Eye infections are the most common cause of swollen and itchy eyelids. Medically, this ocular condition is known as blepharitis and it is manifested with itchy swollen eyelid or eyelids, red eyes, debris in the tear canal and reduced vision. The major underlying cause of this discomforting and frustrating condition is bacterial infection of the oil glands near the very base of the eyelashes. However, there are other causes of this ocular condition, which are often the main culprits of this condition accompanied by red eyes and itchy eyelid swelling. These causes include allergic conjunctivitis, pinkeye, foreign objects, rosacea, shingles or sty.
Causes of itchy swollen eyelid
A swollen itchy eyelid may be result of an allergic conjunctivitis; an allergic condition accompanied by burning red eyes and reduced vision. The allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the body responds to some sort of allergic exposure, condition that is most frequent in people with pollen or food allergy. Furthermore, if you have a foreign object trapped inside your eyes, like dust, dirt or sand, you may experience burning sensation in your eyes accompanied by irritation of the eyes and the eyelid. Pinkeye is the common name of the medical condition otherwise known as conjunctivitis, and the symptoms of this medical issue include itchy eyelid swelling, red irritated eyes and pain. Rosacea is a skin condition that may affect your eyelids, making them puffy and swollen. For people who are over 50 years of age, one of the accompanying symptoms of the reactivation of the chickenpox infection may include swollen itchy eyelid and blurred vision. Although it may sound benign, a sty on the top or bottom of your lashes may cause temporary swelling and itching redness at the very base of your eyelashes.
Treatment of swollen itchy eyelid
Itchy swollen eyelid or eyelids are best treated with lukewarm water and few drops of baby shampoo. The affected eye or eyes should be washed thoroughly throughout the day. Although many websites and people may tell you to wash your eyes with chamomile tea, I would not recommend such thing, especially if your swollen eyelids are a result of allergic conjunctivitis. Also, it is good idea to treat your eyes with warm compress: two lukewarm damp cotton balls are applied on closed eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes. This will immediately relieve the itching and it will open up the oil glands around the tear canal. If the reason of your swollen itchy eyelids is bacterial conjunctivitis, the doctor will prescribe you antibacterial ointment or eye drops to eradicate the bacterial infection. Though the swollen and itchy eyelids require no medical attention, if the condition persists over a longer period of time (more than 3 weeks), it is a good idea to consult with an ophthalmologist.
Additional considerations for swollen itchy eyelid
As I previously mentioned, this condition is usually benign and sorts out by itself, but in rare cases, it can complicate and create further medical issues, so it is good idea to consult your doctor if you have been struggling with this condition a longer period of time.








