A warm compress can be helpful in treating a stye.
There are several conditions that can cause swollen and itchy eyelids, although fortunately, most of them can be easily treated. One of the most common causes is a stye, which is an inflamed lump on the eyelid. Blepharitis is another possible cause, usually marked by swelling, redness, itching, and sometimes crusting or ulceration. An eye allergy often also results in itchy, swollen eyelids and can be caused by anything from makeup to different types of medical ointments.
Itchy, swollen eyelids can occur as a result of an allergic reaction to cosmetic products.
A stye can appear suddenly in one eye, appearing as a small red bump on the lower or upper eyelid, usually right where the eyelashes are. It usually looks like a pimple and can make the entire eyelid look swollen and itchy. The cause of this condition is usually an infected sebaceous gland that adheres to the follicle of an eyelash, with staphylococcus being the bacteria that causes the inflammation and itching of the eyelids. Although the stye usually heals in about a week without any treatment, recovery may be faster if a warm compress is placed on it for a few minutes several times a day, which will make it ooze faster and be less sensitive. Patients may be tempted to pop or pick at the stye, but this can make the situation worse and even cause the infection to spread to the other eye, so it is not recommended.
Medications may be needed to treat itchy, swollen eyelids.
Blepharitis is usually caused by bacteria, the herpes virus, or an allergy. It usually presents as a red, swollen eyelid that itches and burns, and is sometimes accompanied by scales, ulcers, or crusting. Treatment depends on the cause, so it’s usually best to see an ophthalmologist to determine why itchy, swollen eyelids have occurred. If the cause is a virus, antiviral medications can be given orally, while antibiotic ointment is usually offered when the cause is bacteria. Topical corticosteroids are usually needed if the condition is caused by an eye allergy.
Eye allergies can lead to swollen, itchy eyelids.
Some people find out they are allergic to certain substances only when their eyes become swollen, red and itchy. Many women find this occurs after using a new makeup product because they may be allergic to ingredients such as preservatives. Some antibiotic ointments used for medical treatments can also damage the eye if they get close, while contact lens solution sometimes causes the same problem, depending on the ingredients. In most cases, patients can treat itchy, swollen eyelids by stopping the product and applying corticosteroids or taking antihistamines to relieve swelling.
