You flip on the light, look in the mirror, and onepuffy eyestares back at you.
A swollen eyelidweve all been there.
Styes are typically resulting from a bacterial infection, saysY.
Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist atUnion Square Laser Dermatologyin NYC.
The resulting inflammation causes redness and swelling, says Dr. Chang.
Sometimes, this swelling can affect the whole eyelid.
an award-winning ophthalmologist based in New York City
If this sounds familiar, its pretty similar to styes.
Chalazions also tend to develop further back on the eyelid than styes.
Histamine is a chemical that plays a big role in your bodys inflammatory response.
This is what makes your eyelids swollen.
And because youreyelid skin is thin and sensitive, swelling can look more noticeable, says Dr. Chang.
Itchiness and redness are also telltale symptoms of an allergy.
Cold compresses can also soothe swollen, inflamed eyelids too, says Dr. Brissette.
This inflammation can lead to fluid retention and swollen eyelids, says Dr. Chang.
This is why its particularly common in crowded places like schools and gyms, she adds.
The course of treatment for pink eye will largely depend on its cause.
If its from bacteria, antibiotic eye drops should clear it, says Dr. Chang.
To ease your discomfort while it heals, try cold compresses for the itchiness, she adds.
Its also important, like with all germs, to see to it yourewashing your handsthroughout the day.
The skin condition can show up anywhere on your bodyface and eyelids included.
you could also keep eyelid eczema in check by avoiding things that trigger flares, says Dr. Chang.
If its an infection, antibiotics and/or steroid eye drops will help.
If its skin-related, like rosacea oreyebrow dandruff, treating these conditions with prescriptioneye creamsis a smart strategy.
Whatever the root cause, you could also soothe your swollen eyelids with home remedies.
This is called edema, and it can give your face an especially puffy appearance.
Lots of things can trigger edema around the eyes.
Allergies andhigh-sodium foodsare common culprits, says Dr. Brissette.
Edema is often a symptom of a larger issue.
Once you treat the root cause, swelling should go down.
In general, a cool compress can help calm puffy eyelids.
Gentle lymphatic massage and sleeping with your head elevated can also reduce fluid retention in the eye region.
Once youve gotten herpes, the virus can lay dormant in your nerve cells, says Dr. Brissette.
Herpes (whether in your eye or elsewhere) is manageable with antiviral medications.
If you think you have ocular herpes, make an appointment with an ophthalmologist.
Sometimes, it can also spread from an infection that starts in your sinuses, perBostons Childrens Hospital.
It can also cause blurry vision and widespread symptoms like fever and chills.
Luckily, it isnt contagious, but certain factors do make you more susceptible, per the CDC.
You have a higher risk of infection if you:
Dr. Chang says you need antibiotics to treat cellulitis.
But you mightnotknow that it can cause some strange eye symptoms when its not working well.
They can check out your eyes and decide which treatment is best for you.
But some people with severe TED might need surgery.
Shingles is like herpes cousin: It belongs in the same family of viruses.
Its also the same virus that causes chicken pox, says Dr. Chang.
Like herpes, shingles can lay dormant for years and resurface later on.
Its important to see your doctor right away if you think you have shingles, says Dr. Chang.
And if youre older than 50, ask your doctor about getting a shingles vaccine.
Older adults whore vaccinated tend to get fewer complications from the virus, according to Penn Medicine.
BCCs often appear on your lower eyelid.
But catching it early is key.
Protecting your skin from the sun is another important way to prevent skin cancer.
These are all signs that you could be dealing with a more serious eye issue.
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