Itchy Eyelids

Eyelids that itch may be caused from any situation that inflames, infects or irritates the eyelid. Infections, allergies and even often shortage of sleep may cause the eyelids to become itchy. Most problems that affect the eyelid are not threatening to vision or life and eyelids that itch normally get better on their own in a few days.

Itchy Eyelids Symptoms

Eyelids that itch can be accompanied with other symptoms including:

• Discharge from the eyes
• Burning feeling in the eyes
• Gritty feeling in the eyes
• Increased tear production
• Redness of the eyes or eyelids
• Runny nose – nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Swelling of the face

In rare cases, eyelids that itch can occur with symptoms that could indicate a life-threatening condition that should immediately be evaluated in an emergency room.

Medical attention should be sought immediately if any of these symptoms also occur:

• Breathing or respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, not breathing, choking, labored breathing
• Sudden changes in vision, loss of vision, eye pain
• Sudden swelling of the lips, tongue or face

Itchy Eyelids Causes

Eyelids are extremely sensitive and are well supplied with nerves and blood vessels, so even a very light inflammation can cause itchiness. This itchiness is the body’s method of letting you know that there is something bothering the eye or eyelid.

The most common causes of eyelids that itch are systemic or local allergies as well as infectious or inflammatory conditions, such as:

• Chalazion – inflammation of a blocked oil gland in margin of eyelid
• Stye or hordeolum – bacterial infection of oil gland or eyelash follicle
• Blepharitis – inflammation of margin of eyelid
• Common cold – viral respiratory infection
• Hay fever or allergic reaction from dust, pollen, cosmetics, or animal dander
• Conjunctivitis – inflammation of eye surface
• Contact dermatitis – local allergic reaction to makeup

When the underlying reason for the itching is diagnosed, it is vital to follow any treatment plan that the healthcare professional designs to reduce any potential complications including:

• Blindness and loss of vision
• Eye scarring
• Spreading of infection

Itchy Eyelids Treatment

Blepharitis

Blepharitis can be managed by the application of compresses that are warm as well as washing the eyelids with mild shampoo. In order to use a compress – dampen a washcloth that is clean and put over the eyes that are closed for several minutes and repeat a number of times. These relieve itching as well as assist in opening up the oil glands. The eyelids should be washed with a washcloth that is clean or a cotton swab that is saturated in clean water. Eyelids should be gently scrubbed for around fifteen (15) seconds and then rinse. Do not use the same swab for both eyes. There are also pre-packaged scrubs that can be purchased at any drug store.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis normally clears up without any treatment unless it is an infection caused by bacteria where prescription antibiotics are necessary. Wet compresses often help get rid of the inflammation but cleanliness also are important. Wash hands frequently in order to help prevent the spreading of pink eye.

Abrasions

Abrasions if minor will get well without treatments but injuries that are deeper need medication, ointment as well as often the need to wear a patch.

Allergies

Allergy problems may be managed with drops, allergy medication over-the-counter or prescription drops – subject to how severe the eyes are affected.

Eye problems occur with rosacea in about fifty (50) percent of the individuals with this disease. Symptoms can be managed with oral antibiotics.

Itchy Eyelids Relief

In order to repair as well as restore the eyelids the individual should be aware of what exactly is irritating them and stay clear of this substance. Often this is hard to discover at first but maintain a journal of when the symptoms are strongest might be very helpful.

In caring for eyelids that itch, it is essential to couple skin care with cream that is particularly made for use with the delicate skin on the face and eyelids. It should be free of any fragrance, all natural and a face cream that moisturizes deeply.

A natural and effective face cream needs to repair as well as restore cells that are seven (7) layers deep in order to enter the layers that are deepest in the skin. When cream does not penetrate all these layers, the slow exfoliating of cells that are dead will cause cells to clump together in scales are flakes. Ultimately as the epidermis becomes thinner and more delicate and the layer of subcutaneous fat reduces, the skin loses its strong protective feature.

A good quality facial cream needs to also be formulated with herbal botanicals, shea butter and vitamins in order to have the ability to start hydrating and calming skin problems.

Itchy Eyelids Home Remedies

Swollen or itchy eyelids can be helped by drinking lots of fluids since the swelling is usually caused by the retention of water.

There are also various home remedies to relief itchy and swelling eyelids. Cold compresses to the eye are recommended. Gel-filled compresses may be purchased. They are designed to put in the freezer for several minutes and then apply to the eyes for five (5) to ten (10) minutes. Cut slices of cucumbers or potatoes can also be put over the eyes for ten (10) minutes. Another home remedy is to soak a clean cloth in cold milk and apply that for ten (10) minutes.