Why do the corners of the eyes dry, turn red and crack?

The disease is treated by: Pediatric ophthalmologist

• Causes of blepharitis
• Types of blepharitis
• Blepharitis in children: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
• Diagnostics
• Treatment of blepharitis

Blepharitis is a disease that occurs quite often in children. It is an inflammation of the edges of the eyelids, which is associated with very thin skin and fiber in this place, because the tissue is loose and there is no fat.

As the disease progresses, the eyes do not always change in appearance. This misleads parents, provokes inaction or, in some cases even worse, the use of folk remedies without consulting a doctor. You should know and always remember that blepharitis is a dangerous disease that can have a number of complications.

Associated symptoms

Itching can manifest itself in different forms. Some patients' eyes itch a little, others experience a strong burning sensation, which is accompanied by pain, discomfort and other characteristic symptoms.

Itching with redness

In almost all cases, itching in the eyes is accompanied by redness of the surface of the whites or eyelids. The appearance of redness can inform the doctor about the presence of an allergic reaction or the development of an ophthalmological disease.

When itching with redness of the cornea, the patient is usually diagnosed with conjunctivitis. The disease is accompanied by increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and a feeling of sand in the eyes. The skin around the eyes begins to turn red. Mucous discharge appears on the eyelids, which dries out and remains in the form of crusts.

With allergic conjunctivitis, the mucous membrane turns red and a runny nose may develop. Symptoms occur when allergens enter the body.

Itching with swelling

Swelling around the eyes is a common symptom of an allergic reaction. For example, if itching and swelling are observed frequently and are caused by certain foods, the patient needs to completely reconsider the diet.

Itching with peeling

Peeling of the skin can inform the doctor that the patient has demodicosis. This is a disease in which the sebaceous glands are affected by mites.

The skin turns red around the eyes, around the lips, and on the chin. Symptoms become more pronounced when working at a computer.

Itching in the eyes and ears

If the eyes itch or there is discomfort in the ears, the patient needs to be checked for the presence of microscopic mites.

About 80% of people encounter them. Ticks spend most of their time in passive mode and do not bother humans. Their activity begins when the immune system is weakened and other diseases appear.

Itching with dryness

Dryness of the mucous membrane may indicate dry eye syndrome. It is usually accompanied by itching, burning, fear of light and rapid fatigue of the patient. Sometimes there are crusts in the corner, slight redness of the conjunctiva. The eye begins to hurt.

The feeling of dryness becomes stronger in sunny or windy weather, weakens in humid and warm air.

Itching with runny nose

With a runny nose, redness of the mucous membrane is common. Sometimes there is discharge from the eyes: at first it is transparent, gradually pus is mixed with it. Swelling of the nasal mucosa with dark circles around the eyes indicates the presence of infection.

Itching in the ears, eyes, throat and palate is a symptom of inflammation of the mucous membranes or allergic rhinitis.

Severe itching

Very severe itching in the eyes is caused by various ophthalmological diseases, such as keratoconjunctivitis. It affects the conjunctiva of the eyelid and the eyeball. It is accompanied by hard and dense growths on the eyelids, most often on the upper ones. In addition, photophobia, lacrimation, and viscous discharge may be present.

With pathology of the conjunctiva, the cornea becomes gray and hypertrophied, pain appears due to damage to the epithelium.

Why does itching in the eye area occur?

Physiological reasons

The short-term appearance of the symptom is due to irritation of the eyelids, conjunctiva and lacrimal glands. The provoking factors are:

• Cosmetical tools.
  The symptom is observed when using inappropriate, low-quality or expired mascara, eye shadow, pencils, creams, makeup removers, etc.
• Irritants.
  The cause is fine particles in the air: dust, smoke, washing powders, various chemical suspensions. When swimming in a pool, chlorine dissolved in the water gets on your skin and mucous membranes. Severe symptoms are observed when the lacrimal ducts are blocked by dust or fumes.
• Ultraviolet.
  Irritation, itching and burning occur with prolonged exposure to the sun. A similar, but more pronounced picture is revealed when one refuses to use safety glasses in a solarium.
• Overwork.
  Unpleasant sensations occur after prolonged work on the computer, reading text that is too small, or the need to strain your eyes when manipulating small objects, especially in low light conditions.
• Correction problems.
  The symptom is detected when glasses are chosen incorrectly, the rules of use are violated, or there is increased sensitivity to contact lenses.

Conjunctival lesions

Conjunctivitis is a large group of inflammatory diseases of the conjunctiva of various etiologies. Common symptoms include burning, itching, a gritty sensation in the eyes, photophobia, watery eyes, swelling and redness. In clinical practice, bacterial and viral variants of the disease are more common. Possible fungal and chlamydial infections. Non-infectious inflammatory processes occur with chemical or mechanical irritation, visual impairment, vitamin deficiencies, and metabolic disorders.

In most cases, both eyes are affected. In the acute form of the disease, the manifestations are pronounced. Pain, pain, conjunctival hyperemia, swelling of the eyelid area, and copious discharge are noted. Possible disturbances in general condition. In the chronic form of the disease, discomfort, mild itching, and increased fatigue of the visual apparatus prevail.

Angular conjunctivitis debuts with severe itching and burning, which are subsequently added by pain, as well as pain that intensifies when blinking. The lesion is always bilateral, manifestations increase in the evening. The secretion is foamy, then viscous. The deterioration in general condition is insignificant. The pathology is prone to recurrence.

Keratoconjunctivitis manifests suddenly; in chronic ophthalmological diseases it can develop gradually. Pain, stinging, photophobia and the sensation of a foreign object are combined with fog before the eyes and decreased visual acuity. Adenoviral lesions are characterized by small hemorrhages in the conjunctival area. With bacterial infections, a white-yellow infiltrate forms on the eye.

Itching in the eye area

Diseases of the eyelids

Typical symptoms of blepharitis include itching, redness and swelling of the eyelids, blurred vision, abnormal discharge, and increased sensitivity to wind, bright light and other irritants. Depending on the form of the disease, thickening of the edges of the eyelids, the formation of scales, and the formation of ulcers with subsequent scarring of the skin, loss, discoloration, or impaired growth of eyelashes are possible.

Dermatitis of the eyelids is a polyetiological disease. When infected with the herpes simplex virus, blisters form on the skin of the affected area along with a burning sensation, which crust over and disappear. There is a high probability of recurrence. Seborrheic dermatitis is a combination of itchy skin, eyelash loss, and peeling skin.

Purulent processes

The development of stye begins with itching. Then the affected area quickly becomes painful, swollen, and hyperemic. Possible weakness and general hyperthermia. After 2-3 days, a pustule forms in the center of the infiltrate. After opening the abscess, the symptoms gradually decrease. Meibomitis is characterized by the formation of a purulent focus on the inside of the eyelid. Swelling, redness, severe pain in the affected area, and a feeling of a foreign body in the eye are detected. In chronic cases, the eyelid is thickened, patients are bothered by burning and discomfort.

Non-inflammatory pathologies

People with epicanthus, along with a cosmetic defect, may experience a feeling of “sand,” a narrowing of the field of vision, and sometimes burning and itching. A chalazion is a round, dense formation in the thickness of the eyelid. In some patients, it is accompanied by lacrimation and unpleasant sensations when touched. With trichiasis, itching is a consequence of improper eyelash growth. Lacrimation, pain, photophobia, and hyperemia of the conjunctiva are noted.

Parasitic diseases

The symptom is considered one of the main manifestations of demodicosis, caused by microscopic mites. The edges of the eyelids are swollen and hyperemic. The eyelashes are surrounded by a “collar”. There may be a feeling of a foreign object, a feeling of tightening of the skin, and loss of eyelashes. Hyperkeratosis develops. Due to severe itching, patients scratch the eye area, the scratches become covered with crusts and become infected. Pathology is often detected in several people in a family.

Dirofilariasis is caused by small roundworms; infection occurs through the bite of a mosquito. Parasites live in the eyelids or conjunctiva. Initially, patients complain of severe itching, swelling, and lacrimation. The formation of a compaction is accompanied by redness of the affected area, blepharospasm, and progressive ptosis. There may be a sensation of movement in the eye or under the eyelid. The movements of the worms are accompanied by severe pain and burning.

Dry eye syndrome

Pathology develops with Sjögren's syndrome, endocrine ophthalmopathy, and kidney disease. It can be provoked by lagophthalmos, chronic conjunctivitis, other eye diseases, and ophthalmic surgical interventions. Significant factors in the development of dry eye syndrome are prolonged work at the computer, incorrect selection or violation of the rules for using contact lenses. Symptoms include stinging, burning, redness, and a gritty sensation. Intensifies in the evening.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Occur due to hypersensitivity to a specific antigen. Characterized by bilateral damage. Symptoms appear within a few minutes to a day or more from the moment of contact with the allergen. There is lacrimation, burning, redness and swelling of the conjunctiva. The itching is so severe that it forces patients to constantly rub the eye area, which leads to an increase in other symptoms. The following forms of allergic conjunctivitis are distinguished:

• Hay fever.
  There is a seasonal pattern. In a third of patients, symptoms appear in the spring, during the flowering period of alder, oak, and birch. At the beginning of summer, clinical manifestations are caused by contact with pollen of cultivated and wild cereals. In urban residents, symptoms are detected in late summer and early autumn, which is associated with the active growth of weeds in squares, parks and flower beds.
• Spring.
  Debuts at the age of 3-4 years. Subsequently, a chronic course is observed with relapses in the spring and early summer. The itching gradually increases, intensifies in the evening, and is accompanied by lacrimation and photophobia. Possible development of ptosis and blepharospasm. With the arrival of autumn, the symptoms disappear. Spontaneous recovery during puberty is typical.
• Large capillary.
  Caused by the use of contact lenses, irritation of the conjunctiva by postoperative sutures during keratoplasty or cataract extraction, calcium deposition in the cornea, other ophthalmological diseases and conditions associated with the treatment of pathological processes in the eye area.
• Drug.
  In 90% of cases it is provoked by the administration of topical drugs, in 10% of patients it occurs when using general agents. Most often observed when using antiviral and antibacterial ointments and drops, especially without a doctor’s prescription, taking into account contraindications and the mutual effect of several medications.
• Chronic.
  Accounts for almost a quarter of the total number of allergic eye diseases. Potentiated by cosmetics, perfumes, food products, fluff, animal hair, house dust and other allergens. Typically persistent with mild symptoms.

When the conjunctiva and nasal area are simultaneously affected, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis occurs. Depending on the nature of the allergen, the pathology can be seasonal or year-round. In the seasonal form, sneezing, lacrimation, profuse watery nasal discharge, itching in the nose and eyes, nasal congestion, and photophobia are observed. The persistent form is smoothed out, the symptoms are more constant. The discharge is mucous, thick, congestion worsens at night. Mild itching in the eye area.

Other allergic pathologies

Allergic keratitis is manifested by corneal syndrome (lacrimation, photophobia, blepharospasm), sensation of a foreign object. Burning, stinging, and constant pain are detected that prevent the opening of the eye. Allergic blepharitis, as a rule, manifests suddenly under the influence of various factors. Patients complain of persistent itching and swelling of the eyelids, pain, and photophobia. The skin around the eyelids darkens. Allergic dermatitis is characterized by redness, rash, and severe swelling. In severe cases, angioedema may develop.

Other reasons

Itching in the eye area is observed with Sjögren's disease. It is caused by a decrease in the amount of tear fluid, combined with “sand”, “scratching”, burning, redness of the eyelids, enlarged salivary glands, stomatitis, dry lips and oral cavity. The symptom is also characteristic of cystinosis; in the infantile form it is expressed moderately, in the juvenile and adult forms it is insignificant.

Ophthalmological examination

Localization of itching

Symptoms and causes can be divided according to their location.

In the eyelid area

The main reason is hyperemia caused by eye irritation upon contact with household chemicals, dust, and pet hair. Itching on the eyelids may occur after eating certain foods, such as chocolate. In this case, the doctor may refer the patient for an allergen test.

Women may experience itching due to low-quality cosmetics that contain prohibited ingredients. When they get on the skin of the eyelids, eyelashes or mucous membranes, they cause irritation and itching.

In the corner of the eyelids

Occurs due to the activity of bacteria or viruses. Redness of the eyes appears, increased lacrimation begins, and a burning sensation in the corner of the eyelid. Main reasons:

• barley;
• allergy;
• microtrauma or foreign body entry;
• exposure to chemicals;
• Using contact lenses for too long.

In rare cases, only the skin in the corner of the eye itches and hurts. This may indicate the development of conjunctivitis. However, most often with this disease, unpleasant sensations immediately affect the entire mucous membrane and eyelids.

Under the eyes

Demodicosis and blepharitis lead to itching in this area. Demodectic mange is caused by a mite living in the eyebrows and eyelashes. Blepharitis is a bacterial infection affecting the edges of the eyelids, which requires long-term painstaking treatment. Severe discomfort occurs with a sebaceous gland cyst.

Swelling may appear under the eyes. In this case, the cause of the itching is an allergic reaction.

Around eyes

The causes are often caused by external factors. Due to the activity of snow or wind, the skin dries out and cracks appear on it.

Itching around the eyes causes allergic dermatitis, which occurs when using low-quality cosmetics or inappropriate medications. Other causes include blepharitis, herpes, or an insect bite.

Pathogenic causes

This group includes pathologies caused by weak immunity, allergies, bacterial or viral infections, and parasites.

Allergic reaction

The body's reaction to allergens that irritate the mucous membrane. It most often occurs in the spring, when plants begin to bloom and a huge amount of allergens enter the air. Because of them, the eyes begin to dry out and itch from the inside. Certain foods can cause a reaction: milk, eggs, chocolate, citrus fruits, pomegranates or strawberries.

Taking certain medications can also lead to allergy symptoms. These include antibiotics, vitamin complexes and preparations containing iodine. In women, allergies can be caused by incorrectly selected cosmetics.

Diagnosis of allergies is carried out using a series of laboratory tests that can pinpoint the cause of the discomfort. After this, the doctor selects antihistamines.

To prevent itching, you can wash your eyes with special drops several times a day. This reduces contact of the mucous membrane with allergens.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the mucous membrane, which is based on an allergy or infection. The infectious form is usually caused by viruses or bacteria, very rarely by a fungus. The disease can be transmitted from person to person through contact.

With conjunctivitis, itching is the first sign that requires you to consult a doctor to select treatment. During therapy, local antiviral or antibacterial drugs are used in the form of eye drops or ointments.

Blepharitis

Inflammation of the eyelids caused by anemia, diseases of the digestive system, diabetes, infection and other pathologies. As blepharitis develops, the refractive function of the eyes deteriorates, causing concomitant pathologies, such as farsightedness, to appear. The patient has a desire to scratch his eyelids, swelling forms.

The disease is accompanied by the formation of small scales or ulcers along the edges of the eyelids. Treatment of blepharitis takes a long time and, in addition to getting rid of the symptoms, includes eliminating the causes of its development.

Demodicosis

Damage to the skin by the parasitic demodex mite. The activity of the parasite leads to itching from the inside, pain and itching of the eye. The main method of treatment involves the use of gels or ointments that reduce the activity of the parasite.

Dry eye syndrome

Causes dryness and swelling of the mucous membrane, itching. The patient feels as if sand has gotten under his eyelids, which is why he begins to rub his eyes frequently, aggravating the condition. The syndrome is caused by a lack of tear production.

Dry eye syndrome is usually experienced by older people; it occurs in them 65-70% more often than in younger patients. Recently, the problem has been encountered among office workers who spend a lot of time in front of a monitor screen in an office with dry air. The syndrome is also caused by chemical or thermal burns and adenoviruses.

Barley

Purulent inflammation of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid or eyelash follicle. Develops against a background of reduced immunity, severe hypothermia, and frequent stress.

The infection penetrates the gland or hair follicle, after which pus formation and inflammation begin. First, a small itchy dot appears on the edge of the eyelid, painful when touched. Gradually, the tissues around it swell, redness appears, and the head of an abscess forms. After opening it, pus and dead tissue are released.

To treat stye and reduce itching, the doctor selects antibacterial ointments and drops and prescribes therapy to strengthen the immune system.

Non-pathogenic causes

These are reasons that are caused by third-party factors, for example, environmental features or incorrect actions of the patient.

Swimming in reservoirs

This is a common cause of infection by viruses, bacteria and mites. Their activity causes itching in the corners of the eyes, under or on the eyelids. Most often, diseases develop in the summer months, when microscopic algae begin to actively multiply in the water. If they come into contact with the eyes, they cause a number of unpleasant symptoms.

The reaction can also begin when swimming in a pool. Chlorinated water negatively affects the condition of the mucous membranes, causing itching.

Ultraviolet burns

Strong ultraviolet radiation can provoke pain and itching. You can encounter it when visiting a solarium without protective glasses, when watching the sun. A retinal burn can be caused by an electric welding process that uses a powerful light beam.

Blocked tear duct

Burning and itching in the eyes often occurs when the tear ducts are blocked by burning particles or fine dust.

There is an easy way to deal with blockage: just pinch the dots at the inner corners of your eyes for a few seconds. Usually after this, tears begin to flow, clearing the tear ducts. If this does not happen, you should consult a doctor.

Which doctor treats itching?

Pathology is the responsibility of an ophthalmologist (ophthalmologist). He conducts an initial examination and makes a preliminary diagnosis. The patient may need help from doctors of other specialties, such as an allergist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist and others. In this case, treatment will be prescribed not only to get rid of the symptoms, but also to eliminate the underlying disease.

Where can I get appropriate advice?

You can find out the characteristics of various medical centers in Moscow and not only choose a competent specialist to visit, but also make an appointment with an ophthalmologist at home, using the information content of our Directory for private clinics “Your Doctor”, which additionally allows you to theoretically familiarize yourself with the pathological disorders of interest.

Publication date: 2018-02-07

Diagnostics

During the consultation, the doctor examines the patient’s complaints and collects his medical history and conducts a physical examination. He selects diagnostic methods to determine why the eyelids and area around the eyes itch. These include:

• Clinical blood test
• Allergy tests
• Microscopic analysis of eyelashes
• Bacteriological analysis of eyelid scrapings

If the cause of itching lies in a systemic disease, the doctor may prescribe additional diagnostic procedures. They will help you find out why your eyes itch and how to eliminate the risk of recurrence of symptoms.

Other Possible Causes

In addition, factors contributing to the appearance of itching and redness around the eyes include tissue damage by an infectious or parasitic pathogen:

• Inflammation has a pathological basis in the form of blepharitis and is a localized expression of the course of an internal chronic process, as well as instability of immune parameters. Or acute purulent lesion of the eyelash follicle, characterizing a disease such as barley.
• Parasitic infection of the tissues of the eyelids by microscopic species of mites, which in the process of life damage the layers of the epidermis, causing severe itching and local redness of the areas.

Methods for diagnosing skin diseases:

• Diagnosis of skin diseases
• Diagnosis of skin diseases at home
• Diagnosis of allergic skin diseases
• Diagnosis of bacterial skin diseases
• Diagnosis of viral skin diseases
• Diagnosis of hair diseases
• Diagnosis of nail diseases
• Diagnosis of skin tumors
• Skin scraping
• Blisters on the skin
• Dermatoscopy
• Demodex tests
• Diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections
• Mushroom tests
• Skin scraping

Treatment for itchy eyes

If itching occurs, you can apply cold or warm compresses. They soften hard crusts on the eyelids and reduce the appearance of swelling. You can only touch your eyes with pre-washed hands!

The doctor selects special drops and ointments to eliminate itching and other symptoms. They moisturize the mucous membrane, reduce its irritation and inflammation. The ointments may contain a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective in fighting infection. It relieves inflammation and irritation. Eye drops, such as Gilan, work well.

If the discomfort is caused by a systemic disease, the doctor determines how to get rid of itchy eyes with the help of drug therapy and prescribes medications to relieve symptoms.

Eye drops

A good choice is eye drops that are aimed at getting rid of the main signs of ophthalmic diseases.

Drops are suitable for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammation, prevention of eye diseases. They relieve irritation, eliminate itching and redness. May have antiallergic and anti-inflammatory effects. They are often used to improve the condition of the eyes after injuries, surgery, and infectious pathologies.

Pay attention to Gilan drops. They contain hyaluronic acid, which has a long-lasting, pronounced moisturizing effect. It facilitates the patient’s condition when he frequently spends time behind a monitor screen or while driving. The drug can be used by children and pregnant women.

The use of antibiotics is permissible only after a doctor’s prescription! Long-term uncontrolled use of the compounds can lead to lens clouding, glaucoma or dry eye syndrome. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to find out why the eye itches.

How to eliminate itching yourself?

First of all, you should determine why the skin around the eyes and eyelids constantly itch. If the cause is not related to serious illnesses, you can use home treatment methods.

What is recommended to do if there is severe itching in the eyes?

First, give your eyes a rest. To do this, you need to remove your lenses or glasses, wash off your makeup, and turn off your computer and TV. You can cover your eyelids with your palms for a few minutes and look at a distant point. If your eyes are very itchy, it is advisable to rinse them with boiled water or saline solution, strong tea or a decoction of medicinal herbs. It is better to keep drops on hand to moisturize the mucous membranes, which can be bought at any pharmacy. If the itching is caused by allergies, antihistamines will help relieve the condition. To speed up the process, you can use eye drops that moisturize the mucous membrane and relieve irritation.

A few simple exercises

1. If you feel tired, close your eyes tightly for 3 seconds.
2. Blink frequently for 30 seconds.
3. Roll your eyes in a circle for 20 seconds.
4. Close your eyes and cover them tightly with your palms for 5 seconds.

Causes of inflammation of the eyelids

Inflammation of the eyelids can be caused by the following reasons:

• pathological activity of mites living in the skin (a common phenomenon when the immune system is weakened);
• allergic reactions to certain types of medications, plant pollen, food;
• viral and microbial infections in the body;
• chemical, thermal and mechanical eye injuries;
• disruption of the cardiovascular and nervous systems;
• endocrine and hormonal disruptions.

1 Diseases of the skin around the eyes and inflammation of the eyelids. Diagnosis and treatment

2 Diseases of the skin around the eyes and inflammation of the eyelids. Diagnosis and treatment

3 Diseases of the skin around the eyes and inflammation of the eyelids. Diagnosis and treatment

Prevention

• Regular hand washing. Many people have a habit of rubbing their eyes, so it is better to eliminate the risk of infection on the surface of the cornea in advance.
• Wearing sunglasses in sunny weather. They will protect the mucous membrane from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
• Using computer glasses. They relieve eye strain when working at a computer.
• Regular warm-up. Improves eye well-being and helps them relax.
• Minimal contact with allergens.

Treatment

Conservative therapy

Treatment tactics are determined by the cause of itching in the eye area:

• Conjunctivitis.
  Rinsing, instillation of medications, eye ointments, and subconjunctival injections are indicated. Depending on the etiology of the pathological process, antibacterial, antifungal or antimycotic topical drugs are used.
• Blepharitis.
  Eliminate factors that cause weakening of the body (carry out immunocorrection, sanitize chronic foci of infection). They carry out careful hygiene, use ointments with antibiotics, topical hormonal preparations, perform eyelid massage, ultraviolet irradiation, darsonvalization, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, UHF.
• Barley.
  Before an abscess forms, the affected area is carefully treated with brilliant green, iodine or 70% ethyl alcohol. Antibiotics are instilled into the conjunctival cavity. At the maturation stage, dry heat, UHF, and quartz tube are prescribed. After spontaneous opening, topical antibacterial agents continue to be used.
• Demodecosis.
  It is necessary to strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene. Warm compresses with chamomile extract and eyelid massage are recommended. When a bacterial infection occurs, antibiotics are instilled. In case of complicated course, local glucocorticosteroids are prescribed.
• Dirofilariasis.
  Drug treatment is carried out against the background of surgical interventions. Antihelminthic drugs are used. To prevent allergic reactions and reduce intoxication caused by the decay of worms, antihistamines, glucocorticoids and NSAIDs are used.
• Allergic diseases.
  Avoid contact with the allergen, carry out local and systemic desensitizing therapy, immunotherapy, and symptomatic treatment. Antiallergic eye drops and general antihistamines are indicated. In severe cases, topical NSAIDs and corticosteroids may be required.