Red Itchy Eyes

[Ric.ror]

My eyes are very itchy and have a semi circle red around them (top of lid on one eye and underneath on other). The whites of my eyes aren't red it's the skin itself which also has dry flaky patches.
Should I try to treat it myself or make an appointment?

I'm ever so grateful for any help at all

[Ric.ror]

Sorry perhaps I should add no discharge
(Sorry if your eating)

[murraymints]

Nooo...don't fiddle with eyes...gp tomorrow or A &E today....

[Buenchico]

Is this relevant?
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/eyelid-problems/Pages/Introduction.aspx#gritty

[Elina]

Hi Ric, so it's the skin around the eye? I was thinking contact dermatitis/ allergic contact dermatitis. Do you wear makeup, have you bought any new makeup recently? http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Contact-Dermatitis

[pastafreak]

It sounds like it could be eczema or dermatitis. Have you used anything different on your face,or even new washing powder?
There is also a condition called blepharitis...eyelids become swollen,but I do not know if there is also itchiness. See doctor is the best bet.

[Eve]

I thought maybe blepharitis. It can have a flaky reaction.

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Blepharitis.htm

[Elina]

Just another thought too, do you wear glasses? You mentioned a semi circle above & below one eye. Nickel can cause an allergic reaction.

[Sqad]

I agree with Eve ^^^^^ sounds like blepharitis.
If you have 1% hydrocortisone cream in the house, then smear it sparingly on the skin twicw daily.

[Ric.ror]

Sqad - I think it might be as I do suffer from redness of the skin
What would you suggest for the irritation?
I could blend the cortisone with a little e45 just to dilute the effect

Thank you all for your help

[Sqad]

Ric.ror.....personally i would not dilute the 1% hydrocortisone, but if you would feel happier, then mixed with E45 would be OK.

Problem is..........it may well come back...;-)

[Ric.ror]

I imagine it will come back (just my luck)
Would I be correct in thinking it is weather related (central heating, wind etc)
Would you suggest I use a regular eyewash?
Maybe distilled water and salt solution or have you any recommendation

TIA

[Sqad]

Ric.ror.......I am cr@p at eyes........and skins..........and psychiatry.......BUT...i would use a regime twice daily, morning and night.........warmth on both closed eyes by a warm flannel for ten minutes (keep warming the flannel) and after 10 mins, massage both eyelids with your fingers.
Repeat this procedure morning and evening.

I think that you can get liquid heaters filled with fluid that you can heat up in the microwave...ask at the chemists.

[Eve]

You can buy an Eye bag, I got one as my glands block up all the time and it's so much easier than faffing with a warm wet flannel as it stays warm for much longer, is dry and the extra weight holds it over your eyes while you lie back and relax. It was recommended to me by one of the doctors at the eye hospital.

I got mine off Ebay or Amazon pretty cheap.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

I try to massage them while in the shower too with the warm water running on my face, using the tips of my fingers. I've sometimes used cotton buds which have a big tip (no really fluffy bits on them that could get in your eye) to gently massage them on my closed eyelid to.

[xstitcher]

Go to your GP, don't try guessing treatments.

[Ric.ror]

Update - I've been to the gp
She thinks it an allergy and has recommended e45, anti histermine (sic) and hydrocortisone cream.
It's really bad today eyelids are swollen and sore too
Not used anything unusual and don't have any pets.

Thanks for your help everyone

[nazia08]

There could be several causes...
allergies
getting something such as dust in your eyes
a cold coming on
an infection in your eyes
If it persists, see your doctor.