What causes redness around the eyes?
Redness around the eyes may occur for several reasons, such as skin thinning and aging. In other cases, a health problem may be responsible. However, some causes of redness in the eye part, like shingles and cellulitis, require prompt medical attention. Below, learn about these and other health issues that can have this impact.
Causes
However, various health problems can lead to redness around the eyes, including allergies, reactions to irritants, and infections.
Eczema
However, the medical name for eczema is atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin disorder that can cause redness around the eyes. It is most familiar in children, though adults can develop it. Some symptoms vary from person to person, but some of the most typical include:-
- Flushed skin
- Dry, itchy skin
- Swelling
- A rash, possibly of small, raised bumps that may ooze fluid
However, the primary causes of eczema are genetic variations, environmental factors, irritants, and allergens. Currently, there is no treatment or cure. To treat eczema, a health consultant may prescribe oral corticosteroids, like prednisone (Deltasone), creams to alleviate itching and redness, or a combination of both. Moisturizing the skin daily and applying an over-the-counter topical cure may also support ease the symptoms or prevent them from building.
Contact dermatitis
It may occur when the skin interacts with something that causes irritation or an allergic reaction. This may cause the skin to become flushed and itchy. While the situation is not contagious, it can be very uncomfortable.
The symptoms of contact dermatitis may include:-
- Redness
- Intense itchiness
- Tenderness
- Blistering
- A rash
- Dry, cracked skin
Some irritants that can be responsible may include:-
- Shampoos
- Bleach
- Detergents
- Fertilizers and pesticides
However, Allergens that can cause contact dermatitis may include:-
- Jewelry
- Medications, like antibiotic creams
- Personal care products, like cosmetics, body washes, and deodorants
To treat contact dermatitis, a health consultant may prescribe:-
- Oral corticosteroids to decrease inflammation
- Steroids creams
- Antibiotics to fight off a bacterial infection
However, to resolve the issue, a person might try to take a wet compress to soothe the skin. Also, it is more important to avoid allergens and irritants.
Blepharitis
However, it is inflammation at the base of the eyelashes. Blepharitis may occur when oil glands around the eyelashes get clogged, and it can cause itchiness and redness issues around the eyes.
Blepharitis symptoms may include:-
- Redness
- Irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes
- Dandruff-like scales on the eyelashes
- The eyelids sticking together, especially in the morning times
- A burning sensation
- Itchiness
Health consultants believe that bacteria in the skin may be responsible for blepharitis. Specific situations may lead to this problem. These may include:-
- Infections
- Rosacea
- Allergic reactions
Usually, home remedies techniques can help, like washing the eyelids and applying a warm compress to loosen any crusting. If this technique is ineffective, a health professional may prescribe or recommend:-
- Antibiotics
- Steroid treatments, possibly in cream or ointment form
- Topical cyclosporine (Gengraf)
Cellulitis
It is the most common bacterial skin infection. Usually, it affects the skin on the lower legs, but it can look on the face, including the areas around the eyes. However, it can cause redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness. In the eye part, this issue can be very hazardous and worsen without prompt treatment.
Contact a health professional immediately if there are symptoms of cellulitis in the eye. These may include:-
- Flushed skin
- Pain
- Warmth
- Tenderness
- Blisters
- A fever
- Chills
- Headaches
The primary cause of cellulitis is bacteria entering the area, and this may occur due to:-
- An insect bite
- Eczema or another skin condition in the part
- An injury
- Surgery
Treatment may involve using oral antibiotics for 5–14 days and pain relief medication. The possible treatment should relieve the signs and symptoms. But contact the health consultant if the issue persists or worsens or if a new fever builds.
Chalazion
Chalazion develops when something blocks a meibomian gland. These lines the eyelids, and a blockage can stop one or more of these glands from producing their secretions. As a result, inflammation and a cyst can form. However, if the cyst becomes contaminated, it can cause pain and redness around the eye.
A meibomian cyst or chalazion symptoms may include:-
- Pain
- Irritation
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
Home remedies may support, like gently massaging the eyelid with clean fingertips or applying a warm compress to the closed eyelid.
When to contact a doctor
However, some health problems that cause redness around the eyes require prompt medical care. Consult a health consultant if the redness lasts longer than one week or occurs with:-
- Pain
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Discharge from either eye etc.
