How Can I Stop My Child With Eye Allergies From Itching
Applying a cool washcloth to your child’s eyes and flushing their eyes with a small amount of water can help reduce irritation and itching.
If your child has a history of allergies, the best way to get ahead of their symptoms is through prevention. This can include giving them daily OTC allergy medication and taking steps to reduce exposure to allergens at home and when they are outside.
How Do You Stop Itchy Eyes From Allergies
An artificial tear applied directly to the tear film will reduce the itching temporarily. Colds and dressings can temporarily lessen mild itching caused by allergies.lubricating eye drops can often alleviate symptoms by easily being applied over-the-counter.The use of anti-allergy eyedrops and oral medication.
When To Seek Urgent Care For Itchy Eyes
If your itchy eyes dont feel better after a few days of home care, its a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor, says Dr. McCarville. If your doc suspects you have allergies or a more serious skin issue, they may refer you to a specialist such as an allergist or a dermatologist.
That said, if youre also experiencing any of the following, see a doctor immediately, says Dr. McCarville:
- A loss of vision
- Pain when you move your eye
- Sensitivity to light
These symptoms are rare, but they are major red flags that may indicate an infection or eye pressure issue that can cause severe vision damage. If your doctor is booked for the day, dont hesitate to head over to urgent care. Your eyes will thank you.
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What Causes Dry Flaky Eyelids
There are many causes for dry, flaky eyelids resulting from eyelid dermatitis. “Eyelid dermatitis is when the skin of the eyelid and around the eyelid becomes dry, itchy, irritated, red, and swollen,” says Peredo. She notes that a skin condition, “such as eczema or environmental factors,” might be to blame. “Additionally, dry air in the winter, temperature change, or humidity can also cause dry, flaky eyelids.”
According to Green, people “who have asthma, or hay fever, or eczema, have a propensity to develop eyelid dermatitis. If eyelid dermatitis continues, patch testing may be needed to see what specifically may be causing or exacerbating thisspecifically if it is being triggered by an allergen.”
There are different types of eyelid dermatitis. The distinguishing factors are, as Green notes, distinct types of triggers. “The most common form of eyelid dermatitis is contact dermatitis which includes allergic contact dermatitis and irritant dermatitis,” explains Peredo. She says some of the most common allergens that can cause eyelid dermatitis when they come in contact with the eyelids are fragrances, nail polish, metals found in jewelry or eyeshadows, or other cosmetic products. Seasonal allergies, explains Engelman, are also a common cause.
Irritant eyelid dermatitis, according to Peredo, is a “non-allergic reaction to the eyelid skin. Common culprits are soaps, detergents, and eye creams that may contain retinol.”
What Is Good For Allergies Around The Eyes
Put a cold compress on your body.Treatment of skin swelling and itching can be accomplished by applying cold compresses to the eyes, according to Ogbogu.Use your towel or washcloth to soak in cold water before using it again. Store it or put it on ice before using again.Afterwards, lie down, and let the cool air on your eyes reduce swollen eyelids.
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When To Call Your Doctor About Itchy Eyes
If youve tried basic, OTC remedies and youre still uncomfortable, Dr. Kanesa-thasan recommends calling your eye doctor. Your eye provider can diagnose what is causing your specific symptoms and the best treatment plan with a simple eye exam, he says.
And, if youre having other issues, like decreased vision or discharge from your eye, call your doctor ASAP.
Medical Treatment For Eye Allergies
Lots of over-the-counter meds, like allergy or antihistamine eye drops as well as antihistamines you take by mouth, can help against mild allergies. Follow the directions on the packages exactly.
Prescription eye drops usually work well, and most donât have side effects. Many of them are taken twice a day, and can be used to prevent an allergic reaction. Some common ones include:
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Home Remedies To Treat Dry Eyelids
Compresses are a quick and easy way to feel relief from eyelid dermatitis. “You can gently apply a cold or warm compress to soothe the skin,” advises Engelman. “If you have aloe vera or shea butter on hand, those ingredients can also be soothing to irritated skin.”
Green favors “whole milk compresses, three times a day,” to relieve symptoms of dry eyelids. You can create a whole milk compress by soaking a washcloth in a bowl of cold cow’s milk and then pressing it to your eyelid for several minutes. Make sure to choose a whole milk variety, as the high fat content provides natural emollients that are soothing to skin.
In addition to compresses, Engelman suggests the use of over-the-counter moisturizers to “help reduce the need to rub the eye area.” Her picks include Cetaphil Restoring Lotion, which she says is a “great drugstore moisturizer thats fragrance and paraben-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin. This lotion will help to restore moisture around the eyes and be extra gentle on the compromised area.” She also loves “La Roche-Posays Toleriane Ultra Eye Cream, which is formulated specifically for those with allergy-prone and sensitive skin.” Use for a more targeted treatment.
Peredo recommends using a “moisturizer several times a day, such as “Skinfluences Intense Moisture Balm. It is a heavier moisturizer to help soften the skin.” She also likes an occlusive like Aquaphor for treating the gentle eye area, while Green likes Vaseline for a similar effect.
Puffy Eyes Caused By Allergies: Triggers And Treatments
- Puffy eyes are often due to allergic reactions and can be triggered by such irritants as pet dander, dust mites and mold.
- Puffy eyes are a result of three different forms of allergies: airborne, contact and ingested.
- Several over the counter and prescription treatments are available to treat the causes and symptoms of puffy eyes.
The eyes are typically where the signs of allergies are most commonly seen, including swollen and watery eyes, redness and itching. A variety of treatments exist, including home remedies, OTC and prescription medications.
The treatment you choose will often depend on the severity of the allergic reaction and the root cause.
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How Do You Get Rid Of Itchy Eyes
Compresses that are both warm and cool can be used.Using a compress in order to relieve itchy eyes is an easy and rapid way to take action.The use of warm compresses over the eyes can be useful for treating allergies.When itchy eyes are not satisfied with their usual comfort, they may need a cold compress on their skin.
What To Do When Allergies Or Infections Strike
Even if you fight the good fight, you may still sometimes need relief from itchy, watery eyes. Depending on your diagnosis, here are treatments that can help.
For allergies: Topical medications are usually better than general allergy remedies for treating eye allergies. Many allergy eye drops are extremely successful in treating symptoms. Some actually work to prevent symptoms by preventing the allergic reaction from getting started.
Your doctor may suggest short-term medications to help control inflammation, such as steroid or anti-inflammatory eye drops. Over-the-counter artificial tears also can help keep eyes moistened and flush out allergens.
For infections: Viral infections generally clear up on their own, but cold compresses and lubricating eye drops can minimize symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to treat a bacterial eye infection.
For eye infections caused by fungi and parasites, the medication will depend on whats causing the problem. Your eye doctor can help sort that out.
Getting quick diagnosis and treatment is the key when you have irritated eyes. No matter whats causing the problem, your eye doctor can help you find the right treatment and the relief you need.
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When Do You Need To See A Doctor
While there’s a good chance that your symptoms will clear up once you remove whatever’s causing them, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek medical help if certain concerning symptoms arise, experts warn.
If your eyeball, rather than your eyelid, is swollen, you should head to a doctor’s office immediately, Dr. Hajee says. Additionally, if your eyeball is in any pain, or if any area around the eye is in severe pain, that should prompt a visit to the doctor’s office, too.
MedlinePlus adds that other symptomslike if your vision is affected or you have a severe headachealso warrant emergency medical treatment.
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Why Do My Eyes Itch
Do you have watery, red, puffy or itchy eyes? You may have allergic conjunctivitis, a very common inflammation of the conjunctiva the clear thin membrane which covers the eyeball and the inner side of the eyelids.
Seasonal symptoms can be caused by pollens from trees, grasses and weeds. Year-round allergens include dander, which is found in the animals sweat and saliva. When allergens come into contact with your eye, your immune system fights back by releasing histamine and other substances, which cause the eye symptoms.
The most common symptoms are eye redness, watering, itching, sensitivity to light, and puffy eyelids. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs more often if you have hay fever, asthma, eczema, or other allergic conditions.
Identifying your allergens can help prevent symptoms and reduce the need for medication. Allergy skin testing can quickly identify which allergens are triggers, thus allowing you to take measures to minimize your exposure.But remember: Allergies are not the only cause of a pink eye viral or bacterial infections, and other eye or systemic conditions may cause similar symptoms, so seeking medical attention is advised.
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Treating Your Own Eye Allergies
Get off to a good start by avoiding whatever youâre allergic to. You can also try these tips:
Minimize clutter where allergens can collect. Limit pillows, bedding, draperies, and other linens, such as dust ruffles and canopies. Also, keep knick-knacks to a minimum, since they can collect dust.
Go with as little carpeting as possible. The carpet can harbor dust mites.
Clean regularly and thoroughly. Thatâll help limit dust and mold.
Get rid of any water leaks and standing water. Both encourage mold growth.
Use barriers and filters. Shield mattresses and pillows with covers that block allergens. Use allergen filters in both the furnace and the air conditioner in your home. Also, be sure to change them regularly. Keep outdoor allergens outdoors by keeping windows and doors closed.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy or possible to avoid the things that trigger your allergies. If that’s the case for you, these at-home treatments may give you some relief:
Apply cool compresses to your eyes to ease the allergic reaction.
Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops.
Use over-the-counter medications, like allergy eye drops and oral antihistamines for mild allergies.
Try not to rub your eyes, since that can make your symptoms worse.
What Helps Itchy Allergy Eyes
For those suffering from itchy eyes due to allergies, using artificial tears to alleviate their discomfort is an effective way to temporarily ease it.When lubricating drops of either cold or hot oil are regularly used over-the-counter, symptoms may be relieved.Oral medications designed for allergy relief or eyedrops containing antihistamines.
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Your Makeup Or Skincare Products Could Be Causing Irritation
Sometimes the problem isnt the eye itself but rather the skin around it, says. Dr. McCarville. This skin can be particularly sensitive to substances it doesnt like such as ingredients in makeup, skincare products, and cleaning products. These substances may lead to an uncomfortable rash called contact dermatitis, a form of eczema that is caused by skin contact with either an allergen or a specific irritant.
If you think a product you regularly use is causing your eyelids to flare up, give it a break for a few days to see if things improve. These types of rashes tend to go away when your skin is no longer in contact with the irritant. Once the rash is gone, you can pinpoint the specific product that is causing the problem by re-introducing them one-by-one.
To curb the itch, doctors typically recommend mild forms of topical steroids since stronger ones can thin the already-delicate eyelid skin. If your rash doesnt do away within a few days, stop use and consult a dermatologist who can help you get to the root of the issue.
You Suffer From Seasonal Allergies
If you notice that both of your eyes get irritated around the same time of year and you experience other common allergy symptoms, theres a good chance you have seasonal allergies .
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about 23 million Americans suffer from a ragweed pollen allergy, making it one of the most common seasonal allergies in the country. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, a sore throat, and those dreaded red, itchy eyes.
Heres why: When you have an allergic reaction to something like pollen, your immune system tries to protect you, explains Megan McCarville, M.D., a pediatrician at MCG Health. Our bodies are designed to recognize things that are not supposed to be there and try to fight them off, she says. But when youre exposed to something that youre allergic to, the cells in your body go haywire and you have a list of different chemicals like histamine that lead to the kind of symptoms people have.
Indeed, histamine triggers that itchy feeling, so over-the-counter antihistamines, like Claritin and Zyrtec, or even eye drops specifically made for allergy sufferers, can help provide relief. Staying indoors and closing the windows during pollen season can also give your eyes a break.
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Tips To Avoid Allergens
The most commonly recommended treatment for allergies is to try to prevent them by avoiding allergens. This involves steps such as keeping our car windows closed and spending more time indoors, especially during the hours of 5 to 10 a.m. when pollen is usually emitted. It is also wise to avoid freshly cut grass and mowing the lawn. Machine-drying linens and clothing may also help because these can collect pollen when dried outside. We can also consider taking a vacation during times when the pollen concentration is particularly high. Wearing glasses outside is also advisable because it decreases our eyes exposure to allergens. You can check the pollen forecast in your area and get more information here.
Why Do You Have Itchy Skin Around Eyes
Itching around the eyes is a common problem for many people. It sometimes happens when the weather is changing but you may also have an allergic reaction that causes irritation and itching around eyes. An irritant can get into the eye and cause itching and irritation. You may also develop itching in this area when your eyelash constantly pokes the eye, you have dirt in your eyes, or you have an underlying illness. Other causes include:
1. Blepharitis
Blepharitis or the infection of the eyelids is a common condition that causes ocular redness, burning, itching, and irritation. Some people may also have a discharge in the morning with a scratchy and tearing sensation. Temporary blurred vision is also a common complication of Blepharitis. You develop this infection when bacteria grow excessively at the edge of your eyelids. Oil secretions and exfoliated skin support the survival of bacteria needed to keep your eyes healthy, but overgrowth can cause problems, such as Blepharitis.
2. Ocular Allergy
Several environmental changes can lead to ocular allergy and cause symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, eyelid matting in the morning, and mucoid discharge. Some people develop these symptoms when they develop pollen allergies or hay fever a runny nose and congestion are also common in this situation. Oral antihistamines usually help relieve the symptoms of ocular allergy, and you can also find OTC allergy eye drops to treat your symptoms.
3. Phlyctenulosis
4. Other Causes
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Limit The Use Of Decongestants But Take Antihistamines
In the fight against other allergy symptoms, you may take decongestants. Decongestants bring relief to respiratory symptoms. But, they are dehydrating and can cause dry, itchy skin. Thats a terrible side effect when youre itchy to start. While taking decongestants, be sure to drink more than the recommended amount of water to keep your skin and the rest of your body hydrated.
Do take antihistamines to combat your itchy skin from seasonal allergies. Start taking your allergy medication at the first signs of symptoms and dont stop until allergy season ends. New generations of allergy medication dont cause drowsiness and are safe to take for an extended period of time.
A word of caution about discontinuing use of allergy medication: while the FDA doesnt officially recognize itching skin as a withdrawal symptom of cetirizine hydrochloride the internet is full of people that are faced with this side effect when they stop taking this allergy medication cold turkey.
What To Do About It
It is not easy to deal with itchy eyes mainly because the problem could be the result of so many conditions. The best thing is to take preventive measures and avoid getting itchy eyes in the first place. Here are some steps to take:
- Keep the area around your eyes clean and hygienic.
- Think twice before applying any new make-up product or anything else to your eyes.
- Check the shelf life of make-up and other eye products to avoid an allergic reaction.
- Keep your contact lenses clean and fresh because old lenses can irritate the eyes.
- Limit exposure to allergens and clean your bed linens regularly to avoid having an allergic reaction.
Check with your dermatologist if you develop itchiness around the eyes and fail to pinpoint what have caused it in the first place.
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