itchy red swollen eyelids,,,not Blepharitis - please help me!!!! - Eye Care

crazymomof464

Sep 16, 2011

To: women over 40 on this thread!

I'm noticing a large number of women on this thread who, like myself are in their 40's or older. Remember "perimenopause" begins up to 15 yrs before actual menopause!  Read this and maybe it will explain why so many of us in this age group are suffering from allergies we never had before..............
"As more medical professionals further their research in the occurrence of allergies at menopause, it may be helpful for you to understand the link between the two.

The Hormone – Allergy Connection
Hormones play an important role within our body’s immune system. As a woman experiences hormonal fluctuations during menopause, it may compromise her immune system, making her more susceptible to suffer ailments that she may have never suffered before, including allergies.

Many women report that they experience symptoms of allergies for the first time in their lives as they approach menopause.  Mild to severe allergic symptoms can even appear for the first time during menopause.

Common allergens include pet dander, pollen, dust mites, molds and certain types of foods. But almost anything can cause an allergy in a person. Some allergic reactions may appear in the form of a rash, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, eye discomfort, congestion, sneezing, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, mental confusion, hives, and in rare cases anyphylaxis shock.

One reason for hormonally-driven fluctuations in allergies and asthma is a reduction in cortisol (an immune regulator and anti-inflammatory agent). When this occurs, the body compensates by producing more adrenalin, causing inflammation and hence, an increase in allergic and asthma symptoms."

crazymomof464

Sep 16, 2011

To: helpmeLordJesus

Too funny!  AFTER I posted the comment about the hormones and allergies, I read your post and the last line that ended mentioning hormones.
Literally between the months of May and July I very suddenly developed a rather severe allergy to raw carrots. In May I was taking them to work to snack on. In July eating just one SLICE caused my mouth to go numb and itchy, runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat.  NEVER had any allergies except pollen before this summer.
It's got to be hormones changing us!
I'm going to "up" my Quercetin/Bromlain capsules to 3x/day. Google Quercetin and allergies. It has really helped my previously terrible seasonal pollen allergies.  Maybe I need more to combat this new hypersensitivity to other things!

lindy779

Sep 19, 2011

To: all the red eyes

I may have missed it, but I don't think I saw "blepharitis" mentioned anywhere. I've suffered with red, itchy eyelids and dry eyes for a lifetime - six decades so far. It wasn't until my late thirties that an eye doctor diagnosed it as "blepharitis" - which unfortunately is a life long condition. Recently the flare up has become difficult with red and cracked bottom lids, so I went to the ophthalmologist for something to help. He gave me the usual instructions for treatment, which I hadn't been doing, which is to wash and rub the lids with Johnson baby shampoo or just hot water, use hot compresses four times a day, over the counter eye drops like Refresh or Systine, and prescription Tobradex eye drops. The Tobradex ointment applied to the lids would have been better - as one day I used these drops and the Refresh shortly after and I could barely open my eyes they were so dried out! I stopped and have done nothing for a week, but I feel the symptoms returning. Hot compresses will definitely help soften the oils that get trapped in the pores of the lids, but wet compresses are drying and exacerbate the problem Need to find hot compresses that are not wet - he had suggested that some folks use a hot potato! Will try that. And I will ask him for the Tobradex ointment instead of the drops - which is what I went to him for in the first place! But instead got everything I already knew, and drops that made my eyes worse! So to all who may have blepharitis, I share your lifelong pain. It's an annoyance, and sometimes a fright, but it can be managed with good hygiene, an occasional application of ointment and eye drops. BTW, I noticed this recent flare up, the worst ever, has been accompanied by the worst sneezing and allergies ever, for which I've taken nothing. So I might try something for that as well. The journey continues...

lindy779

Sep 19, 2011

To: all the red eyes part 2

well - to all who've ever been embarrassed - or are yet to be - remember me! I found myself amidst all these posts, and didn't read the title! Let me just say - be thankful that whatever you have is probably curable and not lifelong like blepharitis!

Ageas

Sep 20, 2011

To: lindy779 & any1 else who thinks i could have blepharitis

I can see y u say blepharitis as the symptoms most of us are reporting are similar. Red, dry, cracked and mine are occasionally mis-shapen creases in the lid.

BUT, its not on the rim at all and never has been for me, just the main eyelid that covers the socket and blepharitis is (judeging from what net searches have shown me) always on the rim 100%, occasionally spreading to the rest of lid.

so lindy779, u say eventually ur dr diagnosed blepharitis, but did the whole thing start with ur rims having these symptoms, and is he probably wrong as the treatment for blepharitis hasn't helped u at all?

One week on from my 1st comment on here and after reading all of urs, I have nailed itdown to my new conditioner I was using an red isnt the word after using that! Washed my hair twice now with old conditioner and symptoms have not worsened, but stil dont look 100% normal since using the 'bad' conditioner about 5 days ago.

I hope u all find ur culprit, and let me know any of u if blepharitis has to be on rims of lids so i can single that oout, in case my conditioner is a coincidence.

Thanks x

mh1963

Sep 21, 2011

i have had this problem with itchy, flakey ,red, old looking eyelids for a while and after googling i found things that i tryed such as coconut oil, neem oil, honey, johnsons baby shampoo etc. well nothing worked for me. my doctor prescribed something called Fluorometholone which worked in only a few days. it has been a couple of weeks and if i ever get a sensation of it coming on a small dab takes care of it. i am thrilled because i was getting quite discouraged when these other methods were not working at least for me. I hope this helps someone else.

crazymomof464

Sep 22, 2011

To: mh1963

Beware! Fluorometholone is a steriod cream.

Side effects: "If corticosteroids are used long-term, There is the possibility of systemic absorption with corticosteroids and result inside effects such as skin thinning, a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands as well as a decrease in the production of collagen in our skin tissues. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of this medicine should be avoided wherever possible."

Thinning of skin and decreased collagen = wrinkles!

pershia

Oct 07, 2011

To: Oro

I am a 3 month sufferer; it has recently started with me. I am 42 but when I woke up in the morning I look like 60 year lady, who has been crying all night, I am angry and sad and feel sorry for all of us, I want to give you the chance to try one more thing maybe it works, I have decided to fight with is misery, I rub fresh lemon juice every day 3 to 4 times it burns but I believe this nasty thing comes from fungus, anyways I massage gently my both eyelids with some fresh lemon juice, then I wash the area aging with not deluded T-Sal Neutrogena shampoo which has salicylic acid in it, leave the shampoo for 4 to 5 minutes on my eyelids with my eyes tightly shut, I rinse with cold water thoroughly and cold water compress for few minutes, dry my face and I put an cream/ointment which has vitamin A and D and the base of the cream is Vaseline, the lemon juice and the shampoo has properties to fight fungus and the Vaseline with vitamin A & D will help the heal up,
That’s what I do and it seems it is working, if I don’t over do it. If you decided to do it make sure you start slow and gentle. I hope this help if not all but some people. Expect burning with the lemon juice and shampoo rubbing :(
I believe we all should share whatever we know to get rid of this misery.

tootired10

Oct 08, 2011

To: All

I'm baaaaaack!  So, I kinda kept my eyes in check for a while now.  flareups here and there but off all steroids which is very important.  I had a HUGE flare up recently due to a crying jag over the tragic  loss of my friends son coupled with an extreme allergic reaction to a chemical.  I was full blown horror for weeks.  NOTHING in my arsenal help. Because of the allergic reaction I had swollen, painful chapped lips.  Nothing I put on them was helping either so I googled around and found a tried and true remedy for my lips:  NO LAUGHING............Lansinoh Lanolin!  It's 100% pure lanolin used for chapped nipples from breastfeeding.  hahaha!

Now, all of my life I was led to believe that I was allergic to lanolin so I proceed with caution.  I HAD INSTANT RELIEF.  My lips healed up in one day.  So, my eyes still in bad shape  I gingerly dabbed some on my lids upper and lower before I went to bed 2 nights ago.  MY LIDS ARE BACK TO NORMAL.  omg!  I'm still using a thin layer on them now and will continue this until forever maybe.

Apparently this form of lanolin in processed in a way that removes all possible allergens and irritants.  it's safe for babies consumption. It's cheap. It's very thick and gooey but, honestly,  I'm strongly recommending it to you all to try.  STRONGLY.  However, if you feel your rash is related to a yeast problem I would 1st use Lotrimin, wait about 10 minutes, then add a layer of the Lansinoh. I would not use Lotrimin for more than 1 day. You can find Lansinoh Lanolin at any drug store and PS  It's the best thing I have ever used on my lips as well.

tootired10

Oct 08, 2011

To: all

PS. I'm a member here from way back. Here are some of the things I used in the past with limited success: Cortersone OTC,blephamide ointment, neem oil, ACV, dr hauschka, coconut oil, olive oil, grape seed oil......

What I was currently using with good luck prior to this flare up: Egyptian Magic.

fah2

Oct 12, 2011

To: dawns

I read your article and I thought I had fungus and used Lamisil for a couple of days. It did not work. Finally, I went to the doctor today and I was told it is eczema. This is the first I time I had such an experience of itchy cracking, scaling and swollen eye lid. The doctor recommended over the counter Cortaid plus also apply any moisturizer. I read in another article Clinique Moisture Surge is good one to buy. I will try all these and I send in my result. Apply a thin layer of Cortaid, it really sooth the eye plus it stopped the itchyness too. I hope this helps.

jojocat19

Oct 12, 2011

To: All

I've suddenly developed the same problem.  This is the second time...after clearing leaves, pine needles.  But, really not sure.  My eyelids start itching, then redden, then swell.  The only thing that works for me...Benadryl carefully applied with a Q tip on each eyelid (Be CAREFUL not to get into eyes)..using a different end of Q tip for each eyelid.  I DON'T USE my fingertips to apply the Benadryl.  Leave it on all night, reapply in morning...leave on all day.  When I wash it off, I use Cetaphil Anti Bacterial soap.  I've also used CVS allergy drops (the ones that may be used by 3 year olds.. (Allergy Eyedrops Ketotifen Fumarate....)nothing strong! )AND I ONLY USE THEM FOR A DAY OR TWO!!! NEVER LONGTERM!
BUT! Here's my added observation. I really also suspect fungus...or flakes from my scalp.  So, now at night (really weird!), I pull my hair back and wear something on my head that keeps my hair out of my face all night...and off my pillow!  Since I did not wash my hair after clearing the leaves and pine needles, the hair may have contributed in some way to the eye redness!

Thank you,  to all of you for your advice.  I am going to try Baby shampoo and that shampoo from Whole Foods.  I recently tried a shampoo from Mother's called Theraneem Organix Shampoo.  Helps with my scalp itching...but not completely. BTW went to the doctor ($75!) and all he said"  I'm stumped!" and wrote out a prescription for steroids!  I left..never to return!...and spoke with a nurse-friend who suggested the Cetaphil Antibacterial soap and a pharmacist who suggested the Benadryl on the eyelids (CAREFUL!).  Both worked the first time...we'll see tomorrow if the redness and swelling disappear this time!  Thank you again!!!

jojocat19

Oct 12, 2011

To: everyone

I've siuddenly developed the same problem.  This is the second time...after clearing leaves, pine needles.  But, really not sure.  My eyelids start itching, then redden, then swell.  The only thing that works for me...Benadryl carefully applied with a Q tip on each eyelid (Be CAREFUL not to get into eyes)..using a different end of Q tip for each eyelid.  I DON'T USE my fingertips to apply the Benadryl.  Leave it on all night, reapply in morning...leave on all day.  When I wash it off, I use Cetaphil Anti Bacterial soap.  I've also used CVS allergy drops (the ones that may be used by 3 year olds.. (Allergy Eyedrops Ketotifen Fumarate....)nothing strong! )AND I ONLY USE THEM FOR A DAY OR TWO!!! NEVER LONGTERM!
BUT! Here's my added observation. I really also suspect fungus...or flakes from my scalp.  So, now at night (really weird!), I pull my hair back and wear something on my head that keeps my hair out of my face all night...and off my pillow!  Since I did not wash my hair after clearing the leaves and pine needles, the hair may have contributed in some way to the eye redness!

Thank you,  to all of you for your advice.  I am going to try Baby shampoo and that shampoo from Whole Foods.  I recently tried a shampoo from Mother's called Theraneem Organix Shampoo.  Helps with my scalp itching...but not completely. BTW went to the doctor ($75!) and all he said"  I'm stumped!" and wrote out a prescription for steroids!  I left..never to return!...and spoke with a nurse-friend who suggested the Cetaphil Antibacterial soap and a pharmacist who suggested the Benadryl on the eyelids (CAREFUL!).  Both worked the first time...we'll see tomorrow if the redness and swelling disappear this time!  Thank you again!!!  Jojocat19

GoodLookingMan

Oct 14, 2011

Jat5 thank you!!!!!   I have been suffering recently for about 3 months off and on the constant and annoying itch in my eyes and around them, the eyelash area specially and I was dying!! How could you or anyone live with it for 20 years!!  It is the worst feeling, sensation and constant thought in your mind that there might be something worse happening.  This last week was the worse, I scratched sooo much that my skin was almost raw, I have this red patches of skin on hte outside corners of my eyes and the eyelid because I scratched so much, it hurts, it's uncomfortable but the worse is that people notice it and ask you or look at you weird and I did not get the ugliest form (from what I can read here).  Then it turns into a rough something that is even worse.  This morning I woke up with puffy eyelids and thought I had to go to the doctor now but I am afraid because for what I have been reading, NONE of them can figure out what the problem is or what to do.
I had used oils, creams, chamomile tea as a wash, honey and the itch was still there so after not been able to take it anymore and to wait for the following day to go to doctor, as I was on my way to the pharmacy to see if I could buy something that would cure (too much to ask) or at least relieve the burning, itching, painful feeling and I googled swollen itchy eyelid and this site came up.... I read your comment and instead bought Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo... I luv YOU for reposting someone else's suggestion and for giving your opinion.  IT WORKED!! I AM CURED!!!!  NO MORE ITCHING!  Now i just have to wait for it to unswollen and for my skin to get back to normal....  I have beautiful eyes, the shape of them as well as the dark green color... I almost cried to think that women would not compliment me on my eyes anymore.

Thank you again and for those of you who keep looking for something fancy STOP!  Do the Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo. IT WORKS.

Again.... thank you.

GoodLookingMan

Oct 14, 2011

Follow up on the previous comment (6 minutes or so later)

My itch was gone on the FIRST application, it has been more than 2.5 hours and there is NO itch. Johnson and Johnson Baby shampoo WORKS. I used a cotton ball and applied shampoo on it and rubbed it gently on my eyes (wet your eyes first) and rubbed and rubbed gently paying special time on eyelashes roots and left it for several minutes ( almost 4 or 5 I think) and rinsed... NO ITCH!!! Did you read that?? NO ITCH ANYMORE!!!!

I pray this relieves EVERYONE'S symptoms THEY ARE THE WORSE!!!

John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO

Oct 14, 2011

To: CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL

Congratulations to all the people that have contributed to this our longest running discussion thread.

The Physicians of the American Academy of Ophthalmology MedHelp Eye Forums.

kakogab

Oct 15, 2011

I have also had this for months. I have tried yeast infection treatments, both oral and topical, tinactin and even diaper cream. Been washing with baby shampoo for more that a week. Some things seem to be working but not for more than a day or two. Has anyone elso noticed a copper tint to the eyelid? I googled that and got a bunch of syphilis related sites. Can't imagine how I would have gotten syphilis on my eye lids, since i am 42 and have not recently passed through the birth canal. I am so worn out with this!!!

pershia

Oct 18, 2011

To: All

I am writing back because I am fine and itch/redness free for 2 weeks now, after using T-Sal shampoo washing my eyelids and using fresh lemon juice for getting rid of the fungus, please check it out IT IS FUNGS. So good luck to you all

cmn53

Oct 19, 2011

To: All

Greetings Fellow Suffers - I want to expand on dawnvs' comments about the yeast.  Even if your problem is blepharitis this could be helpful. I urge you to look into this as a potential contributor or companion to the flare ups. The tearing caused by blepharitis creates a moist warm environment on the eyelid that is perfect for fungus growth. The swelling/wrinkling of the eyelid also creates a habitat for fungus in the folds of the skin.  Since yeast is a naturally occurring fungus in everybody's body it is usually the one to manifest if conditions are right and you could be dealing with two separate issues. Could explain why it is hard to treat. If you only have seasonal allergies the watery eyes that come with that can create the same type of growing conditions.
     I have had this problem for 32 years so I am an armchair expert.  When considering fungus as a possible contributor you have to think big picture, not just the symptoms on your eyes.  When I was 22 I developed itchy eyes, an odd rash on my nose and mouth that moved to my jaw, down my neck and then it exploded on back covering me from the base of the neck to tail bone.   Nobody knew what it was until I found a GP who had seen it before.  It was a cutaneous yeast infection.  The treatment was painless but not simple, antifungal creams, pills and 100% cotton shirts.
    A fungal infection can be a sign that you've screwed up your body chemistry.  It’s more of an imbalance than an illness and it can occur in healthy people.  The greatest relief came with modifying diet along with medicine.  Think in terms of what makes yeast grow and then put it terms of food.  Anything that contains yeast like breads can create an imbalance when your yeast count is already high.  Anything that feeds naturally occurring yeast will also feed the yeast in the human body so anything containing sugar (fruits and vegs too), vinegar, preservatives, nuts and fungus foods can cause problems as do antibiotics. You must read food labels. It was easy to give up sweets but letting go of ketchup and salad dressing was torture.  I used herbal supplements to regulate bacterium and survived.  Bonus side effect was weight loss.  The eating plan is not a weight loss plan or diet, it just happens because of the things you can't eat.  Once symptoms clear you gradually add the eliminated foods back to your normal routines.  Also a good way to find out if any one food or combination of foods acts as a trigger.
   When I had my first experience involving my eyes I wanted to pluck them out or have somebody knock me out until it was gone.  Doctor after doctor and nobody could offer any help. I hadn't had a cutaneous eruption in a long time so it didn’t occur to me then that it might be yeast/fungus. The next trip was to a GP's office where I had to see a PA and what a gem he was.  I asked to be checked for a cutaneous yeast infection and was told that it wasn't possible because for a person to have a fungal infection like that they would have to be dead, dying or have rotting flesh.  I paid for that information and left empty-handed. I went back to the modified diet, got medicine, did tons of research, and it finally cleared up.  No way to know if I was right about any of it or if it simply ran its course.  I still can't say whether my problem is the fungus alone or if it is something else that leads to a fungal infection but it’s a factor every time.  The flare ups started come multiple times a year and if I don't catch it quickly the outbreak lasts longer than before.
    I am currently dealing with it again and my eyes are killing me.  Thought it was gone a few days ago after enduring it for two weeks but something caused it to flare again. I was really hoping that someone had found the miracle cure.  Unfortunately it seems that the longer the condition exists the more one becomes immune to the available remedies.
     Things you should know if you are willing to consider the potential of a yeast or fungal component:  WASH YOUR HANDS A LOT We transmit so much stuff by unconscious touching and not only do you risk transferring something to the eye itself, if the skin is cracked you could introduce something into your body or if it is wet from tearing, you could be planting something that will grow.  It's human nature to touch something if it hurts so think about it.  BE CLEAN BUT NOT TOO CLEAN. Don’t wash the area so much that you render healthy bacteria ineffective.  The warm compresses help but make sure to dry the area completely. TAKE OFF THE MAKE UP as soon as possible.  Don't use ointment based products like Vaseline to remove it.  Even with washing afterward there could be residue that could serve as a medium for fungal growth.  If you have to use one of those products wash the area twice and make sure it is dry afterward. If the eyelid is swollen gently flatten it a bit to expose the whole surface of the lid.  It does no good to wash the surface and not this area if there is fungus present as it will just keep growing.  Baby oil is one of the more pure products that will remove make up but you have to wash that off really well too.  I also tried the Neutrogena wipes and they made this worse.  I have tried baby shampoo but no help. Also tried using dandruff shampoo on my eyelids and got some relief but it was short lived.  Antibacterial soap every other day as the goal is to kill fungus, not healthy bacteria.  Use it on your hands as much as you can.  Someone noted that Dove for Sensitive Skin made theirs worse - I use that and am going to change to see if it helps.  Going to try Ivory soap or pure glycerin.  If fungus is present with another infection you have to treat both but the individual treatments can be in direct contradiction to each other. USE ICE to control some of the swelling if it gets really bad. USE AN ANTIFUNGAL at least twice a day, morning/night or use a moisturizer in the morning and antifungal right after removing make up or midday and then for over night. You get the most benefit from the night application when your skin is clean, free of cosmetics, not exposed to environmental chemicals or sunlight and it’s usually dry so try not to skip that one.  I now have to have a prescription and use a very THIN film of Nystatin on both upper and lower lids.  It helps some but it's not a cure.  Antifungals dry the skin so you get flakes but in a way that is exactly what you want to happen.  One way to kill fungus is to dry it out and when the skin flakes off it is taking fungus with it.  The morning moisturizer is a must.
   No cosmetic moisturizers while this is going on but I have found one that doesn't irritate too bad and it does seem to help reduce the puffy, wrinkled, old lady/man appearance that you get during an outbreak.  Not doing a product promotion but we have to drop names whenever something works or at the very least, doesn't make it worse.  I use Avon Anew Clinical Eyelift Treatment.  Not recommending it to anyone, just stating what has worked for me.  I use it sparingly everyday according to directions.
   Try to avoid foods that are yeast feeders and learn to love yogurt every day even when no symptoms exist as it will help keep the chemistry balanced.  Live cultures and little/no sugar- no heavy fruit yogurt.  If you can't tolerate yogurt try supplements with live bacteria.  The only fruit you should eat at first is apple as the pectin has some benefit in fighting fungus.  There are multiple websites that talk about yeast control diets.  Back when I was first diagnosed the medical community barely even recognized the problem. Maybe next time I visit here some apothecary wizard will have found a cure.

Cinders2551

Oct 20, 2011

To: All of the Above folks!

I have had the same condition as everyone has described and then some for the last several years. It appears to be an allergy of some sort -more likely a contact dermatitis and/or eczema as several doctors have said. A friend recommended Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap (at local health stores) for the skin and after trying it...it really works! It smells awful, but it cures the itchiness/redness, etc...eyelids and all. Be sure to keep your eyes closed so the soap doesn't get in them. Through trial and error (after lots of $$ invested in creams, lotions, makeup, etc..) I tried using Aveeno Eczema Therapy lotion and it's only been literally 4 days and my skin has improved on my face and body almost 100%. The itchiness and redness is almost gone. It's amazing to say the least...It's working for me...just had to voice my opinion because I know what everyone is experiencing and it's no fun!

crazymomof464

Oct 20, 2011

Not cured but better.
So many factors to consider, it can make your head spin. First of all, the season has changed from Summer to Fall here in NJ. So maybe an allergy to a plant that is no longer blooming? dunno. Also, considering the possibility of fungal infection. Ringworm (a fungus) is common in cats and mine have it, not bad, but it's there. Could I possibly be contaminating my eyes? Right now only the outer corner of my L eye is swollen and tender and I'm wondering if it's the fungus. Treating it with baking soda paste- put on hold for a minute or so, rinse.- a few x per day. Soap- only Aveeno or Castille. Moisturizer: only Aveeno Eczema Therapy, which I love! Causes no sensitivity issues no matter how inflammed my lids are!
So, just chiming in my update. Wish I could say I found out exactly what the problem is and what the cure is but, no.

tootired10

Oct 21, 2011

To: Dr Hagan

Thank you for the congrats, however, it's clear to see by this thread that our problem is vast and is not addressed properly by the medical community.  We suffer greatly and all of us have sought medical treatment with no cure, only temporary relief.

It's entirely frustrating.  this is a fungus or a unique allergy or both and I wish the source can be identified.  A great deal of our symptoms are common yet common treatments to not help much.  At this point I find it hard to believe that it an individual allergy in an individual environment that is the cause. I believe it's more widespread in our environment.  It should be noted that while many of us suffer from allergies, THIS rash, when it presents, only affect the eyes and not the surrounding skin as other typical allergic skin reaction do,

This is not the longest contributing thread for nothing!  We need the medical community to look outside of the box and help us with a real solution.  We have spent a great deal of money and time trying to solve our debilitating problem   HELP!  Get the word out that this is NOT what many doctors to believe, a simple common issue.  :D

crazymomof464

Oct 21, 2011

To: tootired10

Very good points. I was thinking the same things when I read Dr Hagan's post. Unfortunately, over the years, I've learned to rely less and less on traditional medicine and it's 'experts'. People say to me, "Have you been to the doctor?" I answer, "Why, so he can begin a guessing game and send me for all sorts of tests and procedures and put me on meds that will cause side effects and further cloud the already puzzling symptomatic picture?" I can 'guess' at home, thank you!
But what you say is true. This problem seems more widespread than I'd imagined when I began doing my research into it. Why have the vast majority of posters here NOT found a solution by means of traditional medicine?
I was on a roll of a week or so where things were better. Then this morning I awoke to patches of petechia-like redness under my R eye- NOT the eye that has the swelling in the outer corner. I tried to think of what I did differently. I did NOT take my Quercetin yesterday. I usually take it in the morning and before bed. Quercetin serves to strengthen capillaries. hmmm maybe a contributing factor is "capillary fragility" due to age or genetic pre-disposition? Just tossing that out there.

Deb9729

Oct 22, 2011

I'm sitting here stunned that so many of you have the same problem as me!

Itchy eyelids, when I rub or scratch, the crease in my eye swells up and goes red flakey and dry - I've been dealing with this for about 8 months, it started quite suddenly and initially felt like a paper cut on my eyelid

Without success I have tried steroids, antihistamines and oral cortisone. I've been tested for all the common allergies with no results

I've eliminated every chemical substance from my life, no soaps, detergents, perfumes, sprays etc

My doctor proscribed Elidel which actually works really well, daily use keeps it completely under control - trouble is you can't use it forever, also, I feel like I'm treating a symptom and something is badly out of control here

I'm giving up on traditional medicine - I've got an appointment with a natural medicine therapist next week and hopefully he can give me some answers my doc can't

Deb9729

Oct 22, 2011

I thought I should add this - this is what I'm using, it works very well if I use it every day without fail. it takes about four days to kick in

http://www.racgp.org.au/cmi/nvcelicr.pdf

I feel slightly guilty now because I've been complaining about this to my doc but mostly cos I didn't want to have to use a cream every day, now I realize that some of you have been putting up with this for far longer with no relief!

Oh, and an interesting clue in this mystery? Elidel is an immune suppressant, does that mean this could be some kind of immune system disorder?

Deb9729

Oct 22, 2011

To: cmn53

I'm going to investigate what you've said, I suggested to the allergy specialist that it could be fungal but she just dismissed me - because I have it under control it's very hard to show a doc just how bad it gets and she just fobbed it off as eczema and told me if the cream was working then just keep using the cream

crazymomof464

Oct 24, 2011

To: ALL

Sometimes when you find something that works, it helps nail down the cause. For a few days now, I've been using the baby shampoo and Neem cream on the outer corner of my L lid. It had flared up again w/ the itching, burning, swelling, flaking. I've found relief. Since both the baby shampoo and Neem are antifungal. (Baby shampoo simply bc it washes the fungus away) I feel pretty certain that a fungal infection is at least partly to blame. The over all puffiness (mostly upon waking) and the wrinkles/sagging that follow I think is mostly due to age (I'm 47). Working on that. Taking Butcher's Broom, Horse Chestnut and Quercitin to improve capillary strength so fluid stays where it belongs and doesn't leak out causing puffy lids. Also made an antioxidant serum. Putting egg white on the under eye area to help stimulate collagen production. Looking into facial exercises as well. Can't help the aging process, but I'm not going to take it lying down. LOL

Deb9729

Oct 24, 2011

i went to see my naturopath yesterday and he says it an immune system problem - he said even if it is a fungus its still related to a weak immune system

he put me on astragalus 8 and vitamin C as well as continuing with EPO - he reckons it will take about two weeks to kick in then he wants me to gradually stop the cream to see if the treatment is working

he was very confident about his diagnosis - he said he's seen it before and basically its because your skin is the first thing to go when your immune system is run down (in my case its stress related), things that your body might have been able to deal with before like a sensitivity to makeup it simply cant deal with

Tubac

Oct 26, 2011

I've had this more about 8 months. Yesterday I decided to see an immunologist (allergist). I got tested for 60+ different contact substances including my dog. According to the tests, I am allergic to a couple of kinds of grasses, ragweed,dust mites and two types of fungi. The dog passed.
Here is what this doctor prescribed:
Over the counter Zyrtec 1 tablet before bedtime
Nasonex spray i squirt in each nostril at bedtime
Nasal saline4to 6 X day
Greek yogurt daily
2000 mg. Vitamin D daily
1% Hydrocortisone cream on eyelids
2% selenium ointment (face wash)
J&J Baby Shampoo
Ongoing allergy shots

This what I call the shotgun approach.
I'm going to try it, but I'm not holding my breath.

Oh, his diagnosis? A combination of allergy and dermatitis.
His unforgettable comment after looking up my nostrils?
It looks like Muammar Gaddafi in there!

That was sure news to me...

que17101

Oct 27, 2011

To: Lauren1956

Which Mario Badescu eye cream did you order. I notice several on his site.

jaysta36

Oct 28, 2011

To: que17101

M8 dont waste your money,feels good for couple of days ,but when soaks in after few days becomes an irritant ,tried everything,best thing trust me, get some johnson johnson babe shampoo,little on fingers with hot water make a diluted solution and scrub on face,and on eye lids keeping on for 1 minute and wash of with cold water,leave damp,by just dabbing face,also take a printon allergy tablet before bed,best your going to get 95% cure you will never fully get rid of it ,it will always flare up occasionally due air born pollutions always going to be there,that's the trouble with modern life! but this is the best out there.

superdupersoprano1

Oct 29, 2011

I have had this condition for over a month now. It is really uncomfortable and very ageing (aging). I was given antibiotic/hydrocortisone cream which worked initially but I was told by my doctor to only use it for one week. As soon as I stopped using it the red, swollen, itchy, crinkly skin returned to my eyelids. I tried using Vaseline and some non-steroidal cream that I bought in a health shop but nothing worked. I was feeling quite upset about it and was starting to feel old and ugly. I remembered some cream I bought on the internet for my daughter’s eczema. I read about it in a national newspaper, it was made by a mother for her daughter’s eczema which had failed to respond to all treatments and decided to give it a try. Within 3 or 4 days my eyelids had returned to normal and I feel like my old self. Here are the details: www.purepotions.co.uk the product is called Pure Potions Skin Salvation. I hope this helps someone. Best wishes Linda

Mkeo

Nov 01, 2011

I wanted to just thank whoever suggested the Mario Badescu control cream. I am 30 years old and this started with me in August. My eyes were so wrinkled and swollen, I looked about 80. They itched so bad and I looked so awful, I didn't want to be seen in public. I found this forum and I wanted to say thank you so much b/c my doctor could not figure it out, said it was maybe allergies/dermatitis. I tried hydrocortisone but it burned like crazy and didn't provide relief. The only thing that made it feel better for a little while was washing a few times a day with J&J baby shampoo and applying vaseline. This provided relief but I still looked the same and then the area spread to both under-eye areas as well. At this time I started using athlete's foot cream on my eye area, being very careful. It looked better for about a week of doing this, and then all the sudden it flared up again. I bit the bullet a few weeks ago and ordered the Mario Badescu control cream through Amazon. It was about $28 including shipping. I would have paid $500 given how well this worked for me. I looked like my normal self after only four days and have not had any itching or swollen eyelids at all.

I never post online and I wanted to thank all the contributors to this forum for their ideas. I was the maid of honor in my friend's wedding this past weekend and I'm so happy I didn't ruin their pictures with my red swollen eyes. I hope the Mario Badescu cream continues to work. Please try it if you haven't already.

anthonysgirl

Nov 01, 2011

Like so many others, all I can say is what a HUGE relief it is to find this thread. What a horrible and depressing problem this is - misery certainly loves company because I am so happy to hear from fellow sufferers!

Thank you all for your suggestions - to give you a bit of background on my situation, I've been suffering from flaky red eyelids on and off for about four months now. I have a history of allergic conjunctivitis, regular (as opposed to seborrheic) blepharitis for several years, so no stranger to eye issues. While I thought all of this has been really annoying for years, I'd reclassify it as a mild irritation compared to the horror of waking up in the morning to flaky deep crevasses in my eyelids!

I'm also a contact lense wearer and allergic to dustmite and pollen. While the flaky eyelids match up to symptoms of seborrheic blepharitis, I also feel they are linked to allergies of some sort. This began over the summer time, and as this is my first summer living in the UK, I figured, ok maybe there is some new flowering plant/grass over here that we don't have in Ireland which is the trigger for this. I went away on holidays to the Mediterranean and it cleared up absolutely perfectly without treatment within two/three days. But as its now properly winter and I'm still suffering, I really have no idea.

Reading the posts has given me at least lots of stuff to try. Thank you TooTired for the Dr Hauschka eye balm! I bought it two weeks ago, and it is the first thing I've used that works at all. Unfortunately it came back yesterday with a vengeance...I've bought lanolin and Rue Fennel tincture as well so I'll let you know how I get on with them.

Fingers crossed!

scQue814

Nov 04, 2011

To: John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO

Thanks for congratulating the longevity of the group discussion... BUT it would be nice if you, at the VERY LEAST, commented on the discussion itself! Is there any indication what the common thread is here? I'm noting a lot of people (such as myself) who seem to have contracted this some around June/July 2011. Is there a common environmental factor at play here? A bloom of a particular mold (due to abundant rain), a change in the frequency of solar radiation, radioactive fallout from the Japan disaster being carried via the jet stream? WHAT IS GOING ON? We need this itching, flaking and "age-denying" wrinkles to stop.

scQue814

Nov 04, 2011

To: John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO

Thanks for congratulating the longevity of the group discussion... BUT it would be nice if you, at the VERY LEAST, commented on the discussion itself! Is there any indication what the common thread is here? I'm noting a lot of people (such as myself) who seem to have contracted this some around June/July 2011. Is there a common environmental factor at play here? A bloom of a particular mold (due to abundant rain), a change in the frequency of solar radiation, radioactive fallout from the Japan disaster being carried via the jet stream? WHAT IS GOING ON? We need this itching, flaking and "age-denying" wrinkles to stop.

jaysta36

Nov 04, 2011

To: Mkeo

This stuff does not work after applying it for 1 week,fine at first but as it absorbs into eyelids becomes a irritant thats Mario Badescu Control cream dont waste your money! alot of people are plugging this item on here to make money..for the company who makes it babe shampoo diluted on q tips with hot water,rub on lids morning and night, Vaseline on face avoiding eye area,stops,allergens,pollution absorbing in skin,which effects the eyelids,and take a pritnon before bed,and 1 spray in daytime is the best cure for this clears it up about 95%,it will never completely go due to allergens and pollutions!

FergalEmmanuel

Nov 04, 2011

Blepharitis is the most common inflammation of the eyelids that causes itchy swollen eyelids. It is not a curable condition but it can be prevented and treated with proper eyelid hygiene. One should never leave make up on during sleep and avoid rubbing the eyes with unwashed fingers or dirty handkerchiefs. The swollen eyelids are usually a result of overgrowths of bacteria that normally live on the skin and keeping the face and hands clean is the best someone could do in order to avoid having swollen upper eyelids.

valrubalcava

Nov 06, 2011

I thought i was alone till i looked up my symptoms today. I have extremely dry and puffy eyelids, they are red, pealing and itchy. I look like I have aged 15 years. I have been using Shea butter and eye cream but nothing works. Some make my eyes sting like crazy. I dont even want to leave my house its soo bad. I will try the NEEM, I hope it works because this is just a nightmare.

-Val

Johnkelly

Nov 10, 2011

(28 male) I was diagnosed with blepharitis from childhood, it started as yellowish crusts around the eyelids and within two years it had morphed in to what I still have now, bright red randomly flared up eyelids, 10 x worse in the mornings and redness subsides gradually during the day, it has been a major problem for me over the years as I am a really outgoing person at heart... my confidence gets drained as a result even having to go outside the door at times. When I have a flair up or even walk past people on the street, I can see that some either laugh at me for obvious reasons or look in disgust as if I am some diseased druggy, this has turned me into a bit of a social recluse but not in a worrying way as I have a very supportive partner and friends and like a lot of people, go out at the weekends when my eyes are at their best and drink as much as the next person, the only difference is that I pay for it with red eyelids, for up to 4 days after.

Anyway enough of my sob story, there is plenty of good in my life also but the red eyelids are insanely annoying, I know where everyone is coming from regardless of diagnosis. for all we know this could be some undiscovered strand of yeast or bacteria behind the problem.

The main things I have noticed over the years are that anything with high sugar content gives me terrible flair ups, this includes pasta, milk and anything that breaks down in to sugars in the body, one test I made was to drink a large bottle of Coke or eat a load of Bread / Pasta before I went to sleep, then make a note of how my eyes reacted over the next few days, this would always give me a huge bright red eyelid flair up. sometimes the flair up would not be the following day but would always be at their worst on the 2nd or 3rd day and then start to die down fast. the effect would be a lot slower and milder with the pasta as I am aware it releases the sugars slower in to the body. all the flair ups are accompanied by eyelid swelling and eventually dry skin on the lower lids but not the top for some reason unknown,

If I watch my diet and keep away from as much sugar based stuff as possible it makes my eyes clear up a lot for the duration but I am addicted to sugar so I always end up failing,

Sleep seems to make a difference to my eyelids but this can be random, all I know is that too little and too much sleep flairs them as well as heavy computer use.

Castor oil is the only thing in my experience that can sort out the swelling, it takes a week to work and may originally make them worse but a small bit applied to the eyelids before bed on a cotton bud works wonders, only put on the slightest amount on eyelids, this wont do a huge amount for the redness but will not aggravate lids in the slightest.

Regular showers with Nizoral or T-gel makes a huge difference to me and dramatically reduces flair ups if I combine it with a good diet and sleep patterns etc.

Their is my 2 cents so far, I hope it is of use to someone, and even though I have not found any miracle cure so far, these have been the only things that have worked for me, I would be interested to hear from more from people with similar problems, best of luck, John

I have been prescribed almost everything mentioned on this forum so far in terms of creams and steroids, nothing has made any difference for more than 1-2 days, my last trip to the doctor was to ask to be put on a course of fluconazole instead she had a swab taken around my eyelids for traces of yeast or fungus etc, I will know the result of that in two weeks, I highly doubt anything will come back as I have been using fluconazole cream on my eyelids at one stage and this had done nothing, I mentioned to the doctor that I thought it was

Johnkelly

Nov 10, 2011

BTW. I just noticed the amount of people posting about hormone problems and red eyelids, I got hormone and allergy tested also, the hormone levels were all fine but with the allergy results I was told I was allergic to a natural occourring skin fungi called Malassezia furfur, this has links to a lot of skin conditions as far as I know.

thetiffanys

Nov 12, 2011

My first out break Oct 10 of this year.... one month later... still going strong! Can't help but wonder WTF is going on for such a large number of people to have this suddenly hit around this time?

I am 33, female and healthy. Never in my life have I had allergies. =( I am going to try the baby shampoo and see what happens.... I thought I had angieoedema..... I got the cortisoine (spe?) shot 3 days ago, no relief..... Willing to dance naked in the front yard wrapped in foil if it makes this go away. I feel sooooooooooooooo ugly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thetiffanys

Nov 13, 2011

veryyyyyyyyyyyy random, but thought I'd share.....

I was just told by one of my health guru friends, to cut all artificial sweetners out of my diet.  It should clear this right up.....

Only reason I am sharing this?  B/c I just started drinking diet coke about a month ago.....I jokingly tell my family that I am allergic to it and they just laugh and say that I will do anything for a real Coke.... and they are right!

I only do stevia and raw sugar for my coffee, so why in the hell do I put that other **** in my body?????????  I know Coke is horrible for you, so diet coke is probably 100 times worse.....  but I wanted to lose my belly! ;)

I am going to cut the diet coke and see if that helps... I'll keep you posted!!!

CountessDracula

Nov 14, 2011

Another 40 something who is suffering from this here!

About a month ago I started getting very sore upper eyelids which would swell up. Also under my eyes can swell and get sore looking.  I am quite an allergic person and have from time to time had this, but never for such a prolonged period.

I have many suspicions about the cause for this

Firstly I have had a couple of permanent blow drys (like keratin treatment thing) on my hair, and since then my eyes seem to have been getting worse.  Think I will give that a miss

Secondly, about the time it got worse, my chest of drawers fell to pieces, so I bought two large cheap ones from Ikea.  They smell really odd and I am wondering if am allergic to them.  My husband has had a terrible cough for 2 weeks and a couple of nights I have resorted to sleeping in the spare room to get some sleep - the next morning my eyes feel a lot better.

I googled and found this
We have bought Ikea furniture Malm 300.539.21 manufactured on 0451-4 23:06 (Birch effect).

Date of purchase 3rd feb 2005. We also assembled it right away. We left it in a well ventilated room for two days and then tried to sleep in the same room. My wife left the room within an hour because of the smell and the effects on breathing. In the morning I had a headache and a dry throat. We have ventilated the room during daytime with the drawers open, but in the evening after closing the windows the smell and irritations started again. I had first placed the drawers in our washing room (they seemed to be the worse), but today I have also placed the chest in the washing room in our attic.

I have asked my local store for a comment on this smell and the health implications. I have bought several furniture at home an in my office from IKEA but none of them presented this severe discomfort.

As soon as I hear more from IKEA I will keep you informed.

On 17th Feb 2005 I received from him the following email.

I have received a phone call from IKEA Heerlen. She had received my E-mail. Although I did not mention the word Formaldehyde she told me that the cause of my problems was caused by a high concentration of Formaldehyde. I had to return the chest to the shop (assembled). And we received our money back. We have not been able to buy a new one yet.

(full link to the thread here  about Ikea furniture and formaldehyde - http://www.peterre.info/ikea/formaldehyde/index.html )

Has anyone else bought similar around the time of the outbreak of symptoms?

CountessDracula

Nov 14, 2011

Oh and am also wondering if this is the reason for my husband's cough now!

catomboy

Nov 14, 2011

To: ALL

I live in the Northeast where it gets cold cold cold. Its that time of year again when we have to turn up our heat. I haven't always lived here. I moved here about 6 years ago from Southern California where the temp is nice all year. So I am not used to cranking the heat. My skin has gone through many changes living here and add to that the fact that I am now in my 40's. A few weeks ago my eyelids got red, itchy and flaky. I tried everything to manage it. Finally after burning my eyelids with cream after cream my eyes were so swollen and red. I went to immediate care and the PA gave me prednasone (SP?) -a steroid...".to jump start my body again" and was told to continue taking Allegra. That worked great! My eyes never looked so good! That was short lived! Within two days of taking my last pill, my eyes were back to red flaky and itchy! Back to the drawing board.

I read a lot of info people had posted here and other sites and I started trying new things. So far, the things that have worked for me are....continuously washing my hands with Cetaphyl sensitive skin cleanser, only washing my face with Cetaphyl and being very gentle on my eyes, double dosing on the Allegra (OTC kind), moisturing my eyelids with Lansinoh Lanolin only, and taking Vitamin C, multivitamin, and echineacha. So far my eyes are feeling a little better. I seem to be only managing the red, itchy, flakiness though. I have a feeling that it is due to the dry hot air of fall/winter and I may just have to undure until the spring. I did have eczema when I was a kid but never on my face.

Linda94559

Nov 15, 2011

To: catomboy

I have had the same thing happen to me. My last prednisone pill was today, and this am when I woke up, my r eye is itchy, swollen, puffy, and burns. MD is sending me tomorrow for blood work, thinks it could by systemicl. Don't know what to do have had it about 3 months now and nothing seems to work. I will keep you posted.

catomboy

Nov 16, 2011

To: All

My eyelids are still dry but not really flaky anymore. The redness is pretty much gone. I still double dose OTC allergy meds, wash with cetaphil and apply lanolin. I forgot...I'm also using an OTC antihistamine eye drop once or twice a day. I have turned down the heat in my house and try to wash my face with luke warm water or cold water only. Trying hard not to touch my eyes without washing hands with cetaphil first! I know things can flare up quickly so trying to maintain regimine.

Dancerl18

Nov 17, 2011

To: helpmelordjesus

I am only 18 years old, so I didn't relate to many of the posts on here, but as I read yours, I realized we had two things in common. 1-we both started experiencing dry itchy swollen eyes, and 2-We both started using Neutrigina facial cleansing wipes on our eyes before our symptoms started! My cousin also had a similar problem with her eyes, after using those wipes. I am wondering if they could be causing some of our distress. good luck!!

Audgal60

Nov 17, 2011

Love all the posts; thanks for the helpful information, although discouraged that there doesnt seem to be a cure. My problem started about a yr ago w/ just dry flaky eyelids. I had LASIK a few yrs ago & have suffered from dry eye since, so thought it was related. Dr. Put me on Tobradex ointment which helped. Slowly though the flare ups worsened... Have had 2 horrible ones in the past month where I wake up looking like a zombie. Red all around both eyes, swollen upper eyelids. After the swelling goes down, they are irritated, flaky and dry for days. I'm 51 but people have always said I don't look it... Well now I look 71! I am working from home today because my worst flare up ever started last night. So discouraging. I still use Tobradex when it really gets bad but doc said to use sparingly because is a steroid. I've tried emu oil, which doesn't help, eyelid cleaner gel which helped for awhile (last night it seemed to make it worse), Vaseline before bed, ice packs. Have always been susceptible to allergies and itchy eyes, but never had eyelid problems. But i did have some eczema for the first time this past spring. My daily Zyrtec doesn't help this so I don't think it's allergies. I am menopausal and on low-dose HRT. Thought it might be hormonally related, but not sure how. Our body's systems work together so closely though, that when one part gets out of whack, it can affect other areas. The one hypothesis in these posts that makes most sense to me is the fungal cause. I haven't tried anti-fungals yet, but plan to. And I have a very sweet tooth, so that could exacerbate it... I've eaten a lot of leftover Halloween candy & other sweets recently.
I am making an appt w/ a dermatologist to see what she says, and will run some of these ideas by her. Will share if I find out anything new.

catomboy

Nov 17, 2011

To: all

update: first of all...need to apologize for all my typos. I really hate typos. Anyway....still following my regimen but eyes are still irritated and little red. They were slightly swollen today. Hmmmm....very frustrating. Not as bad as they have been but I am tired of looking older than I am. I work in surgery and wear a mask all day so all people see of me is my eyes! I am gonna try the Mario Badusco cream if I can find it in the local Ulta. With the holidays coming up, I would like to look normal.

Cailin88

Nov 17, 2011

First time commenter, as I just stumbled upon this while looking for more information about my itchy, swollen eyelids.

About a month ago, they got bad enough that I went to the doctor, who prescribed two medications.  One was a very liquid eye-drop solution, the other was a viscous ointment preparation, both to be applied into the eyes, three times per day.  Both were Tobradex products.   I followed the instructions but after a few days, my eyes were only getting worse, not better, with one eye becoming so swollen and sore that I could hardly open it at all, so I went back to the doctor.  This time, he prescribed a 1% fusilic acid preparation in the form of viscous eye drops, called Fucithalmic.    He also suggested that I use hot compresses of very salty water as follows:  Heavily salt a bowl of water and heat it to the hottest temperature that you can stand (without burning, of course); have a second bowl handy for step three; take a washcloth and dunk it in the salted water and then press against your closed eye; once it cools, wring out the washcloth into the second bowl before repeating the processs; use a separate washcloth for your other eye; continue the process for ten minutes at a time for each eye; repeat 4 times per day.

The fusilic acid preparation seemed to work and the swelling and pain started to decrease, and the salt-water hot compresses brought quick, albeit temporary, relief to the itching, so that was an added bonus.  Things seemed to be nearly back to normal but with some residual issues with my right eye (which was the worse of the two all along).

Unfortunately, after having seen some excellent improvement, I woke up this morning with swollen, itchy eyes again, so it looks like I'm having a recurrence.  :(

*Sigh*

Cailin88

Nov 17, 2011

Oh, and I forgot to mention that when my problem started, my eyelids were also dry and flaky, and I also had some swelling below my eyes and some dry and flaky skin there all of a sudden, too.

Also, both of the doctors who I saw in the visits mentioned above said that it is a bacterial infection, and that it probably started as an allergy and turned into an infection. I was a bit baffled by this because I've never had any allergies previously in my life and I'm 40-something now.

I remain baffled, but I have to say that it is somewhat comforting to know that I'm not the only one out here wondering what the heck is going on when something like this happens out of the blue and seems not to have any rhyme or reason, or even any definitive cure/solution. So, thank you to all of you here for sharing your experiences; it helped a newb like me decide to join in hopes of also helping others by sharing my experiences, medical diagnoses received, treatments prescribed, results/lack of results, etc.

catomboy

Nov 18, 2011

To: All

I bought marios control cream last night. $50 at Ulta for the redness kit...control cream, cream wash, and calma mask. Well worth it! My eyes feel great! No redness...no flakes.....no itchy irritated skin....no swelling this morning! I didn't even take my usual two allergy tabs! I hope it works for you guys as well as it has for me so far. I believe in his line now and wonder what he has for aging :-)

anthonysgirl

Nov 19, 2011

Hi all,

An update on how I've been getting on. Lanolin didn't work for me unfortunately. The rue fennel tincture has no effect on my flaky eyelids, but if any of you have other eye infections in general I would recommend it, as it cleared my blepharitis right up (better than baby shampoo).

I think I saw a few people mention Aquaphor as a good option so I bought it and lo and behold, it is by FAR the best thing I've used so far, 70% of flakiness is gone and my eyelids actually feel soft again instead of like gritty sandpaper!

I'm quite aware though that I'm only treating the symptoms and not the root of the problem, whatever that may be. I've been researching on the internet particularly around the yeast infection concept that has been bandied about. It struck a chord with me, and I tried Lamisil on the eyelids but to no effect. I still think its worth investigating though, as a yeast overgrowth in the gut is often triggered by antibiotics, and I have been on a LOT of antibiotics throughout my life, mainly for chest infections. I wonder if any of you are candida sufferers?? I did the 'spit test' in a glass of water (which I know is contested, but hey, it was quick) and it suggests I have a yeast overgrowth. Basically the theory is that your immune system identifies the yeast as a foreign body and so is constantly on red alert, and that leads to a lot of other allergies / allergic symptoms / yeast infections. It also means that you crave carbs and sugar, which I definitely do.

SO, I've gone the diet root and gone on a yeast free diet five days ago. No sugar, yeast containing bread/pastries etc, fruit (sugar content), alcohol. Basically nothing fun, haha. I'm also taking yeast killing natural supplements (olive leaf extract to start). I'll let you know how I get on - would also be interested to hear if any of you have considered this type of thing?

Deb9729

Nov 20, 2011

cant say i've found a cure but i've got it under control

my chemist suggested this routine and it seems to be working

1 - clean the eye area with wipes designed for babies, he gave me some called "littleyes" - very soothing and stops me rubbing, no stinging, no residue
2 - a antihistamine eye drop (Zaditen) - i find it interesting that this is working because oral antihistamines had no effect at all
3 - a exzema (eczema) cream called Dermalex smothered all over my eyelids

doing this religiously three times a day plus the foul tasting potion the herbalist gave me seems to be working

biggest thing, NO RUBBING, rubbing seems to really aggrivate it and make the swelling so much worse

it took a couple of days to kick in but now i dont have to use the Elidel cream that the doc wanted me to stop, however for those of you who are getting no relief try the Elidel to get it under control

i think its an allergy, i just need to somehow work out what that is

oh, and i think its now affecting my lips as well, is anybody else getting constant cracked lips?

catomboy

Nov 20, 2011

To: Deb9729

Try mario bedusco control cream! However you spell it! I was doing the same kind of regimen you were. Bought the cream, used it once, and am symptom free! I also have the cream wash. Last night I used it on my lips too. Felt so good! I can't praise this cream enough!

lindas245

Nov 20, 2011

I have been suffering with this problem for about 6 months. My symptoms are raw red areas on my eyelids and under my eyes. They look like they have been burnt. I have also developed puffy areas just above the cheekbones. I went to a dermatologist and he put me on a regimen of prednisone, which worked beautifully; but you can't stay on them very long. I have also been taking Claritin daily, which is doing nothing. I put corisone on the sore areas; but then it just dries them out. In my youth I always had the problem with the crusty eyelids and I thought it was because of certain mascaras. I am now using MaryKay and haven't been having any problems. The doctor does not think it is a cosmetics. Any suggestions - I am really tired of trying to cover these irritated eyes. LindaS

scQue814

Nov 21, 2011

To: lindas245

Been going through lots of diet-control over the past few weeks... including reducing alcohol and fermented food intake dramatically.  Eating goji berries (wolfberries) daily, along with hot pu-errh tea. That, along with limiting my alcohol intake to red wine only seems to be doing wonders.  Also, I'm generally avoiding high-histamine foods and histamine-releasing foods.

Despite that last sentence, I will agree with you that antihistamines do not seem to help.  And yet, high-histamine foods seem to be problematic.  (Is anyone listening to this?)

Eat tons of green-leafies, onion and garlic.  Avoid alcohol--especially barrel aged spirits--though a single glass of red wine seems to cause no problems.  Avoid fermented foods, aged meats and refined sugars.  Limit coffee intake to only a few cups a week.

Your best friends are antioxidants:  Blueberries, pomegranate, mangosteen, freeze-dried raspberries.  Drink carrot juice--I use Bolthouse Farm brand.  Green tea and pu-errh (cave-aged green tea--the high-end ones that look like pressed cakes, not the cheap stuff).  Finally, start each day with keffir or some kind of low-sugar yoghurt.

If this is a gut problem--and I suspect it is, since I have Celiac disease--I'd wager it has something to do with both quality of gut flora and the possibility of "leaky gut".  My understanding is that the hepatic vein essentially connects the colon with the heart... which then flows into the head.

I'm no doctor.  But I can tell you that each point in my regimen (in cooperation) seem to be helping reduce the DISCOMFORT.  The SCALES are still there, but are less... irritating.  And at the end of each week, my skin is looking more normal than it did the week before.

Be patient.

concernedwife72

Nov 21, 2011

To: All

I truly can't believe it! I joined med help to find out info about pituitary tumors (for my husband) and got so many helpful comments that I decided to check out this forum about a problem that has been torturing me for a couple of years now. It started out with the itching, red, swelling eyelids, with little red crusty patches in the outside corners of my eyes. This would usually just occur during the springtime and would go away after a month or so. Eventually it started to last longer and longer, until now I have it year round and it has spread to my undereye, with mostly swelling and the occasional red raw patches that burn and hurt! I hate to admit it, but I'm 59 years old, but have always been told that I've always looked about 20 years younger than my age...no eye wrinkles...until now! One of the many doctors I've gone to took a look at my age and said "you know as we get older this happens". I said look, I know how old I am but you don't start looking 20 years older practically overnight...and with all the other smyptoms too! The swelling causes the skin to loosen and then the deep creases form...it's awful!

concernedwife72

Nov 21, 2011

To: All

Ran out of space before I could add that I still use a retinol based cream but can only use it one of two nights and then I have another outbreak and have to stop using it. It's not the cream though, and I've tried just about everything on here that you all have tried. The only thing that helps is the FML (fluoromethalone) ointment, which I could only use short term. The other one is Elidel, which can used long term, but I can't use it and wrinkle treatment at the same time....so I use the treatment in between flareups, which is quite often. :-( I agree that there seems to be something very strange going on here, that we all have such similar symptoms but no real solutions from any doctors. I was beginning to think I was all alone in this. Let's keep at it util we get some answers! Thanks!

scQue814

Nov 21, 2011

To: All

Has anyone else noticed a difference in symptoms when consuming high-histamine (or histamine-releasing) foods?

Incessant itching while in a reclined position... alcohol intolerance... itchy face or a rash after eating smoked meats?

Speak up!

Maybe if we group ourselves into sub-groups we can begin to see the patterns!

Deb9729

Nov 22, 2011

@ Lindas245:

get your doc to give you Elidel instead of cortizone - its less damaging and actually works better, actually it works really well

@ scQue814

i tried a complete elimination diet, actually did a 7 day fast, cut out alcohol, no food with nitrites or nitrates, fragrance free soap free everything, I know i'm gluten intolerant so i've completely cut out gluten (i used to cheat a little) - basically i'm on a diet of leafy greens, veg, fish and organic chicken - no red meat and no fruit

you tell me something else i can try and i'll do it

itching while in a reclined position strikes me as a blood pressure thing

I also have coin sized spots of eczema on my legs, not an overall rash just spots, i've mnaged to keep them under control with an over the counter flare up eczema cream but i have to use it constantly

"Despite that last sentence, I will agree with you that antihistamines do not seem to help. And yet, high-histamine foods seem to be problematic. (Is anyone listening to this?) " I find this really interesting, really really interesting :)

"If this is a gut problem--and I suspect it is, since I have Celiac disease--I'd wager it has something to do with both quality of gut flora and the possibility of "leaky gut". My understanding is that the hepatic vein essentially connects the colon with the heart... which then flows into the head. " this i find doubly interesting - i'm coeliac too!!

could this be a coeliac thing? i've read that most people with gluten intolerance dont know it - i didnt till i was nearly 40 and my worst symptoms were migrains and asthma - could this be a gluten intolerance/hormonal thing? - i find it interesting that a lot of us are over 40 and women

scQue814

Nov 22, 2011

To: Deb9729

What made me really start paying attention to the posts here was seeing so many people comment that these symptoms just appeared out of nowhere about 6 months ago!  Mine started around the beginning of July.  (I shrugged it off at the time as some new ragweed reaction--I had ragweed allergy my whole life, but have only had it once since moving to central-PA from Gettysburg!  But the timing was the same, so I shrugged it off.)

Anyway, I did contact Accuweather to request environmental data beginning in May 2011--pollen, radation, solar events, possible fallout from the Japan disaster. I'm not ruling anything out yet. I've gotten no reply thus far.  Maybe a few others of you might try the same (strength in numbers).

Anyway, I'm guessing those of you who had this crop up in the past 6 months are scattered all over the place.  Perhaps you could offer a zipcode to help us map out a pattern?

Mine is 16801.

concernedwife72

Nov 22, 2011

To: scQue814

Hey, I'm willing to try just about anything. My zip is 35077. You never know!

mickie333

Nov 22, 2011

I am a 47 yr old female and the itchy, flaking started on my left eye lid about 2 1/2 months ago.. Sometimes it affects my right eye lid but mainly my left.. When my eyelids get bad, I get little tingly itches, pin pricks and then it seems my hands and neck can feel the same.. My left eyelid looks bumpy under the skin from mid to top. Either this is hormonal, or some weird allergy. So far what the Dr.`s have given to try hasnt helped..Doesnt matter if I wear make up or not.I am going on December 6 to have this scraped or punch tested. I am tired of dealing with it. Does anyone else ever experience itching elsewhere but no rash or anything?

Deb9729

Nov 23, 2011

To: scQue814

sorry to burst your bubble but i'm in Australia - mine started in Feb this year

hey when was that massive volcanic eruption that passed dust all round the globe?

Deb9729

Nov 23, 2011

To: mickie333

i've also got it on my lips, spots on my legs and the back of one hand

my lips tingle and then itch then erupt in the red rash - first i thought it might be herpes on my lips (never ever had it before) but its not according to the doc

with my eyes it starts almost like a tiny paper cut that then gets itchy, i rub and the whole thing goes haywire

i wish we could post pictures here - i've taken photos of my eyes before and after

sickofsoreeyes836

Nov 26, 2011

I started with redness and itchiness under both my eyes almost 3 yrs ago. I was sent to a dermatologist by my doctor 2 yrs ago who said I had numerous allergies. Changed my shampoo, make up etc, but problem got worse eyes started to swell up. It could be the right eye 1 month and left eye the next. Suspected it was a reaction to medication i was on (eltroxon for thyroid and Istin for blood pressure) was sent to Immunologist but as i had no symptoms at the time he agreed it might be tabs. went off bp tabs for a while ,eyes ok but had to go back on them. Changed to a liquid med for thyroid as felt the fillers in tabs were causing prob,but as there is no liquid med for blood pressure had to go back on tabs. eyes flared up again . went back to dermatologist with pictures I took when I had outbreaks a few weeks ago. she doesn't think its the tabs ,but is at a loss at how to explain what is going on. Have to go back to her when symptoms appear again. I cant wear make up,(normally only wear mascara never wear eye shadow,but cant even do that now) my eyes look like a 90 year old(I am 49) and I am sick of it at this stage. I have used steroid tabs and maxidex ointment which brings relief but don't want to use continually as its a steroid. I am posting this with sun glasses on as my eyes are stinging me.. This is a sign that my eyes will flare up again

haymaund5

Nov 28, 2011

To: Red, itchy, and swollen eye lids!!

I have never had this happen to my eye lids!! It started a couple of weeks ago in my left eye lid and now it has spread to my other eyes!!!! I just started using Tea Tree Cream and it seems to be helping but jury is still out. Thank you for all the information and I am going to try them. Also I am so glad I am not alone in this problem.

Bri85

Nov 28, 2011

To: cmn53

Thank you so much for your suggestions and help. I developed a rash on my eyelids that has lasted me for a month. I had no clue what brought it on as I have never had it before and I didn't change any of my daily products. You mentioned a fungal infection and I started using an anti-fungal cream. Thankfully, that has been working to relieve the redness and the rash. It dawned on me that I must have contracted it at the gym that I changed to recently. Thank you for all your help; I would have never thought this burning rash was a fungal infection!

catomboy

Nov 29, 2011

To: Lindas245

Linda....that sounds exactly like what I went through. After reading so much about Mario's control cream, I bought it. I figured I had already spent so much money on creams and lotions and stuff that I had nothing to lose.
Believe me....it worked within one day!!!! I have never used one of his products and had never heard of his line before this. My eyes look great now! I use it everyday cuz I don't want to go back to those ugly gross sore red eyes again. Please do yourself a favor and spend the $30 on this cream. It is totally worth it!!!!

mooshuchicken868

Nov 29, 2011

Where do you buy Neem?
I felt like an lone alien on a planet of people with normal eyes and I just found my people!! Thanks for all the information you have all shared. Still waiting to hear from the good doctor! I just started researching this today because I am going NUTS!! I have never been allergic to anything so I had no idea what this was (and still don't, I guess). Started about 8 months ago. 60585 is the zip for those looking for patterns. Just turned 42 yesterday. The coincidences are really astounding. Just got back from Walgreens with my lanolin, Aveeno, and J&J baby shampoo. I've washed with it twice already and can tell the difference. Will try the OTC before I drop big bucks on an Ulta visit. I can find no pattern for when it occurs and what I'm easting/doing/drinking. One thing did occur to me. I have a full time job in sales so going "makeupless" isn't really an option. If its fungal, am I reinfecting myself every time I put on my makeup? I have started with all new eye makeup recently thinking that might be the issue but I can't do that every day. Anyway, I stay tuned for any other successes and I hope to post some of my own soon....still waiting Dr. Hagan.....

top21

Nov 30, 2011

To: All

OMG..... for about 10 days I slowly starting itching on my eye lids ..just ignored it ..thought this will go ..how wrong was I, now suffering with really sore eye lids and itch like crazy please help me someone out there this is awful...

scQue814

Nov 30, 2011

To: Dr. John C Hagan III

You really have no comment to all of us on this forum about the issues at hand? Or are you just a "bot", created for this forum to make us all feel like someone is listening? C'mon, doc, JOIN IN!

mooshuchicken868

Nov 30, 2011

Is anyone losing eyelashes? What am I supposed to do about that, Dr. Hagan?

Angel2025

Dec 01, 2011

To: Hi Everyone!

Glad I found this post, so much good info. I've had this problem for over a year. My main problem which I've not read here is...my eyes feel very heavy. When I blink it feels like sandpaper. Hard to keep my eyes open, I squint mostly. I have pain in the back of my eyes. I've seen a specialists (every test done) and all is great except I have Blepharitis. This week I'm having the worst flareup. I wake up in the mornings and my eyes are stuck together, red and puffy, only on the upper eyelids. My eyes are extremely dry. I use Systane Ultra about e/2 hrs. Helps for about an hour. I require oxygen when I sleep and I know this dries out your skin. I've had to use oxygen for the past 5 years, so I don't think that is the cause of my problem. I'm not able to wear makeup at all. I'm allergic to about 35+ meds, so there is not much I can use. Can never use steroids. I also believe this is affecting my eye sight. Anyone else feel-have the same? Thanks to all for the info. I pray we all get better, able to get rid of this.

Angel2025

Dec 01, 2011

To: Hi Everyone!

Glad I found this post, so much good info. I've had this problem for over a year. My main problem which I've not read here is...my eyes feel very heavy. When I blink it feels like sandpaper. Hard to keep my eyes open, I squint mostly. I have pain in the back of my eyes. I've seen a specialists (every test done) and all is great except I have Blepharitis. This week I'm having the worst flareup. I wake up in the mornings and my eyes are stuck together, red and puffy, only on the upper eyelids. My eyes are extremely dry. I use Systane Ultra about e/2 hrs. Helps for about an hour. I require oxygen when I sleep and I know this dries out your skin. I've had to use oxygen for the past 5 years, so I don't think that is the cause of my problem. I'm not able to wear makeup at all. I'm allergic to about 35+ meds, so there is not much I can use. Can never use steroids. I also believe this is affecting my eye sight. Anyone else feel-have the same? Thanks to all for the info. I pray we all get better, able to get rid of this.

Jodyhelen

Dec 01, 2011

Yikes! I'll just say I'm 60 and this very upsetting eye problem began about two months ago. I've never had allergies before. My right eye is swollen, very red, itchy beyond words, and skin has now become kinda crusty. Like you, I aged 20 years overnight. Very humbling to say the least. Have seen my GP and my opthamologist and both dismissed the problem since my vision was not impacted - yet! Tomorrow I go to see a dermatologist and I am not expecting much help. Should I try the Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo? At night it seems I almost scratch the skin on my eyelid off! Help!!

Angel2025

Dec 01, 2011

I agree scQue814, Where is the doc? We need help with our conditions.

Angel2025

Dec 02, 2011

To: Everyone

Update!
I used Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Walmart's brand) on my eyelids (3 x a day for the last 2 days) and my eyelids are better. I then used it on my face, arms and legs, no more dry, itchy skin. There is a very slight odor, but does go away quickly, besides that, I'm sold on using this. I'm fed up with this Blepharitis. Also, my 18 lb dog has been itching a lot lately. I rubbed him down once with a little of this oil and he has not scratched once in 2 days. Awesome!

cherylpd

Dec 03, 2011

I'm relieved to see that so many people have the same problem as I do, and I will try some of your suggestions.

The first time this happened with my eyes, I was down South on vacation, and I attributed it to a combination of everything in bloom (which it wasn't in NJ where I live), and the fact that I was using an eye moisturizer with Retinol-A everyday and hadn't used it before. The condition cleared up within days of getting home, stopping the moisturizer, Thera-Tears Gel to wash my eyes out and eye drops. Now, it's recurring again. In fact, they started the night I visited with some family members and they have cats. (I'm allergic to cats and after taking care of my daughter's cat for a week in June, '10 I developed pinkeye. I have not been the same since). I know that various allergies have to be involved somewhere.

I'm especially looking forward to trying the baby shampoo (I recently read about that method elsewhere too). I'm also thinking it's of no use to try any doctors, going by many of your comments.

evange54

Dec 04, 2011

To: All

I had the terrible swollen red flaky itchy lids .. I washed tried aloe and finally after 3 weeks went to the doc who had no idea and told me to wash with dandruff shampoo which dried my entire face to the point of absolute pain. I found a recommendation on this site from someone to use Mario Badescu.. control cream .. it worked in 2 days .. I had to order it directly from their website, but it worked and hasn't returned in 9 months so far. I can't recommended it enough. and I put it on occasionally now just in case, but I'm doing great!

scQue814

Dec 05, 2011

To: webmaster

Is someone in the IT dept keeping tabs on the IP addresses of the folks who keep suggesting products? Curious how many of the product suggestions are legit.

CountessDracula

Dec 05, 2011

An update after my post about furniture and formaldehyde

I contacted Ikea and they sent someone round to check out the drawers. Sure enough they were offgassing formaldehyde (there was 3x the recommended safe level of it in the air!!) As soon as they removed the drawers my eyes and skin have been 100% fine again.

The EPA has a page on this
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/formalde.html

Suggests if you have a lot of pressed wood products (ie mdf, particleboard etc - lots of furniture has veneer with this in the middle) you may wish to test and avoid them in future if you are allergic. I guess you can get an allergy test somewhere to check if you are allergic too if you suspect this.

We got a test online to check for formaldehyde level in the air,
http://www.****.co.uk/dragerbiocheck-formaldehyde-test-kit-p-54.html
(there may well be others available too but this was the only one I found in the UK)

cmn53

Dec 05, 2011

Today I come to the group with cautious optimism.  Last Sunday (a week ago) I felt the familiar tingle in my eyelids that signaled another flare up was coming.  This time was probably the quickest, most severe episode in a long time.  The last one a couple months ago seemed to linger forever but it didn't come on as fast as this one and didn't hurt as much right off the bat.  Any how, it's odd what desparation will lead you to.....

First of all, I have decided to refer to this as a syndrome rather than an infection because not one single doctor anywhere it seems can nail down a cause even when someone is lucky enough to find one who will listen and test us.  Syndromes are generally here to stay and either cause permanant damage or they cause symptoms on a cycle or as a specific reaction which, in our case(s) is still unknown.  Infections are ususally curable if they don't kill you first.  I found something that seemed to get this under control/gone within 4 days but since this is my first go with this regiment there is no way to tell if I have actually hit on something useful or if it was just a fluke.  Regardless, I will share but I wouldn't recommend this to everyone - especially not anyone with a weak constitution because it is far from pleasant.  Other than the elation I felt as I saw this mess clear up quicker than ever before there was little enjoyment.

Everytime this happens I go to the web hoping that rewording a search pattern will lead to new info but it rarely does.  It could be a bacterial infection, it could be a fungal infection, it could be belpharitis (which I doubt - think that is a catch-all for doctors who can't diagnose this) or it could be a parasitic infestion caused by over population of the demodex mite.  Regardless of what it might be, the symptoms were quite similar.  I cross reference a lot of what I was reading and I ended up with my attack plan.  I started looking at the healing power of Tea Tree Oil.  It is antiseptic so it kills bacteria, it is antifungal so it kills yeast and believe it or not, it kills demodex in as little as four, count them, four minutes.  I did find a couple websites that concurred however they said to dillute the oil with macadamia nut oil - why?? or water but water and oil don't mix??  Obviously you cannot use this straight out of the bottle as it is too strong so something is needed.  I used pure mineral oil and made a 50/50 solution although the sites I read suggested a 20% or 40% mix.  I applied it 2 or 3 times a day with a Q-Tip, blotting the tip on a clean papertowel first so it would just be moist enough to transfer the solution without dripping.  I promise you, you do not want this stuff running your eyes.  On the lid it burned like fire the first few days but after dealing with this for so many years (30+) I believe I would be tempted to try just about anything. The burning might have lasted for a minute or just a little more and then it stopped. Had to beleive the burning meant it was killing whatever was hurting me so I was motivated.  I also started using a new cream that was AMAZING.  Whether from the oil or the cream since I started both at the same time, NO MORE ITCHING, and not a lot of tenderness.  The cream is Gold Bond Ultimate healing skin therapy.  Of course it too burned just a little when first applied but the skin was already irritated and cracked.  Have to think it would be the same on chapped hands. This cream has vitamins A, C and E which are antioxidents with their own beneficial properties. Within the first day the skin got softer and although it stayed red for a couple days, it was as soft as a baby's butt.  Yep.  A baby's butt. I used a light coat at night and in the morning before work.  I used the oil first thing in the morning and in the evening when I came home from work and a third time if I was home for the day.  I started this on Tuesday morning and by Friday morning I was almost normal and by Saturday coudn't tell I had had a problem.  One thing that was really great about using the oil, as my eyes got better each day it burned less and less which told me the skin was improving because the oil won't react if the skin is healthy.  Using the cream for a couple days after the last sign of irritation also cleared up the extra wrinkling.  At this age I do have a few of the natural ones that don't seem all that bad after seeing what this syndrome does to the eye.  Will use the oil for a couple more days.  Just like antibiotics, you don't stop taking them for a few days after you feel better just to be sure.

There it is.  Not calling it a cure, not endorsing any product, not recommending this approach to anyone, just sharing what helped me.

scQue814

Dec 06, 2011

To: cmn53

GREAT POST!

Everyone on this forum should be doing this!  As soon as you start a routine/regimen, you should WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU'RE DOING.  BE METICULOUS!  Write down the results--no matter how good or bad they may seem at the time.  After 5 days, SUBMIT YOUR NOTES to this forum.  Several days later, submit a followup... just to confirm or deny any of your hypotheses.  (Remember, it doesn't matter if your hypothesis is correct: it only matters that you learn something from the experiment!)

If you fail.  Keep reading.  Then repeat.  As soon as we start to see a common thread of success, then others can start to test it out (voluntarily) on themselves.

We can only hope that when someone has successful results that they will REMEMBER TO REPORT THEIR INFO HERE!

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR POSTS!  You've no idea how helpful (and encouraging) it is to see your THOUGHTFUL comments!

Deb9729

Dec 06, 2011

you know what, we all have ways of dealing with the flare ups, what bugs the hell out of me is none of us know what is causing this

in the last week i've ruled out, capsicum, chilli, nuts, soap and shampoo

i'm keeping it well under control with antihistamine drops, antihistamine tablets, eledil cream at night, and dermalex cream during the day - but i'm really depressed that it feels as if this will be my routine for the rest of my life

cmn53

Dec 06, 2011

To: all

I also started using Similastin homeopathic eye drops t the same time I started the oil and new cream. These drops are labeled for use when you have a stye however they are not a medication to treat a stye. What they do is relieve redness, burning and itching in the eye. This product works better than the allergy drops I have used in the past, especially with the itching inside the eye itself.

Novella84

Dec 06, 2011

To: Kwinn

I have the same exact problem. I feel as though I could have written this. Unfortunately, I don't know the answer to why it happens. I haven't obtained relief that lasts, however, using neosporine (sp) does help with the pain and helps to heal the skin. It doesn't prevent the swelling though.

cmn53

Dec 06, 2011

To: scQue814

I like the idea of comparative, collaborative research which is exactly what we're doing here - all of us. It is after all one of the best ways to narrow down a root cause. Some times it takes a more simple approach especially since the highly educated professionals can't seem to get a handle on it. I think we should also note, witthout exact detail, a little geography just to see how widespread this is. I can tell there are hundreds, probably thousands of us just on this one string but what if we are similarily located or if not geographically joined, maybe some of us live in the same type environment where a cause coud be naturally occurring?? Forget the PhD stuff, I live in Northern Virginia about an hour outside of Washington DC. Has anybody ever tried to get the CDC involved?

catomboy

Dec 06, 2011

To: ALL

Okay....I am gonna post here again. About an month or so ago my eyelids got red and itchy and dry. The more I messed with them, the worse they got. They were so swollen and ugly I couldn't stand it. I work in a hospital so I went to the ER and the PA there gave me some prednisone (SP) That worked within one day BUT when I was done taking it, my eyes went back to being swollen, red and itchy. I hated it! I already feel old cuz my boyfriend is 38 and I am 43. This problem was making me look older! I found this site and tried some of the things people listed...cotton balls soaked in milk, Aveeno for exzema (eczema), vasoline, Cetaphyl, the whole yeast infection theory, countless creams and lotions for sensitive skin....NOTHING made it better. Some things controlled it but it was never better! I just figured I would have to deal with it until spring when the air wasn't so dry. That was rather depressing! I did read a couple of posts about Mario Badusco control cream and like a lot of you, did not want to spend that much money ($30 at Ulta) Then one night I was on Amazon and saw that product and I read the reviews. There were so many positive reviews. I went right to Ulta from work and bought the whole redness kit....the control cream, calming mask (which I still haven't used) and the cream wash. Seriously.....the next morning my eyes were so much better! I am just a regular person like all of you! Not a spokes person for any product! I just know how it affected me and know how you guys must feel too. I don't know if this cream will work for everyone or every situation but it worked for me. I still use it everyday along with the wash. I never put anything else on my eyes and wash my hands every time before touching my eyes. My eyes haven't been red or itchy or dry or swollen since the day I started using this cream. You don't have to buy the whole kit like I did....just get the control cream. I think it is cheaper on Amazon or from the site. I just wanted to try it right away so I didn't want to wait to order it. I don't care what caused the itchy dryness. It hasn't come back and this cream has gotten rid of it. I hate knowing that so many people are suffering from this like I did.

mmacomson

Dec 06, 2011

To: ALL

Ocular Rosacea!

I have had the same symptoms as most of you since february of this year.  5 diff eye docs couldn't find anything wrong with my actual eyeball.  Then I went to an allergist and was tested for everything and am apparently not allergic to anything.  I was also tested for Sjogrens disease (which causes mainly dry eyes and a dry mouth), and that came out negative.  Doing research, the last thing it could be is Ocular Rosacea.  You can't test for it, you just have to try out the medicine and see if it helps.  They prescribe a low dose of doxycycline and if after a month or so the eye issues clear up, it's rosacea.  I've only been on the meds for a week so I can't tell yet.  But I have a feeling this is what it is.  If anyone is still having issues it couldn't hurt to visit your dermatologist and see what they think.

You can search the net and compare pics of other people diagnosed with it to what your eyes look like.

angie011864

Dec 17, 2011

I'm so glad I found this forum! I thought I was the only one. My symptoms are a litte different than many of yours. My redness, itch, and irritation is primarily in the crow's feet of my left eye but does involve the lower corner of my eyelid. I am 47 years old and my systems started about two weeks ago. The only thing I've tried so far is baby rash ointment. I use a thin layer before bed and it seems to help for several days and then it will flare up again. I don't completely wash the ointment off in the morning so it provides a barrier under my makeup (mineral) and also masks the redness. Anytime I wash the area it only seems to irritate it further. I have watery eyes anyway and have thought that maybe the crow's feet has created a crease and that when my eyes water it stays in the crease rather than run off, thus the irritation. That sounds kinda wierd but seems like the only diagnosis, at least for me. Isn't it funny how most of us are 40-something women? It must be hormonal related somehow. I've written down several of the remedies you all have mentioned and plan on a trip to Walgreens later today. Please keep the suggestions coming.

Deb9729

Dec 18, 2011

i dont know what i did but it suddenly cleared up - its been gone for about a week now

i've been trying everything from no alcohol to meditation so i have no idea what actually worked!!

bliss, first time in nearly a year that i havent had the rash, swelling and itch

scQue814

Dec 19, 2011

To: all

SUCCESS!

After much experimentation and research, I have come to the conclusion that I was suffering from 2 different manifestations: one a histamine reaction, the other a microbial overgrowth.  They may very well be related in their root cause, but they have slightly different manifestations (at least for me).

The histamine reaction produces a hot sensation in my body, to the point that I sometimes cannot sleep.  Within minutes or hours (sometimes as late as the next day) I get a "butterfly rash" on my face--around my eyes, upper cheeks and lower forehead.

The microbial reaction will manifest in the same general area, but with out the "heat flash" symptoms.  The most intensely effected areas include the eyelids (upper and lower), eye lashes and eyebrows.  Symptoms here include dry, flaky skin with intense itching as the skin is drying and peeling.

The reason I suspect these symptoms are interlocked is that high-histamine foods would cause the rash to set in.  But the itching and peeling would often be delayed by a few days... with a period of light swelling (more akin to bloating) in between.

Microbial symptoms would increase dramatically during sleep--indicating that there was some sort of blood-born component.  After the initial itching would follow a 24+hour period of swelling.  When the swelling went down, the peeling would start.  Best way to treat the peeling--which manifests much like dandruff--was to take a long, hot shower... allowing the skin to absorb moisture, then using a gentle washcloth to remove excess skin flakes.

Anyway, after reaching the conclusion that the problem was probably microbial overgrowth--specifically Demodex folliculorum--the most logical approach was to apply a 2:1 mixture of Castor oil to Tea Tree oil.  Both--according to my research--are anti-fungal and anti-microbial.

Since Tea Tree oil has intense drying effects, it was deemed wise to avoid over-exposure to the eye area.  So after mixing up the oil, using the recipe above, I used a cotton-ball to apply the mixture to the effected areas--eyelids, cheeks and forehead--paying close attention to the areas around the eye were wrinkles form.  (If the oil did not hit the wrinkled area of skin, that area might harbor more of the offending microbes, which would then re-grow quickly.)  I TOOK GREAT CARE TO MAKE SURE MY EYES STAYED CLOSED BOTH DURING THE APPLICATION AND FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES AFTER APPLICATION to prevent adverse reactions to the eye itself.  Afterwards, I soaked up remaining oil with a paper towel.

I commenced with this application 3 times over the course of a week.  Treatment always occurred about 2 hours before bedtime.  Day 2 showed dramatic improvement with almost no residual scaling remaining.  Day 3 showed minor change in symptoms.  (I intended to repeat treatment on Day 3, but forgot.)  Day 4 brought a minor increase in scaling and itching.  A repeat application occurred that night, before bed.  Day 5, again, showed no symptoms.  But I decided to repeat the application again before bed.  By Day 6 I was symptom free and continued to be so--even through a high-stress weekend at work--until consuming a bottle of red wine (high-histamine food).

Today (Day 8) I have a slight itching on the forehead which manifested after drinking the wine.  Minor scaling on the outside corner of the eyes.

I await tomorrow to see how symptoms change.

scQue814

Dec 19, 2011

To: all

Research: OVERGROWTH DEMODEX FOLLICULORUM. Essentially, your naturally-occurring skin microflora are out of control. Something is missing that normally keeps them in check. WE NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT THAT THING IS.

scQue814

Dec 19, 2011

To: ALL

> http://rosacea-support.org/demodex-mites-treatment/comment-page-4#comment-78201

> http://www.livestrong.com/article/165497-list-of-high-phenol-foods/

> http://www.sheilashea.com/candida.html

Deb9729

Dec 19, 2011

ok that all makes sense - i've cut out alcohol, sugar and gluten and ramped up the antioxidents and raw vegetables

i already knew i had a high level of candida but i've had that for some time and didnt connect the dots

i'm on about day ten of no rash - yay!!

superdupersoprano

Dec 20, 2011

To: crazymomof464

Hi all of you

I posted on here some weeks ago with terrible symptoms that were causing me discomfort and embarrassment at work. I looked dreadful. I bought Pure Potions Skin Salvation on www.purepotions.co.uk and it cleared up in about 4 days and has not returned. Before that I used all the usual products the doctor prescribed which temporarily helped but symptoms returned once I stopped using the medication. I have nothing to gain by promoting this product, I am an opera singer so no connection to any products.

Best wishes to everyone

Linda Gerrard

REB2112

Dec 22, 2011

To: All

Im 44 and male - I think the reason you have so many women posting is just an artifact of demographics. Who searches the web for med info & advice? 10 to 1 women over men.

That being said, a lot of us DO appear to be over 40. Could that be statistically signifigant? I don't know. Possibly just affecting ppl with a less finely tuned, or aging immune system.

My allergic reation started about 5 years ago, after spending a couple of years in our new home. Prior to that I had absolutely NO allergies of any kind. The reaction is exactly as most of you describe, and almost always occurs after some exterior yardwork such as leafing of pruning. WE live in Eastern TN, possibly the highest particle count and worst air quality of anywhere in the world.

I have noticed that it always affects one eye before the other, and that one eye tends to react worse. A number of other ppl stated the same thing. In my experience, each time I flare up it affects a marginally larger area of skin, and the redness becomes worse and more pronounced each time.

In mine it ALWAYS starts in the crease of the upper eyelid, spreads into the corner, swelling follows, and as the upper lid heals the redness progresses around the bottom of the lower eyelid. The reaction resembles an acid or petroleum burn. PH of the tears somehow causing burns?

No, my doctor had no better diagnosis than blepharitis. But here is what I found alleviates the SYMPTOMS - Application of Lubriderm Skin Repair lotion (scent & allergin free) on distorted swollen areas. The scales are from split & dried skin - this solves the problem and lubricates. It only stings a little. Must be reapplied regularly. 12 - 20 times a day LOL

Now the Tea Tree oil is interesting - I happened to have a bottle of Miracle Cure Anti-fungal liquid - from Walgreens - for foot fungus. Application of THAT did seem to shorten the duration - but fair warning - only if applied as SOON as the condition flares. ANd that stuff RLLY stings if you are alrdy scratched raw & bloody. Don't they use that stuff on dogs who have mange? DO we have mange? Or a variant?

Here is a thought - its most likely a reaction to airborne pollutants: Why not get some airtight outdoor goggles for yardwork, city commuting, high pollution environments? Im gonna try that - since I only get it twice a year, usually in that yardwork period of spring (growing plants releasing pollen) & fall (dying plants&mold sporing). I really think this is NOT a medical condition - the people getting it are just too diverse - but our world IS much more polluted than it was even when we were kids. Wanna bet there is mainly an environmental cause?

Good luck to all of you - for the ZIP info ppl - I'm 37918 - & it doesnt bother my wife at all.

scQue814

Dec 23, 2011

To: all

An update on the Tea Tree Oil + Cator Oil treatment.  Silly me, I decided to try having whiskey more regularly.  (Remember, I said that barrel-aged spirits and wines seem to make things worse?)

Well, I was looking and feeling good for about 5 days since the last treatment, the longest I'd gone without a flareup in quite a while.  This time the flare-up happened within hours of the first Manhattan (I had two) and sipped a shot of bourbon when I came home.  That was Monday night.  The symptoms that began to flare were the same, but now they'd also migrated to the bridge of my nose and along the hairline of my beard!  So, to me there seems to be some probability of skin mite--Demodex folliculorum does tend to live mostly around hair follicles, from what I understand.  Can anyone else confirm this?

Decided to put up with it for a few days to see if it got any better.  But by Wednesday I was so itchy that I had to do something.  I again applied the tea tree oil and castor oil regime on Wednesday with very little success.  It worked along the beard to some degree, but my forehead and and bridge of my nose are still itchy and scaly.

It's as if "they've" evolved to become immune to the treatment.  I'm going to give another go before bed tonight.  Will keep you all posted.

I'm seriously starting to feel like my hypochondriac grandmother.

anna102

Dec 28, 2011

To: crazymomof464

hi, yes i get this itchy feeling on my neck sometimes and slightly in my mouth. I have been suffering from blepharitis now for the last month. I have had flare ups over the years, with doctors saying I had conjunctivitis, but I was having these episodes about 4 times a year. This year my doctor sent me off to the eye clinic and the doctor said it was dry eye and would only get worse. I am not going to just accept that pessimistic prognosis. I do not make alot of tears so am wondering about these punctual plugs being inserted. Has anybody had them? I am taking 2000 mg of flaxseed oil as an opthalmologist I know said there has been a good result with this. I have been very interested in reading everyones comments. I also think it could be some sort of allergy or fungal type infection, due to a weak immune system. Or it could be due to some sort of pollution. I work in a private hospital and I am wondering now if it is an allergic response to a chemical. I am at the menopause stage and also think it could be due to hormones fluctuating causing a sensitivity to products. I have also been told I look 10 years younger than I am, but with this I look older than I am which is not like me at all. It is a very hard condition to live with as it could be due to so many things. It does seem strange that it seems to be affecting more and more people?

GoodLookingMan

Dec 29, 2011

I had my first episode in late October, went to eye doctor who said it was allergies, gave me steroids and it got cleared up right away, but as soon as i finished drops, it came back again. So to stop itching I use baby shampoo, it stops itching, to maintain healthy looking skin around my eyes, I apply Vaseline at night on my eyelids and under my eyes and it keeps skin moist, it helps. but to attack the flare ups, I have been using 1% hydrocortizone plus. I use that maybe 2 times A WEEK (which is when I see a bit of swolleness). I am afraid of side effects. But after a month or so my first episode of itchy and swollen eyes, I started having itchy scalp, now I have dandruff, I fear I have seborraic something crap, so I used Head & Shoulders but I stopped using it. My mother researched and found the tea tree oil, I mix 5 drops of it on the shampoo I use on my hand to wash my hair (I use 'Tio Nacho Shampoo' made from honey) and the itching on my scalp immediately stops and very little flaking (in just 1 treatment) I use the lather to wash my eyes and that seems to have helped. So whoever used it with the mixture of oil is probably right on the dot. I have not had a severe episode of swollen eyes since October thanks to the Hydrocortizone but I dont want to use it. who knows what it can bring for prolonged use. I am sticking to the tea tree oil, that stuff worked wonders on my scalp and my hair (which I am loosing I think to this seborraic crap) looks fuller and gorgeous.... like me.

I pray we all find a cure for this. Reading your posts has discourage me from going to more doctors.... they seem to look at you for 4 minutes, ask you a couple of questions and send you home with a tylenol. I wish doctors would attack the root of the problem and not just treat symptoms.

scQue814

Dec 31, 2011

To: All

I'm the guy with the Tea Tree oil.  Yes, it worked in the short-term.  And every time I drank alcohol--particularly barrel-aged spirits--my symptoms seemed to flare up.  (The body produces sugar from alcohol, you know.  This should be telling us something.  I suspect the tannins or other compound in wood-aged spirits is somehow exacerbating things.)

Anyway, after a slight relapse followng a rather rigorous regime of tea tree oil and castor oil, I decided to go out on a limb and try NIZORAL anti-dandruff shampoo.  My previous research showed that only Nizoral had an overwelmingly positive track record for defeating our shared symptoms.  Also Nizoral seems (off the record, according to online blogs) to help alleviate hair loss associateed with certain microbial overgrowths.

And I'd been trying to use Nizoral since April, but a production problem has kept it off store shelves and in high demand.  Finally found it recently back in stock at WalMart.

After using Nizoral-AD once, I noticed a marked improvement in skin conditon.  My skin began to lose the scaliness that had started to become so "normal". I've used it three times this past week.  Now--as per instructions--I'm going to avoid treatment for a week--to prevent a conditioned tolerance response from forming.  (Put simply: if I continue to use the Nizoral, I may develop an immune response to it and have to move on stronger, "more civilized" language.

scQue814

Dec 31, 2011

To: all

Please ignore the last line of that last post. The point is that developing an immunity to the treatment will only lead to further conditions. Do the "on again, off again" treatment and you should show some degree of trackable success.

scQue814

Dec 31, 2011

To: all

(Sorry again about that post above. The conversation I was having with someone cross-pollinated into my post--wish they had an edit button.)

But I've been thinking overnight... and I really can't rationalise which is more logical: going in with all guns blazing then backing off... or doing a rotating treatment, alternating different products every few days.

Is anyone familiar enough with immune response (and tolerance building) on a medical level to answer that?

kvl424

Jan 01, 2012

To: crazymomof464

I am so thankful for coming across your post! I have had this condition now for 3-4 years. Each year, it gets worse. It starts as soon as fall hits, and runs its course until the summer starts. Considering I live in Western Pa...that is a long time! The eyelids usually start to become inflammed in the late evening, are very pink and swollen in the morning, and the itching is unbearable! I have tried eyedrops, allegery meds, different ointments and creams. However, when I tried the Johnson's Baby Shampoo in addition to Walmarts version of a Benadryl cream (Equate's Extra Strength Anti-itch Cream), I have been free of this condition! It's amazing! I still wear limited eye makeup and I have to be sure to apply this cream after each face washing. If i DO forget, I WILL experience a flare up. So, try the combination! THANK YOU!

MamaBear52

Jan 02, 2012

To: crazymomof464

Sorry have the same issues but I am in northern Canada. I was thinking it was from red dye or colouring in makeup, then started to think it was the brow shadow my sister-inlaw just started me using. Now I am not sure about anything, only that for the last few weeks I have been very uncomfortable. It's the holiday season and your in and out visiting, meeting and greeting, need to look presentable. Work starts on Tuesday, going to be a mess, just tried the Benadryl and some eye drops feeling some relief, but like everyone else would really like some answers????

jojocat19

Jan 02, 2012

To: crazymomof464

I noticed you are in a colder climate. My symptoms begin whenever I take a trip up our local mts. It is colder and dryer there! And yes, Benadryl helps, but be very careful and use different applicator (I use Q tips) on each side, not to contaminate! Would like to hear from others if climate (dryness, etc. ) are factors!

scQue814

Jan 03, 2012

To: all, jojocat19, MamaBear52

@jojocat19:  Yes, I live in the mountains of central-PA. My problems started in July, though. And I seem to be sharing symptoms with others who have auto-immune diseases.  (I do suffer from Celiac as well.)  Still, I'm not convinced not it's not fungal in nature--topical or maybe blood-bourne.

Nizoral seems to show dramatic improvement.  Also, the rash's tendency to "migrate" a bit whenever a find a topical treatment that shows some degree of success.

@MamaBear52: Methinks we all need to reevaluate what we consider "presentable".  Make-up is so unnecessary--though fun to be sure (I used to love to pile it on before hitting the goth club!).  But then, I've got my hair product that keeps me either all spiky or smoothed-down, so I guess I'm not one to talk.

baileesmom73

Jan 08, 2012

To: Deb9729

I woke up Saturday morning with red swollen eyes, it looked like I had cried all night long. The reason I am commenting to you is becasue I am 38 years old and recently have been having asthma problems. Just recently migraines! I thought maybe I was getting pink eye, but my symptons did not suggest this. I stumbled upon this foreum. I have no idea whats going on. All I know is that I look like I have aged 10 to 15 years over night.

crazymomof464

Jan 09, 2012

To: jojocat19

jojocat19
Re: colder climate.
Actually, my symptoms disappeared when the climate grew cooler and have stayed gone. Still not sure what it was, but leaning toward allergies since it went away around the time many pollen-bearing vegetation die off.
Another thought was that it was the window air conditioning unit that we used. It was an older one that we had in storage (in our attic) for several years. Maybe mold or something else in the system? My symptoms did begin around the time we started using the air!
I guess come next summer, if the symptoms return, I will begin the guessing game again. :-(
Oh, btw-- For all worried about permanent wrinkles........... I had them BAD due to the months of swelling and receding. I thought they'd never disappear. Thought I was simply going to have to contend with wrinkles and bags for the rest of my life. Well, my fragile 47 yr old skin DID bounce back. It took a few weeks after the swelling stopped for the skin to return to normal, but it DID!! I once again have people telling me I look young for my age!

scQue814

Jan 10, 2012

To: all

Two weeks now and the Nizoral is still holding its own!  Sure, there are days when the flakes flare up... but the itching has almost completely subsided and the only true "rash" I have at this point is a.) on my neck where my wool Swiss trenchcoat rests and b.) on my left inner elbow/bicep--where my shirt is rolled up and my wool coat seems to rub the most.   [I neck seems allergic, but the bicep is more of an autoimmune type of rash.]

But the face, eyes, forehead and nose have completely cleared up after using Nizoral for about 2 weeks (every day, minus 2 days--one day off per week).

Hope this update helps someone (anyone) figure this all out!

nonatopeanut

Jan 10, 2012

To: all

I wasn't able to read everyones' post thoroughly, but I am having issues similar to many that have been discussed. The part of my eyes that are the problem is right below the eyebrows down to about the eyelid crease, not the lids just above the eyeball. I have tingling (much like shingles which I have had many times in the past,) then burning, horrible horrible itchiness, gravel feeling in my eyes, and puffiness. I also have tingling down the sides of my face. If my hair...just one little piece of my hair touches any part of the eye that's affected, it sends me to the moon!! It's as if tiny needles are stabbing me. This got so bad it led to an ulcerated cornea - possibly from itching during my sleep or a Herpetic corneal ulcer. I just wonder is this whole issue a Herpes type thing. I do know the affects of fungus and lean toward that too. I honestly don't know where to start. It is soooo painful, and I really have a high pain tolerance. Now that I have read everyone's postings, I appreciate the advice, but I honestly don't know where to start. I have tried systane - makes it worse. I was on zirgan and lotemax (?) for a few weeks, but it is back worse than ever. Maybe I will try to the tea tree oil to start. I really am very frustrated like most of us!

nonatopeanut

Jan 10, 2012

To: all

I wasn't able to read everyones' post thoroughly, but I am having issues similar to many that have been discussed. The part of my eyes that are the problem is right below the eyebrows down to about the eyelid crease, not the lids just above the eyeball. I have tingling (much like shingles which I have had many times in the past,) then burning, horrible horrible itchiness, gravel feeling in my eyes, and puffiness. I also have tingling down the sides of my face. If my hair...just one little piece of my hair touches any part of the eye that's affected, it sends me to the moon!! It's as if tiny needles are stabbing me. This got so bad it led to an ulcerated cornea - possibly from itching during my sleep or a Herpetic corneal ulcer. I just wonder is this whole issue a Herpes type thing. I do know the affects of fungus and lean toward that too. I honestly don't know where to start. It is soooo painful, and I really have a high pain tolerance. Now that I have read everyone's postings, I appreciate the advice, but I honestly don't know where to start. I have tried systane - makes it worse. I was on zirgan and lotemax (?) for a few weeks, but it is back worse than ever. Maybe I will try to the tea tree oil to start. I really am very frustrated like most of us!

scQue814

Jan 11, 2012

To: nonatopeanut

Honestly.... CASTOR OIL + TEA TREE OIL (3:1) plus a healthy dose of NIZORAL shampoo on the face after shampooing has really done the trick!  (No, I'm not some paid bot telling you to buy some product either!)

Is my problem completely cured?  Not 100%.  I'm still getting rashes which appear to be auto-immune in nature.  But the "fungal"(?) infection has nearly dissipated.  The only remnant i have is on my arm--which wasn't there when I started treatment.

Give the regimen a try.  Unless you're desensitized via pharmaceuticals, it just might help.  And what've you got to lose?  It's not like any of these ingredients are so obscure that they're gonna cost you an arm and a leg!  If the shampoo doesnt' work, sell it on CraigsList.

clorenz

Jan 12, 2012

To: Lindy779

I have had bletharitis for about 5 months. I'm 51. I have experienced it in a very severe way and it has never gone away since it started.

I've tried everything. I do exactly what the eye specialist recommended, compresses and washing with baby shampoo. It may get better but it never goes away. There are times I'm embarrassed to be seen it's so terrible. Not to mention the pain and dryness.

Someone mentioned steam to me. I bought a facial steamer and I use it every other day or so. It moisturizes, opens pores, and cleanses. It's helping better than anything else. I'm hoping if I can find the time to do it every day, the condition will go into hibernation.

Please, oh please! I HATE looking so awful all of the time.

Does anyone have any suggestions about eye cream. The wrinkles are awful. My eye lids are so dry. But creams seem to bother the condition and make it flare up. Aloe Vera seems like the worst.

Any suggetions would be appreciated.

teresa122863

Jan 16, 2012

I'm 48 yr old female. I have had issues with swollen around the eyes off and on for several years. But nothing compared to 10 days ago. Eye area from brow to mid-cheek area swollen, burning, itchy and red on both eyes. Urgent care suspected allergy and gave me 5 days of prednisone.(If its an allergy, has to be one wicked one, because I already take Zyrtec in morning and benedryl at night). Anyway, prednisone worked wonders but a few days after last pill all the symptoms have returned. I have tried Cortizone creme and benadryl cream, but both burn too much. I put a thin layer of antibiotic ointment on area. Before I shower, I put a good amount of vaseline around eyes just to protect the skim from getting worse. Even when symptoms are minimal, eyelids will still feel as if there is a paper cut and will burn. I only wear makeup on special occasions a few times a year. My sister mentioned that eye swelling problems could be related to thyroid disorders. I'm do for blood work soon so I will mention to doctor to check for thyroid problems. Good Luck, all...

scQue814

Jan 17, 2012

To: teresa122863

Teresa, I look forward to your updates.  And GOOD LUCK!  (The paper-cut thing sounds all to familiar.)

My own treatment of Nizoral shampoo seems to be keeping something "at bay", but always teetering on the edge of a breakout.  Also the recent rash on my arm--which seems to be a very different sort of medical condition--is also in a similar predicament, though I'm treating that with anti-fungal foot spray.  It's not getting worse, but it's not exactly going away either.

The face and eye symptoms are the better of the two: it only seems to really flare-up when something dietary is introduced, but I'm not 100% sure what that trigger is.  Alcohol plays a part, but not all of it.  Possibly something to do with aged meats, nitrates, sulphites or the like.  But I won't know until I control my diet more strictly.

Will do my best to keep everyone posted.

cmn53

Jan 17, 2012

Hi Group
Thought I'd give an update since making some progress with this monster. In all of the 30 some years I have been dealing with this syndrome/condition/pain in my derrier I have never experienced a bout like I have recently. Since September I have not gotten more than a day or two of relief and then it would flare again, worse than each time before and misery set in. The Tea Tree Oil treatments I previously wrote about helped but did not cure it nor did it completely clear up the redness or swelling . The itching and burning would temporarily subside but it never went away. Well after much back tracking I nailed down a few things that changed in my world about the same time as this acted up in September and through process of elimination I beleive that I have found one of my aggressors. As I have written before, I eat yogurt almost every day of my life and have for years. I still stand by this as a dietary neccessity because of my sensitivity to yeasts which is something others in my family have also had to deal with. Makes sense, chemistry runs similarily in families. Anyhow, the one thing that I was finally able to pinpoint was the fact that in September I switched from regular non-fat, sugar free yogurt (Lite N Fit or whatever) to Chobani Greek Yogurt. OMG, I love that stuff and it probably contains something that makes it completely addictive but I am convinced that it must contain something else too. After writing down everything that I have been experiencing and eating for about 6 months I was able to determine that the few times when the condition calmed down were the same times when ate the regular yogurt instead of the Greek yogurt. A week ago I stopped eating it altogether to see what would happen and my eyes are no longer red or swollen, they don't itch or burn and most of the excessive wrinkling has dissapated. The last few days I have been feeling really brave and have eaten sugars, vinegar and pasta, all things that would tend to make this worse while it was flaring and not a single reaction - not one. If I was younger I would do cartwheels. I also have to mention that I started using a Tea Tree Oil Shampoo by Organix (Walmart/green bottle) a month ago and continue to use it today. Gave up the tea Tree Oil and Mineral Oil mix for this shanpoo and conditioner. Use it on the eyes in the shower once a day. It made things better but it didn't fix it. It helped enough that I will probably continue using it for some time and it works wonders on the hair itself - bonus. I also started using Cortizone-10 HYDRATENSIVE Healing Cream with Aloe. No smell, no burning and most probably speeded the physical recovery of the skin on and around the eyes. I am absolutely convinced that the Chobani was a trigger. I went several days without any and then tried some before quitting completely and the itching was back within a day - maybe less. I am going to miss this stuff. It was a great breakfast, midday snack and dessert after dinner but I just can't do it. Before posting tonight I went online to see if anyone else has had a similar reaction to this stuff and there are blog sites out there that rival this one with stories of people having allergic reactions that involving itching, burning, hives, body and face rashes, swollen eyes, nose and throat, red botches and rashes on other parts of their bodies and the list goes on. I know this can't be everybody's problem but if putting this up helps just one fellow suffer then it is worth it. Realistically I know that I have not had my last flare but at least now I know one thing not to do. I am going to research the ingredients further and compare them to other products - it might just be the amount or concentration of certain ingredients. The way I see it, it's worth finding out if a little brain time means I don't have to look like a swollen toad for months on end. I remain jealous of people who can eat the Chobani without any problems. :(

crazymomof464

Jan 18, 2012

To: cmn53

hmm this made me think back. I wish I could be sure of the exact date, but I started eating Chobani twice/wk (days I work) sometime in the summer and my eyes flared in July. Symptoms last til October or so, when the weather changed here in NJ. I still eat Chobani 2-3x/wk and have none of the symptoms I had earlier. Still find it interesting. Maybe Chobani was a trigger, but my body eventually became de-sensitized???

hopefullycured

Jan 23, 2012

I think I have found a treatment that has worked for me.

I first came down with this condition 2 years ago when I was 38.  I suffered through it for several months, came across this thread and tried different things, none of which had much success.  I did not go to the doctor because from what I read here it sounded like a waste of time.  I felt like it was an infection rather than some sort of allergy.  The first thing I did that I think was helpful was threw out all of my eye makeup and bought new.  I used to use those little foam brushes that came with the makeup and never cleaned them.  The very last thing I tried on my eyelids to get rid of the condition was Vicks Vapo rub.  Menthol is supposed to be good for a lot of things so I figured it was worth a shot.  I've gotta say that it really isn't something you want anywhere near your eyes, but I was desperate, as I am sure you know!  After my Vicks treatment my eyes cleared up and stayed clear for 2 years.  After they got better I started using plain petroleum jelly on them at night.  It really seemed to help clear up that scaly ick that was leftover and it just feels soothing.  During the day I started using an eyelid primer under my makeup.  I don't know if that was helpful, but it makes them feel good, so I'm sticking with it!

At the beginning of this month I came down with this again, but just in one eye.  Right before my 40th bday!  I was crushed - figured I was in for a long fight again.  I immediately did a major clean up of all my brushes and makeup and was very careful not to cross contaminate to my good eye.  I used the Vicks again and It seemed to help right away.  I had a similar product to Vicks in my medicine cabinet that has a beeswax base, and slightly different ingredients that I decided to switch to.  The Vicks is extremely strong and this was a little more mild.  Plus I figured the beeswax base might help my eyelid from getting quite so scaly.  At any rate, the eye cleared in in a few days and I've now been clear for a couple of weeks.

I don't know for sure if the menthol is what helped me but it seems likely.  I really don't suggest anyone put menthol near their eyes and if you do be very careful not to get it in your eye!  I used a q-tip  and applied it very very carefully.  I didn't have near the scaly mess left this time but I used some of that Mario Badescu control cream on it that I read about here and it seemed to clear that up in a flash.  I can't say if the product works on the infection or not (I have my doubts) because my eyelid was already cleared up when I got it.  I can say their customer service was great and I would order from them again.

As for the product that worked for me it is made by a very very small company in my home town.  The product is lavender liniment and the website is bittersweetsoap.com.  I've used her products for years and love the hand soaps.  I'm sure there are other similar products out there but that one worked well for me.  The Vicks is certainly a much cheaper product to try but do be very careful with it as it is very strong!

I hope this helps someone!

Tubac

Jan 25, 2012

There seem to be a number of J&J Baby Shampoos. I've tried the goldish one and it made my eyes worse. My allergist said to get the "clear" one.
Is this the one people use?:
http://www.amazon.com/Johnsons-Natural-Baby-Shampoo-oz/dp/B004W99CD6

Tubac

Jan 25, 2012

I just checked the chlorine reading of my city water with a swimming pool kit. It is showing a pretty high reading, right around 4ppm. In fact it is higher than what is recommended for my pool! I called my water company and complained and they told me they are allowed 4 parts per million by the EPA. So in my community at least (Southern Arizona) we are all washing in highly chlorinated water, a known irritant. I got on Amazon and ordered two chlorine filters,one for the sink and one for the shower. I will report back, but check your water,it just may be the common denominator.

suneeta25

Jan 26, 2012

I also have suffered with this condition, and it is very upsetting especially when you come online and see all the negative comments, you really feel that there is no cure. I went to see my gp who just perscribed me with hydrocortison!!!! which i was not happy with but still tryed it, no luck but it did manage to cause damage to my eye skin. second trip allergy pills which done nothing. I had given up with the gp and was really down so started to use herbal remedy's such as organic coconut oil, neem cream also tryed vaseline, aveena cream but nothing, still waking up with swollen, sore upper and lower lids which were so dry and wrinkled. I had given up just didnt know what to do until my sister forced me to go down the doc's again so i went with her and really stressed how much this was getting me down, the prescribed me some antobiotics called flucloxacillin and some anti-fungal shampoo too wash eyelids with. The antibiotics have reallly bought the swelling down and i have noticed this within a day of taking them, i just hope they wont swell back up once i stop the medication. I also purchased a small pot of dc h eye balm as i have read that it is ideal for those with such dry and sentive eyes and it does provide mositure to the eyes unlike anythinng else that i have tried which would just dry out very quickly. I hope this has helped and will let you know if this cream is actually going to work on the wrinkles that appear with this condition.

scQue814

Jan 27, 2012

To: suneeta25, all

Yes, I agree that anti-fungal has been the most helpful and I would definitely recommend this general approach over steroids--but that's just me. (Also... Suneeta, a bit more punctuation next time, please!)

jbvig

Jan 27, 2012

To: all who suffer

I started reading these posts about 2 weeks ago. suffered from the swollen area under eyes and eyebrows, most likely not blepheratis. I chose to treat as if it were a fungus/ systemic yeast condition and it has cleared up for about a week now. tea tree & castor oil on affected area, (1 to 2 ratio) and then starting pumping acidophilus. the condition seems to have cleared up completely. However, I am fully aware that it can probably flare up again. While speaking with a woman in my office, I found out she had a similar condition of the skin all over her body in her teens. The only solution was a yeast control regimen. She recommended a book and website called "the yeast connection". I knew there had to be a connection to yeast as all simple carbs and fermented alcohol products would exacerbate the situation. While I have started eating some of these again, I am pretty sure I will have to cut back or eliminate completely to re-balance my body and its ability to keep yeast growth under control. Good luck to all who suffer, I only experienced it for ~ 2 months and it was hell!

mommac8384

Jan 29, 2012

To: jbvig & all

I also started reading these posts about 2 weeks ago and was both amazed and comforted that I was not alone. I am a 54 year old female and have dealt with this for 4 1/2 years, right after menopause began. Started with small rashes alternating on each eye every few months. This last year has gotten worse with the anitibiotic AzaSite not working as well any more. After much research and studying my own health pattern, I believe the problem is an imbalance in my system's bacteria. My brother is a microbiologist and he believes I always had a natural high count, but menopause pushed it over the edge. Growing up I always had acne. As a young adult, I had yeast infections. Later, I was plagued with sinus infections. At the same time this eye problem started, I also had bloating stomach and a strange small rash on the arch of my foot, alternating sides which I now realize matches the side which has an eye rash. The bloating of the stomach turned out to be "SIBO" =Small Bowel Bacteria Overgrowth. It took 3 years to find the right antibiotic and while symptom free for 2 years now I can not eat fruit as the high sugar feeds the bacteria. So my theory is my eyes and feet are the same thing. I have started a diet of no sweets and carbs and am using my husband's diabetic sugar tester every morning to see if there is any connection of my natural sugar reading to the eye rash / swelling. I also am making an appointment with an "Infection Control Doctor" per the advise of my medical health plan. They are Internists who help with multiple infections. I'll keep all posted as I learn more. Does anyone on this blog have multiple issues like mine ? Or a history of acne, yeast infections, etc ? Would love to know. Thanks everyone !

achillea

Jan 29, 2012

To: Tubac

"There seem to be a number of J&J Baby Shampoos. I've tried the goldish one and it made my eyes worse. My allergist said to get the "clear" one..."

In the list of ingredients, look for cocamidopropyl betaine. It is--no joke--a surfactant and allergen of increasing significance.

Then try finding a personal cleanser that does NOT contain it. Hah! But several of the newer, 'natural' J&J baby shampoos are formulated without it.

jaysta36

Jan 30, 2012

To: Blepharities or red swollen eyelids CURE! FOR ME!

Ive sufferd with this condition for years Im now 37 years old,and had it when I turned 15 years old,Ive been on this forum for a couples of years now reading posts on this problem...tried every cream,you can think of castor oil,tea tree oil,hazel witch oil, Mario Badescu control cream,babe shampoo q tip wipe,hydrcortosone cream,with gave little or no relief,if anything you eyes loose tolerance over time with these creams,and makes your eye more sore..These creams hot presses etc,only MASK the real problem...people need to find the root of the problem,WHY are they getting red sore,itchy flakey etc.
I put it down to 3 things for me FOOD ALLERGY and eczema,which then causes Blepharities..Im a body builder once a year i cut out all bad foods out my diet,i.e dairy products,milk,eggs,wheat,and i eat things like red potato,rice chicken,fish etc,so it a perfect time to try find what im allergic it to,,Yep I found just eating these products my sore eyelids was still,there! so I turned to what I drink..I drank coffee and tea,3-4 cups aday..so I took that out of my diet..Bang thats it! after few days my eyes are 100% better cleared up completely,obviously Im allergic to coffee,ever the coffee been,or the caffeine,in some people the body doesn't digest it probably and it becomes a toxin the body gets rid of this by sweating it out your pores, through the thinnest sensitive skin of the body which is the face,that when your natural histamines,are working against you which turning it in to an allergen,causing rashes,sore eyes,blepharities or eczema.
I can 100%,say I have no flakiness on eyelids anymore or soreness
Where Im at now is yep its all cleared up definitely by cutting out coffee,tea,anything with caffeine certain chocolate,soda drinks,all products..
Remember also Ive cut out all dairy products,so not sure if this is helping as well until I introduce them into to my system again..I all also take milk thistle ,and plantago,which help to get rid of toxins out of your...But just to say to everyone..try the coffee,tea, caffeine first.... it is 100% an food allergy problem,and what you drink!

scQue814

Jan 31, 2012

To: jbvig & mommac

You two are right in line with my own general assessment of the situation!

I'm now 4 weeks into the regimen I've posted earlier.  NO MORE SYMPTOMS in the eyes.  Still a few gastro-intestinal symptoms (that may also be part of my Celiac issues)... BUT THE SCALY, ITCHY EYES ARE GONE!!!

My own formula was Castor Oil + Tea Tree (3:1).  I did this every few days.  Last time was a week ago.

I've also been using Nizoral, of which I've tapered off use of that to just 1 treatment per week!

I can't tell you how ECSTATIC I am about this.

Last night, before going out with friends, I even decided to try out a little eyeliner just to see if I got a reaction.  Brand-new pencil: no reaction whatsoever.  I even decided to goth it up a bit at work today and still no reaction!  (I haven't been able to wear eyeliner without my eyes itching for nearly 8 yrs.  Maybe this has been a slowly building problem?)

Anyway, my gluten-free diet continues.  I still have all the ingredients I need should a flare-up actually occur.  But as far as I'm concerned, the microbial overgrowth has been quelled and all I need to do is keep that state maintained.

And, yes, I think natural probiotics are an important part of the equation, too!  Good luck, everyone!  (If anything changes, I'll let you know!)

jayncee

Jan 31, 2012

A friend in our office had the problem and helped me with it. At first she used an anti-fungal cream and now uses Mario Badescu ControlCream. I went on Amazon and read reviews on this product and expect it will work for me. She swears by it.

Tubac

Feb 01, 2012

To: jayncee

Gee that Mario cream did not work for me or my wife, who has this eyelid thing too.
We thought we were a couple of gullible schnooks until we tried it on our dog. Well let me tell you, my dogs anal itch is history!

cmn53

Feb 03, 2012

To: All, but mostly Jaysta36 & mommac8384

I too am happy to report 4 weeks and no symptoms. I believe as described in one of earlier posts that in my case this time it was the Chobani which was the trigger and what kept me so miserable for almost four months without a moment's laps in symptoms. I was diagnosed with a systematic yeast overgrowth more than 30 years ago and life has been a balancing act ever since. At that point in my life it manifested over most of my body from head to toe and treating it was long, laborous but not painful unless you count stress levels. Anyway, all of the doctors, homeopathics, and comiserators who approached this as a reality - the yeast component I mean as some won't even consider it - all have lists of things to avoid eating completely and lists of what not to eat in combination. Coffee and Tea of most kinds are high on the list of items you must discontinue immediately. Because of the way teas, coffee beans and ground coffee are prepared and stored they all have a very high probability for growing fungus, which, whether related to yeast or not will feed the growth of other fungi in the body so there you go. Jaysta36, you must have a higher sensitivity to this than most others do. I am lucky because I seem to tolerate coffee very well and I don't really drink a lot of tea. Thank God because I'm one of those people that view coffee as a medical break through. Not even sure it's the caffine because I don't crave other things with caffine and when I've tried to substitute something for coffee it never does the trick. And the whole menopause thing is a real contributor too for we females. The balance in the body is so fragile and with or without the added influence of foods, drinks or natural fungus, the slightest hormone balance can change the ph level in your body and that is like putting fertilizer on a field of yeast. I have to be ever cognizant of both sets of triggers - food and chemistry. Mine always seems to flare the worst though when I eat refined sugar (in anything), vinegar (even in condiments like ketchup or salad dressing) and any type of yeast product at a frequency of more than once or twice a week. In limited portions I seem to be able to tolerate these things together but if it's too much I will know in a day or so from the initial tingling around the eyes before they start to swell and turn red. I am so careful with this and for years have had yogurt as a daily staple to help keep it under control. I sometimes supplement with probiotic capsules. It works most of the time which is why I couldn't understand why it flared so violently the last time until connecting the time frame of the flare with the addition of the Greek yogurt. It should have worked like any other yogurt but it didn't . The bad thing was the more the irritation spread or even just refused to go away the more yogurt I would eat believing I would benefit from more probiotics/cultures in the yogurt but it would only get worse. I still have not been able to determine what the ingredient is or what ingredient is in too high of a concentration which causes the reaction so I will simply keep my distance. I've been reading on other sites that more and more people are having the same or similar reaction to this product which is unfortunate for them but great for me because I no longer feel like I'm imagining this. Thirty years dealing with it and every year I seem to find one more thing I can only handle in limited quantity or must avoid altogether - I would just like a nice long break before I find the next thing.

achillea

Feb 03, 2012

To: cmn53

Your problem may have been in part a case of undiagnosed Rosacea. Take a look at the list of classic triggers that cause a flare in the first post on this rosacea forum page:

http://www.rosacea.org/patients/materials/triggers.php

mommac8384

Feb 03, 2012

To: cmn53 and all

The human body sure is complex, isn't it? That's why while we all have verying degrees of the same thing, one person's treatment may not work for another. Too all that are frustrated - don't give up! Learn to study your own body's reaction to food, drink, environment and emotions. Write a journal of what you eat and do and feel for a few weeks when you have no problems. Then do the same when you have a flair up. Then compare. Eventually you will see a pattern show up. I'm finishing my first week of testing my blood sugar each morning. I've been running 10 points higher than all my years of past clinical blood test (which I take every year). My eye lids have been red all week, too. What this means I do not know, but I'm keeping records for some day when it may make sense. And as for the Greek Yogurt you spoke of cmn53, I too have been eating vanilla Chobani and stopped last week when I realized it had the highest sugar level of all other Greek yogurts. keep the postings coming ..... I'm learning alot from all of you. Thanks.

happybydesign

Feb 05, 2012

To: All

I am a 45 yr old Canadian Prairie female who started getting this itchy swollen eyelid rash in late November. I have had fibromyalgia and cfs for years so thought perhaps it was a drug I was on or another one of the random weird symptoms fibromyalgia has, but I dropped my meds one at a time until I was off them all and had no relief...and felt awful for no reason. I have never worn much make up but avoided it, changed all my shampoo, soap and lotion to hypoalergenic organic products, started editing things in my diet, yet no relief. It would cycle from raw swollen itchy eyelids and the outer corner of my eyes and then eventually dry and peel then start all over again. I tried treating it as a fungal infection, and wash my eyes with an organic tea tree oil soap (keep eyes closed...it does sting a bit anyway) and then I would smear on a thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment like polysporin, which also contains an anti fungal. It would help somewhat. Then I got a lump in my neck and got diagnosed with thyroiditis, which meant I had for certain been hyperthyroid from about the time symptoms showed up...This could be related to hormone changes from the thyroiditis, or the possible auto immune connection, but when my thyroid started shutting down, the symptoms completely cleared up. Last week I was started on synthetic thyroid replacement pills, and just when I was starting to feel my energy starting to recoup, the eyelid rash flared up massively, one eye barely open in the a.m. it was so swollen. I am thinking this is part of whatever hormone is out of whack. The tea tree soap, and a thin layer of triple antibiotic cream help a bit, as does making sure I only wash my hands with the tea tree soap...I was noticing that the fragrance in the antibacterial hand soaps I use seemed to irritate when I couldn't help rubbing my eyes. I have been considering doing a celiac diet as the rash flared up worse on days I had bread or wheat cereal, and I have really cut down on any sugary foods, fruits or alcohol. I am sad that the one drug I MUST take is the one that seemed to bring on the rash again, but all I can do is treat it as holistically as possible with my diet and hygiene.
I have to stress using an organic fairly high content tea tree oil soap or hands and eyes seems to help quite a bit with the swelling, and the triple antibiotic with the dryness and itching. I hope it works for you guys too. Hang in there!

achillea

Feb 05, 2012

To: happybydesign

Eye problems and changes are absolutely characteristic of certain kinds of hyperthyroid disease:

http://www.rnib.org.uk/eyehealth/eyeconditions/eyeconditionsoz/Pages/thyroiddisease.aspx

Certainly, eliminating irritants and so on cannot hurt, but in your case, the thyroid disorder is a PRIME candidate for the cause of your eye problems.