Itchy eyelids are very annoying. Sometimes the eyelids are swollen or the skin on and around the eyelids is very dry. This can have various causes, such as an allergic reaction or inflammation. What are the main causes and what can you do yourself if you suffer from eyelid problems?
The eyelids
Each eye has an eyelid above and below. An eyelid is a fold in the skin that protects the eyes against moisture and dirt. The eyelashes are located on the edge of the eyelids. These are touch-sensitive hairs that ensure that the eye closes quickly when touched. This way, nothing can easily catch your eye. We blink to keep our eyes moist. During sleep the eyelids are closed.
Itch
The eyelids can sometimes itch intensely. They may also be red, swollen or flaky. Itching is extremely annoying. It encourages rubbing, which can sometimes make the itching, redness and thickness even worse. The itching can have various causes. The main causes are discussed below.
Causes
Conjunctivitis due to contact allergy
A conjunctivitis can occur after contact of the eye or the skin around the eye with a substance to which one is hypersensitive. This can result in the following complaints: itchy, burning, watery, red eyes. Furthermore, the conjunctiva, eyelids and skin around the eyes can swell.
Hay fever
In hay fever, the eye complaints of itchy, red swollen, watery eyes always occur in the same season. This is often accompanied by other complaints of hay fever: runny nose, sneezing fits, shortness of breath or wheezing airways. The pollen grains (or pollen) of wind-pollinated plants, trees and grasses in particular are the culprits here.
To sleep
Sleeping too long or too short can cause the eyelids to swell. The eyes feel heavy all day long.
Weather changes
Burning, red, itchy eyelids can be the result of weather conditions. For example, due to large temperature changes. Very hot weather can also cause a thick and burning sensation.
Eyelid inflammation
An eyelid infection (blepharitis) is a fairly common chronic inflammation of the eyelids. This can occur at the location of an eyelash hair follicle. In a number of cases, such inflammation leads to swelling accompanied by a purulent discharge. Other complaints may include itching and irritation, red eyelids with a burning sensation and stinging.
Atopic eczema
In this form of eczema, allergic predisposition and heredity play a very important role: asthma and hay fever also often run in families. Eczema is an itchy inflammation of the skin. The complaints can persist all year round. The eyelids suffer from itching, swelling and redness. The eyes themselves can itch, tear, irritate and are often photophobic.
To cry
After a good cry, the eyelids can remain thick and swollen for a long time and start to itch.
Treatment with drugs
The doctor can prescribe medications for hay fever (antihistamines). You can also consider various eye drops, and for eczema, hydrocortisone cream. This cream contains corticosteroids (adrenocortical hormone) that inhibit inflammation. This reduces redness and swelling. Always apply the cream thinly and avoid direct contact with the eye. Do not use the cream for too long, as this can be harmful to the eye pressure and the skin around the eyes. All these medications combat the symptoms.
You can do this yourself
- Try to rub as little as possible, even if this is difficult. Rubbing usually worsens the complaints.
- Use hypoallergenic makeup and makeup remover. Sometimes switching brands can help. Allergic complaints can start from one day to the next, even if you have been using the product for years.
- In some cases, do not wear makeup for a few days so that the skin can recover.
- For advice about contact lens solutions, you can go to your contact lens specialist.
- Don’t sleep too long. Also beware of sleep deprivation and draughts.
- Place a washcloth soaked in very warm water on the closed eyelids for one minute at least twice a day. This causes flakes to soften and become loose.
- Wear sunglasses outside to avoid light irritation.
- Inquire about homeopathic remedies, some people benefit greatly from this.
- Keep the skin on your face in good condition. It can be useful to apply a nourishing cream or ointment, especially for dry skin. Preferably use products with as few fragrances and preservatives as possible.
- In warm weather, occasionally clean your eyelids with water to prevent irritation due to sweat
In case of inflammation or in doubt, always consult your doctor!