Eye Allergy

[numan]

I am a gardener and have developed an allergy that is foxing the medical profession. My eyes swell up to the extent that I cannot see, my nose spreads to join my eyebrows and my whole face looks as if it is inflated or full of liquid (NOT an attractive look)!
The itching is very prickly and as it starts to go down, my eyelids peel and flake. This hardening of the skin causes my skin to crack at the corners, leaving sore gashes.. sounds marvellous, doesn't it? I have no discharge or pain and feel completely healthy and I have no hayfever symptoms whatsoever - it purely affects my eyes, which in turn affects the rest of my face (i.e. the swelling).
It is definitely an allergy, so the doctors tell me, but cannot narrow it down to any particular thing. I thought it may have been something in the soil in my garden, which hasn't been dug for over 50 years.. maybe a bacteria or toxic building waste as it only ever happened when I freshly dug it. But then I was working in a customers garden last week and it happened again! So back to the drawing board.
I have been all over the internet trying to find anything that relates to eye allergies or clover contra-indications etc., but to no avail.
HELP!!
I have to wait for an appointment to see the allergy specialists in St. Thomas's Hospital, but we all know that that can take months and I need to work!!!
Is there anyone out there at all that can shed any light on this?
PLEASE???
Yours Hopefully
Numan

[Ethel]

There is a slim chance you are allergic to rats' urine. I am not referring to the very serious Weils disease, but an allergic reaction some people can get which does not cause serious illness.

I suggest you wear goggle - not just sunglasses or protective glasses, but swimmer type goggles - when you are next working in gardens.

In the meantime, help the specialist. Take photos of your face at varying stages of the symptoms, and keep a diary of what you do, and where, and whether you have symptoms or not.

Unless you have been advised against it, you can take antihistimine which may or may not alleviate your symptoms.

If you haven't been given any creams or lotions for your skin, E45 at bedtime may be soothing.

[Rosetta]

My husbnd had someting similar a few years ago. The skin on his was swollen and red,the area around the eyes being particularly noticable. The skin also felt hot and tight. His was caused by an infection, he had had a sore at the back of his head which had been the source. Antibiotics helped him. Has your Gp checked out the possibility of a strep infection?

[Rosetta]

Sorry, his face

[LoftyLottie]

As one, who suffers from all sorts of allergies that affect my eyes in particular I really sympathise with you. I have permanent baggy eyes now from constant problems! I can't offer any ideas on what is causing yours, but Ethel's idea about goggles would seem to be excellent. Wearing them would also stop you rubbing your eyes: you might be doing this without really thinking about it and getting something off your hands into your eyes.

I take antihistamines almost on a permanent basis. Also, keep your skin moisturised all the time. Diprobase is widely used for people with eczema (sp.) As well as moisturising, it forms a protective barrier.

I wish you well.

[weeal]

Ethels advice is really good.

My ex-husband had this problem but only once, when cutting down old Ivy which had grown up the side of the house.

Good luck

[sense4all]

For me I had a mild version of facial swelling caused by something our willow tree was doing.

[skyep]

Hi numan - Just a thought, do you wear latex gloves while gardening?