swollen eyelids and facial rash

[J760]

I am a 33 year old female, and for the past 3 weeks my eyelids began to swell. 3 weeks ago I had my annual contact exam (contact wearer for 19 years) and I also got my eyes dilated for the first time. I noticed about 8 hours later my right bottom lid began to swell and itch, I (thought that it was from some older eyeliner) so I took some benadryl and went bed. I awoken the next morning to both top and bottom lids on both eyes swollen with fine bumps on top lids only and very itchy, so I continued to take benadry for the next couple of days. When it seem like the swelling was going down I put my contacts back in for the day, took them out cleaned them. The next day my lids began to swell back up, the itching never stopped but got worst and 2 days later both lids were so swollen I could barely see. Went to the  er and was given prednisone 50MG for 6 days. Swelling went down greatly just hyperpigmentation on the lids. The day of my last prednisone my lids began to itch really bad and then my face also, I developed small fine bumps all over my face. Eyes swelled up 2 days later worst than before my vision was blurry went back to the er. I was told that maybe I was having an allergic reaction to lisinopril was given neo/poly/dex ophth susp 5 ml 4x daily, hydroxyzine hcl 25mg 3x daily, and clonidine 0.1mg 2x daily to replace the lisinopril. Swelling began to go down still itch though went to my dr and he said has never seen anything like this and he doubted that I was allergic to lisinopril. My eyes has began to swell back up and facial rash and lids are itching more and more to the point that I cannot sleep. Tried putting cortisone cream but that only burned eyes also watery and feels dry at times.  Eye dr said my eyes were fine and that I had an allergic reaction to something. I have not changed anything or tried anything new.  The only know allergy I have is penicillin. I am at my wits end, I have search the internet but have found no answers. Please help me!!!

[J760]

My eyes went back to normal after 2 months, and has been like that ever since. I'm still clueless as to what caused my lids to swell & face itching. I pray this never happens again.

[loretta363]

I also had a severe reaction to Lisinopril.  Went to allergist who said that it was not allergic reaction.  I had the allergy scratch tests and had no allergies.  Seeing a cardiologist who said yes, it was an allergic reaction and that it stays in your body for a long time.  I went off of it over a year ago and am still itching.  

[J760]

I am not sure what I could be allergic too. I do not have health insurance currently and know that I cannot afford to pay to see an allergist. I have not worn make up, no contacts nothing, and I use only water to wash my face. I wash my clothes in dye and fragrance free detergent. Watch what I eat, keep a log of my daily actives, still clueless? I have read that it be an underlining heath issue that is causing this beside allergies.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

You eye doctor is correct.  This is due to some generalized allergy.  You should see an allergist.

Dr. O.