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Sore, puffy, dry, red eyelids... Help needed, as my pharmascist is the definition of useless!
Apologiies in advance for this crazily long post- perhaps if I had forced my pharmacist to read all of this, he might have actually been helpful.....
For the last few weeks I have been suffering from incredibly sensitive eyes/eyelids which are red, dry and sore, similar to sunburn. I initially thought it was because of some cheap make-up remover wipes that I used to take off my mascara. Although I had been using them for a while, they soon started to sting and burn the area around my eyes whenever I used them. The use of any eye make-up other than mascara would result in a stinging sensation, which varied in terms of severity. Moisturiser and even baby-lotion would burn my skin. Since then however, I have been using some Garnier make-up wipes, made for sensitive skin and the problem seemed to get a bit better, although eyeshadow was still strictly off-limits. But then, last Sunday, my eyes had gone back to their previous state, of being very red and sore. I hadn't worn any make-up or used any products on or near my eyes at all on Sunday, so I'm confused as to what caused it to return.
On Monday and Tuesday, several people commented on the state of my eyes, especially the right one, which seemed to be in a worse condition. My eyelids were dry and painful to touch, especially in the corner and it was continuously weeping, until yesterday afternoon when it seemed to heal up to the point where it looked sore, but no longer felt it.
And then today- my awful eyes are worse than ever. While my actual eyes are fine, my eyelids are large, puffy and as per usual- RED. My left one was expectionally bad, where it was almost hard to keep open. Since the day has gone on, they've somewhat improved, although they remain puffy and red.
One more thing- it may or may not be related but yesterday morning I woke up with a dry, red, sore patch of skin around the left corner of my mouth. When covered up with makeup, it's not so bad, but still notciable and sometimes itchy. I put on some E45 cream today, as I thought this would help, but I think it made it worse as it started stinging and burning almost immediatley. I never had this before, only since the problem has returned to my eyelids. Related, perhaps?
What is going on with my evil, crazy eyes?! I look awful, as I'm very pale and the contrast between my pale face with the random red patch near my mouth and my dry, puffy eyelids makes me resemble something out of a horror film... :( Any ideas of what the problem could be or how to fix it? Or has anyone else suffered similar symptoms? All help would be greatly appreciated. :)
Alex.
For the last few weeks I have been suffering from incredibly sensitive eyes/eyelids which are red, dry and sore, similar to sunburn. I initially thought it was because of some cheap make-up remover wipes that I used to take off my mascara. Although I had been using them for a while, they soon started to sting and burn the area around my eyes whenever I used them. The use of any eye make-up other than mascara would result in a stinging sensation, which varied in terms of severity. Moisturiser and even baby-lotion would burn my skin. Since then however, I have been using some Garnier make-up wipes, made for sensitive skin and the problem seemed to get a bit better, although eyeshadow was still strictly off-limits. But then, last Sunday, my eyes had gone back to their previous state, of being very red and sore. I hadn't worn any make-up or used any products on or near my eyes at all on Sunday, so I'm confused as to what caused it to return.
On Monday and Tuesday, several people commented on the state of my eyes, especially the right one, which seemed to be in a worse condition. My eyelids were dry and painful to touch, especially in the corner and it was continuously weeping, until yesterday afternoon when it seemed to heal up to the point where it looked sore, but no longer felt it.
And then today- my awful eyes are worse than ever. While my actual eyes are fine, my eyelids are large, puffy and as per usual- RED. My left one was expectionally bad, where it was almost hard to keep open. Since the day has gone on, they've somewhat improved, although they remain puffy and red.
One more thing- it may or may not be related but yesterday morning I woke up with a dry, red, sore patch of skin around the left corner of my mouth. When covered up with makeup, it's not so bad, but still notciable and sometimes itchy. I put on some E45 cream today, as I thought this would help, but I think it made it worse as it started stinging and burning almost immediatley. I never had this before, only since the problem has returned to my eyelids. Related, perhaps?
What is going on with my evil, crazy eyes?! I look awful, as I'm very pale and the contrast between my pale face with the random red patch near my mouth and my dry, puffy eyelids makes me resemble something out of a horror film... :( Any ideas of what the problem could be or how to fix it? Or has anyone else suffered similar symptoms? All help would be greatly appreciated. :)
Alex.
Try this first.
STING, SWOLLEN AND PAINFUL EYES
Evidently this is a big problem.It was for me. This could also be a help for many.
I also found this:
The active ingredients contained within Kleenex Anti-Viral are Citric Acid and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. These ingredients are present in the middle layer of the tissue and upon activation by moisture, kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses within 15 minutes of contact. These tissues are virucidal against Rhinoviruses Type 1A and 2 that cause the common cold, Influenza A and Influenza B which cause the flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus which is the leading cause of respiratory infection in children. Citric Acid makes up 7.51%, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate makes up 2.02% and the remainder of the ingredients are inert. If one holds a tissue up to the light, little blue dots containing the anti-viral ingredients can be seen. (when you wipe your moist eyes you activate these additives. This could be in other products as well)
In order to make its flu-fighting claims, Kimberly-Clark had to get approval for its pesticide-laced product from the EPA, rather than the Food and Drug Administration since tissues aren't ingested.(but can be by people and animals, my dog eats kleenex) After a yearlong review, the EPA approved the product in 2003, with certain caveats. The agency, for example, required that Kleenex state on its label that the product hadn't been tested against bacteria, fungi or other viruses. Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07022/755901-28.stm#ixzz1PMrScUlV
Well Here is some info on KLEENEX:
Is KLEENEX® Facial Tissue biodegradable? Flushable?
KLEENEX® Tissue is made with biodegradable cellulose fibers. Because the tissue is made with an additive to make it strong, it will not break down as rapidly as bathroom tissue. Therefore, we suggest you discard KLEENEX® Facial Tissue in the trash.
What types of trees are used to manufacture KLEENEX® Facial Tissue?
Selected tree species, including spruce, fir, aspen, maple and eucalyptus contain thin wood fibers which contribute to the desirable characteristics of softness, absorbency and strength in KLEENEX® Tissue.
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=187870
This is my post.
"I have had allergy's all of my live but when I moved to Dallas, Tx they got much worse. I have very sensitive eyes which water all of the time. My Eye Doctor gave me 2 excellent drops and controlled my problem. All of a sudden about 2 months ago they started sting so bad and none of the meds or any eye product worked at all. I had to put ice packs on my eyes and it didn't help very much. I ended up going to bed to rest my eyes. Then I started doing my own research on why this happened. When your eyes water you grab a tissue. I was grabbing KLEENEX ULTRA SOFT designer tissue. THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. There is some chemical in the product that created such a painful horrible problem for me, it was very bad. When I stopped using a KLEENEX any where around my eyes it STOPED. Chemical Sun Screeners will also cause this problem. I bought hankies to address any eye watering and no problems. I hope this info helps you as well. Go back to hankies!!! Be Green as save your self
Pat
STING, SWOLLEN AND PAINFUL EYES
Evidently this is a big problem.It was for me. This could also be a help for many.
I also found this:
The active ingredients contained within Kleenex Anti-Viral are Citric Acid and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. These ingredients are present in the middle layer of the tissue and upon activation by moisture, kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses within 15 minutes of contact. These tissues are virucidal against Rhinoviruses Type 1A and 2 that cause the common cold, Influenza A and Influenza B which cause the flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus which is the leading cause of respiratory infection in children. Citric Acid makes up 7.51%, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate makes up 2.02% and the remainder of the ingredients are inert. If one holds a tissue up to the light, little blue dots containing the anti-viral ingredients can be seen. (when you wipe your moist eyes you activate these additives. This could be in other products as well)
In order to make its flu-fighting claims, Kimberly-Clark had to get approval for its pesticide-laced product from the EPA, rather than the Food and Drug Administration since tissues aren't ingested.(but can be by people and animals, my dog eats kleenex) After a yearlong review, the EPA approved the product in 2003, with certain caveats. The agency, for example, required that Kleenex state on its label that the product hadn't been tested against bacteria, fungi or other viruses. Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07022/755901-28.stm#ixzz1PMrScUlV
Well Here is some info on KLEENEX:
Is KLEENEX® Facial Tissue biodegradable? Flushable?
KLEENEX® Tissue is made with biodegradable cellulose fibers. Because the tissue is made with an additive to make it strong, it will not break down as rapidly as bathroom tissue. Therefore, we suggest you discard KLEENEX® Facial Tissue in the trash.
What types of trees are used to manufacture KLEENEX® Facial Tissue?
Selected tree species, including spruce, fir, aspen, maple and eucalyptus contain thin wood fibers which contribute to the desirable characteristics of softness, absorbency and strength in KLEENEX® Tissue.
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=187870
This is my post.
"I have had allergy's all of my live but when I moved to Dallas, Tx they got much worse. I have very sensitive eyes which water all of the time. My Eye Doctor gave me 2 excellent drops and controlled my problem. All of a sudden about 2 months ago they started sting so bad and none of the meds or any eye product worked at all. I had to put ice packs on my eyes and it didn't help very much. I ended up going to bed to rest my eyes. Then I started doing my own research on why this happened. When your eyes water you grab a tissue. I was grabbing KLEENEX ULTRA SOFT designer tissue. THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. There is some chemical in the product that created such a painful horrible problem for me, it was very bad. When I stopped using a KLEENEX any where around my eyes it STOPED. Chemical Sun Screeners will also cause this problem. I bought hankies to address any eye watering and no problems. I hope this info helps you as well. Go back to hankies!!! Be Green as save your self
Pat
Great point about looking carefully at your shampoo as a cause! My derm said another common ingredient is increasingly found to be a problem.
It is cocamidopropyl betaine, a foam former that is usually among the first three ingredients listed on a shampoo bottle.
Just try walking down your friendly supermarket aisle and finding a single shampoo that does NOT contain it!
It is cocamidopropyl betaine, a foam former that is usually among the first three ingredients listed on a shampoo bottle.
Just try walking down your friendly supermarket aisle and finding a single shampoo that does NOT contain it!
This forum helped me in my journey to discover why my eyelids "suddenly" started becoming ultra-sensitive. After making it to almost 40 with no allergies or skin problems, I seemed to develop horrible eczema overnight. My eyes started off just being puffy/swollen, then got an angry red, then flaked and swelling would go away. I stopped wearing makeup, kept it well moisturized (on the advice of my doctor, who insisted it was a pollen allergy), and it still kept coming back... same pattern, a few times a week.
It wasn't overly itchy, and using hydrocortizone cream helped, although I was concerned about the side-effects of using that, especially on the eye area. When it started to spread down my cheeks, I knew something was really wrong. My eyes looked horrible, like I had pink eye or some sort of horrible, infectious disease! I was moritifed to be seen in public and felt compelled to explain to everyone that I didn't have an infection, just sensitive skin that was experiencing an allergic reaction.
This went on for four months. I know many of you have been dealing with this for YEARS. I simply could not anymore, so I finally bypassed my doctor, who was no help at all, and went to an allergist. He spent about an hour with me, talking to me about my lifestyle and the particular symptoms I was experiencing. At the end of our discussion, he said, "the one thing I can tell you is that you probably do not have an allergy to pollen. Just from what I see happening to your skin and from what you've described, you have none of the classic reactions."
He suggested I get a patch test for chemical reactions, as he suspected my allergy was to something in a product I was using. My first thought was my makeup - oh no! I love wearing makeup and don't want to have to stop. So, I did the test, which involves wearing a strip of paper on your back that has chemicals on it, then removing it and see what swells up and reddens your skin.
Guess what? I was allergic to methylchloroisothiazolinone, a preservative and foaming agent used commonly in shampoo. The lightbulb went off and I thought back... yes, I had changed shampoos a couple of weeks before the trouble began. Pantene... methylcholorisothiazolinone is one of the top ingredients! Considering I was in the high allergy response result from my patch test, no wonder this was causing irritation... the way I washed my hair, all those suds ran down right over my eyes!!
I stopped using it and the problem VANISHED... my swollen eyes healed up and they have never, in the six months since, flared up again.
So, long story short, please visit an allergist and see if they can help you by conducting a chemical patch test to see if you are allergic. If you can't afford the allergist, try avoiding shampoos with this ingredient and see what happens -- it can't hurt!
Good luck. :)
It wasn't overly itchy, and using hydrocortizone cream helped, although I was concerned about the side-effects of using that, especially on the eye area. When it started to spread down my cheeks, I knew something was really wrong. My eyes looked horrible, like I had pink eye or some sort of horrible, infectious disease! I was moritifed to be seen in public and felt compelled to explain to everyone that I didn't have an infection, just sensitive skin that was experiencing an allergic reaction.
This went on for four months. I know many of you have been dealing with this for YEARS. I simply could not anymore, so I finally bypassed my doctor, who was no help at all, and went to an allergist. He spent about an hour with me, talking to me about my lifestyle and the particular symptoms I was experiencing. At the end of our discussion, he said, "the one thing I can tell you is that you probably do not have an allergy to pollen. Just from what I see happening to your skin and from what you've described, you have none of the classic reactions."
He suggested I get a patch test for chemical reactions, as he suspected my allergy was to something in a product I was using. My first thought was my makeup - oh no! I love wearing makeup and don't want to have to stop. So, I did the test, which involves wearing a strip of paper on your back that has chemicals on it, then removing it and see what swells up and reddens your skin.
Guess what? I was allergic to methylchloroisothiazolinone, a preservative and foaming agent used commonly in shampoo. The lightbulb went off and I thought back... yes, I had changed shampoos a couple of weeks before the trouble began. Pantene... methylcholorisothiazolinone is one of the top ingredients! Considering I was in the high allergy response result from my patch test, no wonder this was causing irritation... the way I washed my hair, all those suds ran down right over my eyes!!
I stopped using it and the problem VANISHED... my swollen eyes healed up and they have never, in the six months since, flared up again.
So, long story short, please visit an allergist and see if they can help you by conducting a chemical patch test to see if you are allergic. If you can't afford the allergist, try avoiding shampoos with this ingredient and see what happens -- it can't hurt!
Good luck. :)
I sort of stumbled upon this site when I was suffering from dry, upper eyelids in February. I even had small slits, or cuts, in the creases of my eyelids. It was very painful. I went to my dermatologist and was given a $40 cream. It didn't help. That's when I googled my problem and found this site. I bought the Mario Badescu control cream. I am not kidding....I was cured in 2 days. I couldn't believe it. I use it nightly and haven't had one sign of any recurrence.
I had extremely dry, red, and itchy "flare ups" on and around my eyelids and in the corner of my eyes. My right eye was always worst then my left. When I went to the doctor they told me that I had eczema and gave me a steroid cream. At first the cream helped but I would continue to get flare ups. I went back to the doctor and they thought I may be allergic to something and did the patch test on my back. They couldn't find anything that I was allergic to. So basically I was left with nothing and the flare ups would continue to come back every few days. One day it was so unbearable and I found this blog. Everyone here really helped me! I went straight out and bought the Mario Badescu control cream from Nordstrom. I figured I had nothing to lose - it was cheaper than if I went to the doctor and paid a co-pay nevermind whatever they would prescribe me! Anyone who is having this issue should try the Mario Badescu control cream!!! The second I put the cream on I could immediately feel relief!! After a few days my unsolvable problem was gone forever! It has been 5 months and I have been clear!! I still put on the cream twice a day (morning and night) just as a precaution. Thank you to everyone for recommending it! My normal skin is back and I am so grateful!!
I have had the same problem that a lot of you have or have had. First my eyelids start to itch and feel like "prickly heat", then they turn red and eventually super puffy. I also get a lot of tearing. At first I thought it was ragweed allergy, but after the winter freeze it still came back. I tried cortisone cream and antihistamines that would slightly help, but it kept coming back. Eventually I tried one weird thing, and it went away in one day. So far it hasn't returned. I sprayed Tinactin on a tissue and blotted it all around my eyes. I waited until it dried before opening my eyes so as not to get any in them. I saw in one blog here that it could be a fungal infection. I don't know where I would have gotten a fungal infection from, but that's why I eventually got so fed up with nothing else working that I tried this. Yup..weird. I'll repost if this fails, but several days and no flare up!
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