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What Causes Itching, Swelling, And Burning Under Both Eyes And How Should It Be Treated?

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Posted on Mon, 15 Oct 2018
Question: Hello,
I have had swelling under my left eye with itching, small scales and slight burning irritation (3/10) for 4 days. Under my right eye is also becoming affected with similar symptoms.
I had eyelash extensions placed on my eyelashes on December 17th. I have had 2 refills as recently as January 17th. I have not been able to properly clean my eyelashes bc doing so would shorten the eyelash extension life.
I tried taking off the eyelash extensions about a week ago but stopped bc I was taking off my eyelashes. I had the eyelash extensions professionally removed yesterday.
I do not have redness, pain or discharge to my eye, upper eyelids or lash lines.
Would you please provide a possible diagnosis with treatment plan? Thank you, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:

Possible causes and recommendations given.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

By what you explain the symptoms go with local irritation that might be contact dermatitis or eczema.

In both cases, your skin reacts to a certain agent, in contact dermatitis, it might be something locally applied and in the case of eczema, it is generally a tendency to react to agents that are not necessarily applied locally and most of the time it is not possible to know which.

In both cases, the treatment is with local steroids to reduce the irritation.

Because it is the face and especially being close to the eye it is best advisable to have a doctor see you and prescribe the steroid cream.

First is started with a mild steroid cream like hydcrocortisone and then if not good improvement in 2-3 days than stronger steroid might be used but with a lot of caution on the face.

Use of moisturizing creams might help a lot also or just petroleum locally at least twice a day to keep the skin in good condition.

To conclude I would say:

1. If you do not have any pain locally and no fever it is very unlikely this is an infection and also infection is very unlikely to be on both sides.

2. The most likely reason for the symptoms you have is a local reaction called contact dermatitis or a more general reaction called eczema (which very likely would have caused a rash in other areas of the skin previously and you would know you suffer from it).

3. I would recommend you to use the local moisturizing cream twice a day there- be cautious of the eyes to not put it in the eyes.

4. local steroids are helpful for such irritation but having the prescription of a doctor that has visited you first is advisable as steroids on the face can be risky if used not properly.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Zotaj Antoneta,
General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (5 hours later)
Thank you very much! I appreciate your medical advice. If the symptoms do not improve I'll have a physician look at the area before beginning a hydrocortisone cream trial.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:

It is a pleasure

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Meantime using the local moisturizers would help you also, please make sure they are plane meaning not much perfume or colors in them. Just petroleum locally might be enough and safe.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Zotaj Antoneta, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4435 Questions

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What Causes Itching, Swelling, And Burning Under Both Eyes And How Should It Be Treated?

Brief Answer: Possible causes and recommendations given. Detailed Answer: Hello, By what you explain the symptoms go with local irritation that might be contact dermatitis or eczema. In both cases, your skin reacts to a certain agent, in contact dermatitis, it might be something locally applied and in the case of eczema, it is generally a tendency to react to agents that are not necessarily applied locally and most of the time it is not possible to know which. In both cases, the treatment is with local steroids to reduce the irritation. Because it is the face and especially being close to the eye it is best advisable to have a doctor see you and prescribe the steroid cream. First is started with a mild steroid cream like hydcrocortisone and then if not good improvement in 2-3 days than stronger steroid might be used but with a lot of caution on the face. Use of moisturizing creams might help a lot also or just petroleum locally at least twice a day to keep the skin in good condition. To conclude I would say: 1. If you do not have any pain locally and no fever it is very unlikely this is an infection and also infection is very unlikely to be on both sides. 2. The most likely reason for the symptoms you have is a local reaction called contact dermatitis or a more general reaction called eczema (which very likely would have caused a rash in other areas of the skin previously and you would know you suffer from it). 3. I would recommend you to use the local moisturizing cream twice a day there- be cautious of the eyes to not put it in the eyes. 4. local steroids are helpful for such irritation but having the prescription of a doctor that has visited you first is advisable as steroids on the face can be risky if used not properly. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Zotaj Antoneta, General & Family Physician