Question:
I am writing in desparation since my doctor hasn't been able to
help. I have dry red itching skin under my eyes and swollen eyelids, I
look like I am a heroin addict. Despite steroid creams, anti allergy
eyedrops, antibiotic eyedrops and emollient cream for dry skin this
condition does not want to leave. I have an appointment for allergy test
patching but not for some weeks so I was hopin for some advice or help
from anyone who may have experienced similar symptoms.
Answer:
Are you wearing any eye makeup? I have found that, for me, some
substance in eye shadow causes itchy eyelids. If you are wearing
eye makeup, consider leaving off the mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow
to see what happens.
I have also found that some soaps make my eyes itchy - one being
Dove here in US. I have used baby soap, non-soap cleaners and
Mary Kay creamy cleaners, US again, successfully.
It sounds like a form of allergic conjunctivitis. Quoting from the
book 'Allergies A to Z', M Lipkowitz, "...red itchy watery eyes in persons with allergy.....most common in
the spring and fall pollinating seasons and animal dander exposure....
Cromolyn sodium (Opticrom) is the treatment of choice but has been
temporarily discontinued in the US but available in other countries....
Antihistamine decongestant eyedrops...effective in many cases.....
Corticosteroid eyedrops are reserved for the most severe cases.....
Contact sensitivity of the eye is a common disorder causing itching,
tearing, light sensitivity; eyelids may also swell and become inflamed..
caused by eye medications, including contact lens solution.
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis is related to atopic dermatitis (eczema)
and also causes itching, tearing, and light sensitivity. The eyes appear
red and inflamed, and the palpebral conjunctivae (the inner lining of the
eyelids) also become swollen and inflamed This disease is frequently
complicated by secondary staphlococcal or herpes simplex infection."
Here some links with more info:
http://www.health-line.com/articles/ap960102.htm Allergic Conjunctivitis
http://www.wdn.com/mirkin/6856.html Conjunctivitis
http://www.njc.org/MSU/10n8MSU_Atopic_Derm.html Atopic Dermatitis ‘92
http://members.home.net/cwahab/ The Eczema Connection
http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/tips/tip15.html Atopic Dermatitis
http://www.wdn.com/mirkin/7197.html Atopic Dermatitis
http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/allrasth/otherdis/skin/derm.html Dermatologic Diseases
Eczema is a rash that is manifested as a result of allergic disease.
While seborrheic dermatitis tends to show up on the scalp and face,
eczema can appear anywhere. True, traditionally it appears in the
creases of the arms and back of the knees, it can and has appeared
everywhere.
So what is it? Hard to say. Trying a tar shampoo or dandruff shampoo
might help tell. Both will help dandruff and psoriasis, but will only
control the others. Switching shampoos to see if that's the problem will
also help. If it's eczema... well... there sre treatments available that
will help symptoms.
