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!