Medical expert of the article
New publications
Allergy on the eyelids of the eyes in an adult and a child: how to treat
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
[ What causes eyelid allergies?
Natural allergens include pollen, animal hair and saliva, poplar fluff, poultry feathers, etc. A person prone to allergic reactions to these allergens needs to minimize contact with these irritants or get rid of them altogether.
If you are prone to eyelid allergies, you should refrain from going outside during the flowering period of ragweed and other plants, do not keep pets in the apartment (if you already have them, you should give them to friends or just to good hands), do not visit people who have pets in their home, etc.
As for medications, the most common allergens are, for example, eye drops such as Ephedrine, Atropine, etc.
Cosmetics also very often contribute to the development of allergies. The eyelids are especially susceptible to various rashes, itching and redness when using unsuitable cosmetics. Most often, the eyelids become inflamed due to the use of low-quality, cheap products or products that have already expired. If signs of an allergy appear, it is necessary to urgently change the cosmetics to higher quality ones, be sure to check the production date and expiration date of the product.
However, expensive cosmetics do not guarantee that after using them, the eyelids will not become inflamed under the influence of allergens. Cosmetics contain a huge number of different fragrances, dyes, flavors and other substances that can provoke an allergy. The eyelids can react to one component, or they can become irritated due to a whole set of allergens. In this case, doctors first suggest completely changing the manufacturer of cosmetics and checking the body's reaction to the new product. You should not rely on the fact that if the product suits other people, then it suits everyone. Everyone's body is different and it reacts differently to certain products.
Allergy on the eyelids can be a consequence of some diseases, for example, trichinosis - infection of the body with special worms. Bilateral swelling of the eyelids is observed.
The appearance of a small bump or lump in the upper eyelid area may indicate giant papillary conjunctivitis, which occurs as a result of infection of the body, for example, when wearing poorly washed contact lenses.
Also, an allergy on the eyelids can appear when the body is infected with allergic contact dermatitis. This type of disease is often characteristic of women who use eye medications and cosmetics intended for the eyes.
Allergies can occur due to the use of any medicinal ointments or other products sold without a prescription. The skin of the eyelids becomes covered with blisters or blisters, it begins to itch, there is abundant lacrimation, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, etc.
In this situation, it is necessary to immediately stop contact with the allergen, change cosmetics, lenses, creams, etc.
What to do if you have an eyelid allergy?
Taking corticosteroids is effective in combating the disease. Sometimes cold compresses on the eyes are useful.
Eyelid allergy is a rather unpleasant disease that prevents you from living a full life. Therefore, at the first signs of allergy, you should consult a doctor to diagnose the source of the disease.