Eyelid Swelling

What causes Eyelid swelling?

Swelling of the eyelids seems to be a symptom which is very common in many individuals and they complain about it a lot. Of course, individuals become worried, but many people don’t do anything and usually just let the swelling go away on its own. Some may take a warm cloth and apply it over the swelling; others may take an OTC antihistamine such as Claritin. Then there are those who are most anxious and may begin squeezing and picking and in some cases intensify the condition.

Eyelid Swelling Causes

Allergic Reactions

Eyelid swelling may be caused by nail polish, makeup, hairspray allergies, animals or plant allergies, chemical allergies. Allergies of animals are more commonly caused by any pet such as cats or dogs.

Blepharitis/chronic blepharitis

Blepharitis is a very exasperating situation which reoccurs and causes inflammation of the eyelids. There are underlying conditions which aggravate blepharitis. The symptoms of potential blepharitis can include burning in the eye feeling, extreme tearing, and foreign body feeling as well as itching of the eye.

Conjunctivitis

This is an infection of the eye which is contagious. It can be either viral or bacterial in nature but can also be triggered by environmental irritants, allergy, contact lenses as well as eye-drops and ointments. It normally causes itching, swelling, redness of the eye protective membrane as well as burning.

Styes

Styes are sebaceous glands located near the base of the eyelashes which have become inflamed. Staphylococcus bacteria most frequently cause them – they look like pimples.

Chalazion

This is caused by the blockage of oil glands. It can cause swelling of the upper as well as the lower eyelid. Other symptoms that can occur are the pain, redness, itchiness as well as lumpiness of the eyelid.

Other less common causes include:

Cellulitis

Irritation/inflammation of the subcutaneous tissues as well as the skin

Orbital Cellulitis

It is a bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding the eye which causes swelling as well as redness around the eyes and is normally a consequence of a primary condition such as sinusitis, conjunctivitis, or even diabetes.

Herpes

either herpes zoster virus or herpes simplex

Eyelids swelling can also be caused by overlooked blunt trauma or a bite of an insect.

Remember to tell your physician if you have recently traveled. Behavioral changes while traveling can increase risks of many medical problems linked to the swelling of the eyelids such as those that have been mentioned above.

Eyelid Swelling Treatment

Cold compress

If the swollen eyelid comes with itching as well as burning, using a cold compress can offer some reprieve. Take a soft and clean cloth. Dip this in ice cold water then press lightly on the swollen eyelid. Don’t touch or rub the swollen eyelid as it might make the discomfort worse. Change the water from time to time.

Ice pack

Ice is excellent for the treatment of swelling as well as inflammation. Take several cubes of ice and wrap them in a towel. Gently apply this on the swollen eyelid. Never put ice straight on the eyes as this can cause ice burn as well as damage to the tissue.

Apply cucumber

Get a cucumber slice and apply it on the closed eyelids for approximately 10 minutes. Cucumbers are rich in ascorbic acid as well as silicon.

Control salt intake

If you have been diagnosed as having high blood pressure, limit salt intake from your diet. Excessive salt triggers retention of the water in the body and this, in turn, causes swelling of the eyes.

Witch hazel extracts

This astringent is known to have properties which reduce swelling. Soak a cotton ball in this solution and squeeze out any extra fluid.

Use tea bags

These bags contain tannic acid which is enormously helpful in reducing eyelid swelling as well as giving aid to the burning eyes.

Eye makeup

Many individuals develop allergy reactions to makeup for the eye. And, eye makeup will block eyelids glands. Always remove eye makeup before going to bed at night so that the skin may breathe.

Use potatoes

Take thin slices of potato and place them on your closed eyelids for 15-30 minutes for a comforting effect.

Eyelid Swelling Pictures