dry red sore itchy bumpy under eye skin

[jezabella]

Last year I suddenly developed dry skin on the left eyelid and was prescibed hydrocortisone.  Unfortunately it spreaded to the right eyelid the to the bottom of both eyes.  The hydrocrtisone did not work, instead peeled away a little skin.  I continued wearing make up (mac) as my dark circles are very bad.
I went to see an optician who thought it was bletharitis, but I don't think it was.  And I had an allergy test (machine tested me on 3000 products).  I was told that I was allergic to lanolin (sheep wool fat),dust, basil and squid.  I was also told that my boots sensitive mascara did not agree with me.  I am not aware of ever having used lanolin.  I stopped wearing eye make up and only used vaseline around the eyes.
Approx. 2 months later it suddenly vanished, not sure how?  I had put up with the problem for 11 months, gradually becoming worse.
And now after 2 months of it having gone away, it has returned again. This time it happened much quicker, starting on the right lower eye, then moved to the left.  The right under eye is very red, sore and dry.  It feels so rough to touch.  I have not worn make up today and have only applied vaseline and aqeous cream.

I haven't changed any toileteries or make up in the last 2 months.  I am not sure what it could be?  I don't think it is eczema, but believe it could be an allergic reaction to something.  I can't seem to work out what it could be?  Could it be an allergic reaction to something i am using around the eye or a food product?  Please help me.

Thanks
Jezabella

[Tsimone]

I am definately going  to try this i have been experiencing this for the pass 2years and im 37 years old and I look 80 by the eyes. I have very dark circle from rubbing and i'm somone who's self confidence has 10 to 0.  I began getting allery shots in october i was told that it takes 4-6 months before i feel any relief Ive tried every eye drop and steroid cream there is to try so I am open to try anything at this point.
Thank you I'll let ya know how it goes.

[dal1975]

I'm so glad I found this site! I have been suffering with swollen, puffy, itchy, irritated under eyes for about a month now.
I went to my optometrist and she diagnosed me with "Blepharitis". The eye drops prescribed to me "Pataday" has definitely helped with the the irritation, dryness and swelling I felt inside my eye but, has done nothing to alleviate the swelling, irritation, and dryness on the skin below my lower eye lids. Like other people here, I have lots of long dry lines that look like crows feet under my eyes. I look terrible. Like I aged overnight!

All of the moisturizing eye creams I have tried STING and seem to irritate the skin under my eyes more with each use, including my Philosophy face wash. I have been using a Dove bar and Vaseline as it is the only thing that does not irritate my skin.

I decided to try a few of the suggestions mentioned on here last night.

I used baby shampoo as a face wash (surprisingly I felt no added irritation).
I soaked a q-tip with (diluted) tea tree oil and dabbed it on all of the affected area under my eye. It stung but at the same time I instantly felt relief from the itch. Once dry I used some bio oil to moisturize.

After just one day, the redness turned to a pink (the dry patch I had is gone) and I look so much better. This will continue to be my nightly routine while the irritation occurs.

An esthetician suggested I use Philosophy 369 replenishing oil. I am using along with Vaseline to moisturize in the AM.

I hope this helps someone desperate for relief like me.

[mare888]

I've posted on here before about my red, itchy around the eye problem.  Well, it had started to become unbearable, almost torture, again.  Anything I put below my eyes on the swollen red skin was very painful and it itched like crazy.  I put antibiotic creams, anti-fungal creams, several cortisone creams, various moisturizers- anything I could find with no success.  Then I saw the Tea Tree Oil recommendations.  I went to a health food store and got some two days ago.  I was so desperate I on it under my eyes driving home.  It stung like a son of a gun but I let it stay on.  What an improvement!  The next day it was much improved- maybe a bit swollen and slightly pink- but so much better!  Today, after applying it several times yesterday diluted with organic coconut oil, I look like a different person.  There was a bit of dry skin there but after washing my skin with a mild cleanser, that's gone.  I am thrilled!  Of course, can't say whether that will help anyone else but it sure helped me.  Hope it an help someone else.

[SwtSteph5417]

Apple cider vinegar with "the mother" is what saved me!!! I had been dealing with the same ailments you all have listed for 2 months. I went to the doctor the first week and I was told it was contact dermatitis and/or eczema caused by a product irritation. I was given a hydrocortisone cream and that helped, but once I stopped using it, it came back. I switched EVERYTHING trying to figure out what could be causing this. Finally I started googling and came across the idea of ACV. I started using it straight, on a cotton ball after washing my face morning and night. It burned and smelt horrible, but seemed to be working. The itch subsided the only thing was it was still real red. I then started to wonder if it was helping and also hurting since the burn was so strong. So, I made a mix of 50/50 distilled water and AVC, dab that on with a cotton ball and let air dry before applying eucerin creme. Redness-gone! Itching- gone! There is minimal flaking and the large red patch I had on the corner of my right eye is gone! Only had started the ACV a week ago today, and have looked and felt the best I have in 2 months!! I hope this helps anyone that is dealing with this, it may not work for everyone, but if I can help one other person that's worth posting!

[deedeec812]

First - I am so glad that I googled this and actually found folks with the same type of issue/concern and your comments. I woke up this past Easter with my left eye completely swollen from brow to under eye area and red itchy patch on my eye lid. Took weeks to go away as I had no idea what was going on. Around Mother's Day with both eyes swollen, itchy red on my eye lids and it looked like I suddenly aged overnight with my eye skin above my lid drooping. Like I almost needed a procedure to remove this. I have had flare ups ever since - 6 months later. It got so bad 2 months ago it went into my eyes and blurred my vision & I continued to swell up throughout the day. So I left work, went to Urgent Care (which I just finally paid off) & was treated for Blepharitis & given a antibiotic drop for inside my eye & did the baby shampoo, warm compresses etc. that some of you have mentioned. After another flare up, I went back to my regular Dr. just to be told that I should see a Opthamologis. I declined and asked for the antibiotic drop as it helped. Now here I am again - I look like I'm very old - saggy, wrinkly eyes, swollen, itchy, etc.
Let me begin by saying I have always had terrific skin care (I am 53) & have been using Lancome products for many years now for skin care and beauty products. I use DHC Olive Oil to cleanse makeup, etc. off first before evening regimen. I honestly have been told I look like I could be my Grandson's (9 yrs) mother. I have had no "new" products added, no new pets, no eczema, etc. I have year round rhinitis which I have treated for many years with Flonase, Allegra. We do have a purifier in the house running at all times.  Bear with me - trying to piece your symptoms/causes with mine.  Other than obvious menopause as something "new" added to my life, perhaps some added stress (which is nothing new).  I do not drink often - but when I do wine is my preferred beverage.
I have done what most of you have - eliminating products 1 at a time to see what may/may not flare it up, used Triaminole ointment (my husband had some for a rash), all that the Dr. suggested.  
I am ready to go to a surgeon to take away my "new" additional eyelids, I do feel very self conscious as I look awful most of the time & is best to NOT wear anything at all on my face for makeup.
I have not changed pillows (they are OLD), have not stopped sugar/carbs totally or caffeine.  I guess I will try the dermacort, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar and raw shea butte, the acidopholus and yogurt ( I do drink milk).
I'd just like to know why suddenly this has happened to me 6 months ago and how to not have it ever occur again and get back to looking like my young "old" self again.

[turbocharmed]

Anti-bacterial won't prevent fungal infections and can lead to worse bacterial infections as it kills all the "good" bacteria that fights off those worse guys.  Which is why an epidemic of super bugs is starting.

I do think you're right though - it does seem totally fungal and spread from our hands.   I wouldn't always use soap that close to my eyes but now I do.