Suggest Remedy For Itching And Swelling Around The Eye

Posted on Mon, 4 May 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 4 May 2015 Answered on

Mon, 1 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have itching and swelling (edema) around my left eye. Eyeball and lining unaffected. Started 5 days ago. PA said she thought it was eczema and gave me a shot of kenalog and scrip for 5-day steroid pack, which I started yesterday. Some reduction in swelling but still puffy and edema under the eye. Also itchy, although not bad. Took Benadryl one night to no effect, and Zyrtec for two days, also to no effect. Also tired and under heavy stress. Slight blistering above eyelid and on nose, but it is gone now.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Eczema seems to be the cause

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through the attached images and indeed it seems to be due to eczema. In such a case I would prefer Zyrtec rather than Benadryl. Take it for a few more days. The lesion seems to be healing already. You may apply calamine lotion or aloe vera lotion topically for relief. I would not speak in favour of Kenalog and a 5 day course of Prednisolone for such a case.

Regards
Dr. Kunal Saha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

So there typically swelling and edema with eczema? I will continue to take Zyrtec and will discontinue the Valtrex (didn't think it was shingles or a herpetic outbreak in any case). I will finish the prednisone since I started it yesterday anyway.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please do not self medicate

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

Edema can be associated with eczema.
If it were shingles or herpes, it would have been immensely painful. Furthermore, it would have had a typical distribution. In case it is painful, you may continue Valtrex, else you can discontinue it.
Please complete the course of Prednisolone. Had it been due to Herpes, prednisolone would have made it worse.
Overall, I am not quite satisfied with the line of treatment.
Continue Zyrtec.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta