Eyelid is a slender layer of skin that keeps the eyes moist, and protects it from dust, dirt, perspiration, and other foreign bodies. The muscle in the eyelid contracts and relaxes cyclically to open and close the eyelids both voluntarily and involuntarily. At times, due to various disorders, eyelids become swollen, itchy and red.
Let’s find out the causes of swollen itchy red eyelids:
Hordeolum - It is the most common cause of swollen itchy red eyelids. Also known as sty, hordeolum develops when bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus infects the Meibomian gland, which secretes oil to keep the eyelids lubricated. Sty normally takes 1-2 weeks to heal. Warm wet compresses help in alleviating pain and draining pus. Tropical ointments are not very effective in the treatment of hordeolum.
Chalazion - When the oil is unable to come out of the Meibomian gland, it begins to accumulate inside the gland, due to which a lump appears on the eyelid. No pain is associated with the formation of chalazion. It only results in swollen itchy red eyelids.
Blepharitis - Another prominent cause of swollen itchy red eyelids is blepharitis. In addition to environmental pollutants, medications, tumor, allergy, surgery, viruses like Herpes zoster and Herpes simplex and bacteria as Staphylococcus aureus can also cause blepharitis.
Allergy - Hair dyes, cosmetics, corticosteroids, antihistamines and over-the-counter medications like neomycin can lead to swollen itchy red eyelids. Allergens found in the atmosphere can also cause the eyelids to become swollen and red.
Seborrheic Keratosis - In this case, corneal layer of the skin becomes thickened. Due to the formation of this outgrowth symptoms like inflammation, redness and itching develop in the eyelid.
Surgery and injury - Eye surgery or injury is yet another reason for swollen itchy red eyelids. It is advisable to consult your doctor before starting any kind of treatment.
Lice and mites - Sometimes, head lice living in the eyelashes cause eyelid inflammation and itching. Demodex mites that live in the hair follicles and Meibomian glands of the eyelashes also result in swollen itchy red eyelids.
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