogren's syndrome with is marked dry eyes, dry mouth and sometimes an inflammatory Inflammatory bowel disease
Ulcerate colitis arthritis."

I noticed my arthritis has spread about the same time ( last 2 months) and the past week my mouth has been very dry waking up. I cant swallow and I have to drink 4-6 glasses of water during the night. Then the WORST, last night intercourse with my husband seemed to hurt. I associated it with working out and my muscles being sore. I am not so sure anymore. I will be using the vinegar though today. Screw it they already burn and are almost bleeding. I will welcome the vinegar pain, hopefully it hurts so bad they go into shock and go numb! That's what I am shooting for anyway lol!

[scorpiogirl_40]

You may have Preseptal Cellulitis. It is caused by contiguous spread of infection from local facial or eyelid trauma, insect or animal bites, conjunctivitis, chalazion, or sinusitis. Symptoms and signs of preseptal cellulitis include tenderness, swelling, warmth, and redness or discoloration. A course of antibiotics is the most common treatment for individual with this eye infection. Even if the eye infection does vanish the antibiotics must be completed; such as clindamycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, or doxycycline for oral treatment. A steroid shot such as Cortizone will not work (at least it did not for me) Today is my 1st day of treatment on the antibotic (antibiotic) so I will keep you posted. By the way my was caused by untreated sinus problem. The doctor told me to buy Mucinex-D Maximum strength in the red box. The one you have to ask for at the pharmacy counter.

[Peaches2009]

Update:

My son continues to use the apple cider vinegar with great success and the coconut oil for dryness.  He was able to stop using them during the 2 week christmas break but the minute he resumed practice for basketball the sweat caused it to flare again.

I continue to believe its fungus related, but since the ACV is working we are happy to have the problem contained.

[fantamas]

I got the same problem as you, swallen lower eyelids with red spots under eyes and many many wrinkles like very old woman (I'm 42, but now it looks like i'm 60).  It is not itchi, but I get burning feeling.  (Few days ago I just tried to apply Clinique eye cream, then at night I tried few new eye shadows and mineral make up over liquid make up....Now I'm lost which product broke my eyes?  Hate it when manufacturers care only about money, not about people's safety!!!!)
Scary... I'm getting afraid to put any cream/cosmetics and just waiting when my eyes will be healed.  I will try eye drops...
I sweat in GYM and it makes my eyes skin irritation worse..:-(  I think that shampoo and conditioner may cause our problems too....  what if it is biological war??? sometimes we get food poisoned and etc...

[fantamas]

Please share info about cosmetics (cream, shampoo, conditioner, parfume, etc) you use and let's watch the statistics...

[chitowngal]

So I just stumbled across this thread; I suffer from the same symptoms as everyone else.  I do have seasonal allergies/overactive sinuses; however, I get the puffy/itchy eyes sporadically (like today), when I have no other allergy symptoms.  My allergy meds have helped somewhat, but some days (like today), not at all.

I'm now wondering if my shampoo is the part of the cause.  While I've been using the same facial cleansers and cosmetics since I was a teen (I'm 33 now), I jump around shampoo brands. So, I started reading about Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/SLS, a harsh ingredient very common in shampoos (http://www.squidoo.com/sls).  I read that SLS can intensify allergic reactions and eczema.  It also mentions that those who have reactions to SLS are often more severe in the winter (like now). I was also reading on http://www.parkhurstexchange.com/columns/dec08-p24 about eyelid dermatitis and how it says, "cosmetics applied to the hair, face or fingernails are more commonly implicated in eyelid ACD than those applied to the eyelids themselves."  Hmm....Hair?

I'm currently using Herbal Essences shampoo which I now know contains SLS.  Prior to that (and recently) I was using Redken (and not experiencing any problems).  Redken contains Sodium LaurETH Sulfate (SLES), which can also be an irritant but from what I've researched tends to be less so.  I have also noticed that I seem to suffer with more regularity when we are at our vacation home in Wisconsin.  I always thought that this was due to there being more trees (and therefore more pollen to trigger my allergies).  However, it just dawned on my that the bottle of shampoo I keep there happens to be Herbal Essences.

If our shampoos are partially to blame, it may explain why we 1) wake up with the swelling eyes in the morning as I'm sure it's all over our pillows, 2) why it's mostly women as many of us probably have longer hair than most men.  

I'm going to buy some nice, natural, gentle shampoo tonight and start testing this theory; wouldn't it be crazy if it were as simple as that?...fingers crossed!

[fantamas]

Can you imagine, my mom gets the same problem with itchi internal corners of eyes, red, dry  and at the same time the samething happen in her nose and ears... and even in cervical area.... O, my GOD!!!  Hydrocortizone was prescribed to her %1, did not help.  Doctor increased streghtness to 2,5% - does not help.  Dermatologist said that she got seborrea.  This is radiculous, he adviced to use dandroof shampoo which does not help and problem gets worse!!!!
I do not know why doctor's get paid by insurances high prices.
I think if doctor cures patient, then he suppose to get paid ( like lawyers, if they win cases)

[Moni815]

What luck to find this thread today! I have been suffering from this off & on for many years to no avail. This bout has been going on for 4 days & is so bad that I haven't gone out in public because I looked so scary. Anyway while reading through the post I decided that the fungus/ yeast  solutions made sense in my case, especially since I had symptoms of a yeast infection starting this morning . So, all I had at home was some CVS antifungal spray powder for athletes foot which I decided to test on my eyelids & the peeling itchy patch that has been growing on my wrist & lower palm. No guts, no glory right? Well ,TA DA ! In the time it took for me to flip through the tread , about 45  minutes , the spray has worked it's magic .I know it seems fast but, swelling is all but gone (98% better), no itching or redness is left. Also decreased pressure or weight on eyes. Amazing.  Thanks to the persons who mentioned Fluconazole for female yeast overgrowth, & the sugar connection to yeast. When I read these posts I had my Aha moment. You made me remember how this all works together to create havoc in the body.Good luck to everyone in finding your answer. I hope this helps.

[pmscom]

I wrote earlier, but thought I'd share my latest efforts.  I went to another dermatologist. She prescribed Elidel which works great on everything but my eyelids. I have some patches of this on my neck, behind an ear, and around my mouth and Elidel has worked nicely. But when I used it on my eyelids, it irritated them and made them swell.  So after a couple of days of usage, I stopped putting it there.  However, I have noticed improvement since I began using her recommended skincare regimen:  CeraVe cleanser and moisturizing lotion. It's inexpensive and you can buy it at CVS. My sensitive skin doesn't react negatively to it and I can tell a difference already in the way my facial skin feels...the wrinkles are not as prominent as long as I keep my face hydrated. Also less irrititation on the eyelids.  She also gave me a topical cream for rosacea which seems to be working. I don't remember the name of it. Both are prescribed, but my insurance paid for them and I only had small copays to deal with.  Anyway, so far, so good. We'll see how this regimen helps.

Patti

[mrschipper]

I have the described eyelid problem too and I just wanted to let you know that I have been using Sulfate-free hair products for years.  My stylist has used a brand called Enjoy since they first started.  All of my hair care products are this brand and are sulfate and paraben free, so in my case, with same symptoms, it cannot be an allergy to sulfates or parabens.  I almost with it where as it would give me somewhere to start, haha!

[kreenybean]

I too am so glad to have found this forum, but, of course, wish someone had found THE definitive cure for what ails me and apparently many others.

I would agree though with some of the posters that there might be two or three different conditions described here, so I will detail mine.

For a few years now I have had this problem in the winter. It seems to start with the inner corners of my eyes being itchy, which I will "scratch" with one of my fingers. Then it seems I wake up one morning with lizard-like puffy skin around my eyes making them look as if they were those of a 90-yr.-old - no offense, but I am only 53. The puffiness eventually goes away, only to leave very wrinkly skin behind for the rest of the day. In a "duh" moment today, I finally realized that whenever I touch the skin around my eyes - for example to pat in concealer or to itch the corners, it burns the skin and makes my eyes water excessively. At different times throughout the day my nose runs to the point of dripping embarrassingly if I don't get a kleenex to it quickly enough. My eyes water throughout the day and this liquid seems to dry up and flake on my eyelids and around the inner corners.

I really don't think this has to do with any specific chemicals in products since over the years, I have used many different makeup products, all usually of high quality, different shampoos, cleaning products, etc. The common thread as far as triggers go simply seems to be winter when cold air and hot air from car heating blows into my face. Also, sweat really provides an additional irritant, but I don't get any of the other symptoms in the summer.

After having read up on all this online, I had come to the conclusion that this is a form of excema which I have since treated with the aforementioned Neem oil, Vaseline, Calendula cream, YSL Temps Majeur eye cream which I thought had helped last year, Burt's Bees Repair Serum, all to no avail. I just put Neosporin on my lids which doesn't really seem to have provided any relief, but we'll see. Tomorrow I will get some apple cider vinegar and some Omega 3/fish oil rub on. Oh and the athlete's foot cream or another antifungal will be on the shopping list also.

A couple of years back when I had the first flare-up it seems my hair (I wear bangs) also was very irritating to the eyelids when it touched them. Today I described the whole thing as me being "toxic" to myself - the burning when I touch my eyes, the tears burning my eyelids and the hair irritating the skin (also that doesn't seem to be the case this year). It almost seems like I am excreting something that "burns" my skin, but tell that to an eye doctor and they just ignore it.

A few years ago I had a long period of dealing with iritis, which is said to stem from inflammation in the body and is often linked to psoriasis, and sure enough I had a few patches of it here and there.

All this just to be specific with what is going on for me and here's hoping it helps someone to identify their own condition. I will post if any of the new "treatments" help. Oh, and I have no confidence in a regular eye doctor or dermatologist, as they will not really listen and understand the total picture.

[reynerdiesel]

As one of the few males on here I can say my case is 100% not down to cosmetics. My symtoms nearly identical to Kreenybean, as above,  and I have had it for nearly 8 weeks now. After reading on some other forums and tried many creams, moisturisers,  I have now been on Emu Oil, otherwise sold as "dremu oil" for 4 days. My redness has disappeared completely on the lower eyelids and 50% better on the upper. The lizard type skin bags on the corner lower eyelids are 90% better, the red patchy skin on my cheek is 50% better, although still dry and flakey. For me this seems to be working and is such a relief visually and comfort wise. The only thing that it hasn't helped is the itching, I have to be very careful as soon as I put the oil on, as it seems to make the itching worse for the first 2 hrs. I wash my face with warm water, no soap, dry with clean kithchen towel and apply the oil 3-4 times a day. For £8 a bottle its well worth trying.

[johnny8656]

I, too, am a male (age 53) and have had many of the same symptoms reported on in this forum. Some background - I've had sensitive skin which has been diagnosed as anything from eczema to atopic dermatitis. Rashes would start out as small red bumps that really itched. I went to a dermatoligist several years ago who prescriped tiamcinalone acetonide (corticosteroid) and the bumps and itching went away. I used this whenever I'd get a flare-up, which was usually a few times a year. The bumps would normally show up under my arms or on my neck. Last summer, I rode my bike on a century down to the Jersey shore (the real place, not the show) while wearing a hydration backpack (camelback). I developed a severe rash (red bumps) under my arms where the pack straps were that were the worst I'd experienced. I visited the urgent care clinic, told the doctor of my experience with triamcinalone and she said that she would prescribe  a combination of corticosteroid and fungus medicine - (generic form of lotramin). When I put it on, the bumps went away within a day. Amazing stuff! So, now I have the red, itchy, and wrinkly skin around my eyes. I work out everyday and sweat (I don't glisten, I sweat). Also, my eyes water quite a bit from the cold and dry conditions this time of year. Sweat and eye-secretions (eeewww!) are breeding grounds for fungus. So, my hypothesis is it's a fungus thing that will need to be cured intitially with a lotramin like cream (I need the corticosteroid initially to reduce the red and itchy symptoms). After the symptoms fade away (I hope), I can go to more of an over the counter anti fungal cream. I tell you all this before I visit my doctor (GP) in an hour. I'll keep you all apraised of my (hope to have ) progress. Film at 11...

[pmscom]

After reading some more on this board yesterday, I decided NOT to wash my face in the shower using my Dove soap. I also remembered someone talking about sulfates in shampoo, etc.  So when I showered, I used a therapeutic (dandruff) shampoo on my hair and then just wash my face with it.  When I came out of the shower, my eyes were noticeably feeling better. The itch was not there. Later in the day, I went to the local herb shop and purchased some emu oil. I applied that last evening and this morning and my eyelids feel so much better. Yes, still a wee bit of itch but not so bad.  I was actually looking for that neem oil or the Egyptian Magic cream that I had read about on here, but the herb shop had neither. I'm to check back later with them. I am hoping that this new routine, with the therapeutic shampoo and emu oil, will help.  Oh, for the last two weeks, I have used the CeraVe cleansing lotion and moisturizing lotion and have been very pleased with both. I just have the habit of washing my face again when I get into the shower. I'm going to lay off the Dove soap on my face for a while.  If someone knows of a soap I can change to that would be better, please advise. I had a dermatologist tell me a few years ago to use Dove because it was gentle on my sensitive skin.  So glad I found this message board!  Hope everyone has a great day!

Patti in Alabama

[wandan]

Hello, I have been keeping up with the forum for a while now and trying different remedies as suggested.  So far I have used dandruff shampoo, organic tea soap, olive oil, vitamin e, fungal cream, benadryl ointment, steriod cream......and on and on!!!!!!
Benadryl gives me the quickest relief for the itchy eyelids but then it is not a cure.  It does seem that when you use the steriod cream, it gets better for about a week, you get really excited then bam....it's back again.  I have dealt with this about 2 years.  I have had chemo therapy in the last 5 years so I thought it occured due to my immune system.  Anyway, now I have it not only on my eyelids but inside both ears.  Is anyone experiencing this?  Ears itch, flakey and weeping.  What a drag.  Guess it could be worse though.....Good luck to everyone.

[Rachbaby]

I can not believe that I stumbled across this discussion! I am a 30-year-old female. My eyes started this red, itchy, swollen thing October/2009. On and off. I KNOW it's not my make-up because the first 'outbreak' - I sworn off make-up for quite a few days and it didn't get any better. I have it all the way around my eyes - the worst part of it is in the inside corner and under my eyes. I look like I got beat up. I think I scratch my eyes in my sleep on top of everything else because they burn so badly in the morning. (I should wear baby gloves to bed. HA!) Back in October my doc told me all about hydrocortisone cream 1% + Preparation H. I was religious about it. Every time I’d feel an itch, I’d pull out the hydro cream. It worked. 2 weeks. GONE. Now…it’s back…in full force.  Soooo…today I have had it with my darn eyeballs! I just jumped onto Google and found all of you with the same horrid eye issue. After reading through some great suggestions, ’m going to the drug store after work to get Refresh PM and preservative free artificial tears. I’m also going to try the Chamomile tea…boil water on the stove…stick head over steam for a few minutes…rinse, wash, repeat ;) I’ll keep you all posted. I hope we all wake up with non-swollen eyelids manana!

Cheers!
~Rach

[pmscom]

Just wanted you all to know that, so far, the emu oil is working! I have continued washing my eyelids (and face) with Equate Therapeutic Shampoo that you can buy at Wal-Mart.  I have no itchy eyelids, no scaling, etc.  I am so thankful this is working for me! Hope it continues!

Patti

[swiggins14]

Thanks for  this forum.  I was thinking I'm the only one with red & swollen eyelids!   Mine are itchy, but do seem to me to be an allergic reaction to something.  I have no idea to what, though.  They also burn when any eye cream or face lotion touches them.  The only thing that doesn't burn is Neosporin, which is okay at night, but too greesy to use in the daytime.  I tried to cover the redness with translucent powder today, but the redness came right through the powder.  Since it may be an allergy, I took Zyrtec and put some hydrocortisone cream on top of the Neosporin.  I'm also going to change my pillowcase.  I will see how all this helps by morning.  Thanks for all your suggestions!

[yevsky777]

Thank you for these posts.

A few days ago, I awoke with a slight irritation under my left eye. Withing a day, both of my eyes had dry wrinkly skin around them. A couple of days later, I awoke with red puffy wrinkly dry skin aroun my eyes. It was a scary site. I wore sunglasses when going out and got funny looks inside stores (and the bank), as no one was wearing sunglasses inside in February. I didn't mind the looks as I knew they would have been much worse if the sunglasses were off.

I prayed for God to help me find a natural cure for my condition. My husband came across this post and I carefully read every post.

Because I realized it could be one of several conditions, I followed a safe natural procedure that would deal with multiple conditions. I threw away my makeup that contained parabens and bought an organic shampoo without SLS or other harmful ingredients (at whole foods). I went to whole foods and purchased the NEEM cream and a new makeup line with safe ingredients (Dr. Hauschka eye liner, mascara, blush, and "mineral fusion" compact foundation). Repeatedly, throughout the day, I washed my face (especially around the eyes) with LYE soap, which I was able to purchase at "True Value" (SC True Value stores carry it, perhaps other states as well), and then applied the NEEM cream. Once, I used coconut oil (organic, "Now" brand) for extra moisturizing instead of the NEEM cream (not together, just replacing it once), then washed my eyes again with Lye soap and reapplied NEEM. Before going to bed, I washed my hair with the new shampoo and changed the sheets.

After a few days, my eyes are finally almost completely back to normal.

Getting rid of paraben cosmetics and SLS products would take care of allergies to these extremely harmful ingredients. The Lye soap would take care of skin conditions such as exzema (eczema), as well as sooth other irritations. The NEEM cream (organic) would attack a fungul case (even if it was not a case of fungus, I didn't worry about using it because it is a very healthy product overall without any negative side effects, so I wasn't worried about using it specifically for a treatment of something that wasn't there, as it is safe and healthy overall). Then changing the sheets would, of course deel with either allergies to harmful shampoo ingredient, or infection that made it unto the sheets.

As for the new makeup, my original plan was to use it only after everything healed, in case it was a case of infection and I didn't want to transfer it to the makeup (which is kind of expensive). However, I carefully applied the compact and blush avioding the affected area. Then used the new eyeliner when the swelling started coming down. I decided to do it this way and pay attention to see if the healing process would come to a hault upon my applying the makeup again the next day (thankfully, it did not).

This safe and natural combination treatment has worked very well for me.

Thank you, "chitowngal," for your explanation about SLS reactions being more intense in colder months.

Thank you,"Blonde_pony," for writing about parabens.

Thank you, "eyeliditis," for mentioning the Lye soap.

Thank you, "ItchyMcScratcherson," for recommeding NEEM.

Thank you, "pmscom," for your thoughts pertaining to another cause.

Thank you, "SoreEyes2009," for your mention of "Kiss my face," which I plan to purchase for my new skin care line.

Thank you, all of you, for your thoughts on this, all of your posts helped me to think through this and come up with a safe and natural procedure that would take care of multiple causes, without each part of the treatment interfering with the other in a negative way. It has worked very well for me. Thank you so much! I hope each and every one of you finds a safe remedy that works for you.