bilateral under eye redness and dryness

[exsanchez]

My 19 year old daughter developed redness under both eyes with dryness.  It was so dry it made a small cut under each eye.  I've given her neosporin to treat but it is not going away.  I'm trying to treat over the counter, I was one affected by the economy & was laid off & no longer have insurance as of 1/1/09.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear exsanchez,

It is possible that your daughter might be allergic to the Neosporin and it might worsen the dryness.  I would recommend that you seek the care of an eyeMD and explain your situation in advance so you can work out a payment plan.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Watch out for a neosporin allergy - it will cause very red, scaly, crustly eyelid skin.  Neomycin (in neosporin) causes more allergic reactions than any other antibiotic and about 10% of people will have a reaction.  Regardless, however, she needs to see an eye specialist (ophthalmologist to see what is going on.)  These lid problems can be tricky to diagnose and treat - so it essential to be seen in person.

MJK MD