Swollen eyelids

[VinnieValentine]

I've had this problem frequently for the past two-three months since I moved back to southern California from northern California which I lived for three years. Before this I was still living in southern CA and also in Colorado.

My left lower eyelid would get swollen as if there was a build up of fluid, so I do the a hot and cold compress to see which one helps, and also take Benadryl. After a day or so it seems to go away. Now it is on my upper eyelids only, one eye at a time. Normally it is the left and today it is the right.

Takes a few days but it goes away. It also makes the sides of my face itchy but my eyes never have problems. Sometimes the night before it happens they get real dry and itchy. I figured it was my pillows since I normally use  Febreze Allergen Reducer and had changed the brand, so I switched back to Febreze. I also washed my bedding and pillow cases to help. I have hay fever and take an over the counter day time allergy med but only have to now that I'm here in southern CA

I've read to change the actual pillows which I'm going to do today, but if there was anything else I may be able to try? The over the counter allergy stuff if different than what I used to use, which was Zyrtec when it was only rx form. Would that also help if I switched?

Thanks!

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

You could try some over the counter allergy medications and avoid any creams or makeup that aggrevates things.  Keep a strict watch on salt intake and keep to a very minimum and eat a healthy diet, keep weight well in check, keep head elevated when sleeping and don't sleep on your stomach.  Try cool compresses or a cool face gel pack and also consider some over the counter allergy drops.  Finally I suggest seeing an ophthalmologist to see if you have some serious allergy issues or other problems.

MJK MD

[VinnieValentine]

I also wear contacts and sometimes my eyes fairly dryed from them and I'll wear my glasses a good portion of the day. I also recently switched brands of contact solution although this problem was before that. Just in case it could contribute I should add this in.