Treatment than to relieve itchy eyelids?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The general treatment regimen usually includes systematic washing of the conjunctival cavity with special medicinal fluids, instillation of medications, the use of ointment preparations, less often the performance of injectable subconjunctival injections.
If there are discharges from the eyes, then in no case is it permitted to apply dressings, since they can interfere with the release of secreted masses, which can lead to the appearance of keratitis.
To avoid the spread of infection, it is recommended that patients who apply for itchy eyelids wash their hands often and carefully, use disposable paper towels, etc.
If necessary, a regular toilet should be performed using antiseptic solutions - for example, furatsilin, a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
For bacterial pruritus, the eyelids can be given Gentamicin (the drug exists in two variants - these are eye drops and eye ointment), or erythromycin eye ointment.
For viral itching, medication with a viralostatic or antiviral effect is prescribed for the eyelids. These include:
- acyclovir ointment or tablets;
- leukocyte interferon;
- Trifluridine;
- Untitled
Antibacterial medications are sometimes prescribed in addition to antiviral therapy, if microbial infection is suspected.
If itching of the eyelids is caused by the presence of chlamydial infection, systemic medications Erythromycin, Doxycycline, Tetracycline are prescribed against the background of local therapy.
In case of allergic itching, the use of antiallergic and vasoconstrictive external agents, corticosteroid drops, “artificial tears” is indicated. Internal use of desensitizing drugs is not excluded.
Fungal itching of the eyelids is treated with antifungal ointments or instillations (preparations based on nystatit, levorin, amphotericin B, etc.).
What to do when itching eyelids?
The ophthalmologist deals with the treatment of itchy eyelids: it is he who needs to be addressed first. After examination and examination, he will decide if consultation is needed in this situation from other specialists - for example, a dermatologist, an infectious disease specialist, etc.
There is no standard treatment for itching of the eyelids, because many painful and non-pathological conditions can be causes, so therapy is usually prescribed individually.
It happens that it is immediately impossible to determine the nature of the itch. Then some medical experts advise starting with such events:
- drip into the disturbing eye a 0.3% solution of chloramphenicol (once every three hours);
- if itching is accompanied by other signs of conjunctivitis, the solution should also be dripped into the healthy eye to prevent the spread of the infectious process.
Follow-up will be performed only after the diagnostic procedures: the doctor will indicate which medications will help in this particular case. For example, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antiallergic, antiparasitic drugs may be needed. In addition, in addition to basic therapy, a course of drugs may be required to strengthen the immune defenses and to prevent recurrence of the problem.
Medications that the doctor may prescribe
In case of allergic itching, the treatment is prescribed according to the following scheme:
- Acceptance of oral antiallergic drugs, instillation of antihistamine drops into the affected eye.
- In difficult cases, the use of drops from the category of corticosteroids.
- Symptomatic treatment, elimination of the provoking allergen.
The most common medicines to eliminate allergic itching are considered such:
Lecrolin |
Anti-edema and antiallergic agent, which is successfully used for allergic conjunctivitis, or keratoconjunctivitis. Lecrolin drip 1-2 drops in each eye in the morning and evening. This dosage is suitable for both adults and children from the age of four. |
Opatanol |
Drops on the basis of olopatadin, which successfully cure seasonal allergic itching of the eyelids. Opatanol drip one drop in each eye, morning and evening. The interval between procedures should be at least 8 hours. The drug can cause dryness in the nose, fatigue, allergies. |
Drops glucocorticoid, with a pronounced anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiexudative effect. Shown with complex course of conjunctivitis, sclerite, keratitis, iridocyclitis, choroiditis, etc. Dexamethasone is used in individual dosages, on average - 1 drop in affected eyes, from 2 to 5 times a day. Drops are not used to treat eyelid itching in children under six years of age. |
|
Hydrocortisone ointment |
Anti-inflammatory ointment based on corticosteroid. Applied externally or subconjunctivally, up to three times a day for two weeks. With prolonged use of the ointment (more than 2 weeks), steroid glaucoma may develop, so a minimally short course of therapy should be carried out. |
In case of bacterial itch, antibacterial external agents are used. They are used, adhering to the following rules:
- Treatment with antibacterial drugs is carried out until the complete disappearance of painful symptoms, but not less than one week.
- Antibacterial therapy should continue without interruption: during the interruption, the resistance of bacteria to the drug is produced, and with the resumption of treatment, the effectiveness is lost.
- If the selected antibacterial agent does not lead to a positive result, then you need to perform an analysis of antibiotic resistance. Based on this test, it will be possible to choose the most effective drug.
Bacterial due to itching of the eyelids is most often treated with such drugs:
Floxal |
Eye drops based on ofloxacin - a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Floksal drip one drop four times a day, in each eye. The duration of therapy should not exceed two weeks. The tool is not used to treat children younger than one year old. |
Ciprofloxacin |
Drops based on the quinolone antibiotic. Apply 1-2 drops four times a day, for one or two weeks. During treatment, eyelid swelling, dryness and irritation may appear. |
Tetracycline ointment |
Ophthalmic antibacterial drug, which lay in the lower eyelid three to five times a day. The duration of therapy is determined by the doctor. When an allergic reaction occurs, the ointment is discontinued. |
Viral itchy eyelid is considered the most dangerous eye disease. To the general treatment it is mandatory to add medication based on interferon. In rare cases, short-term treatment with corticosteroids is possible.
In the mornings and evenings, special ointments containing interferon or interferogens are placed under the conjunctiva (they stimulate the body to produce its own interferon). As an auxiliary therapy, multivitamin complexes are shown, artificial tears are instilled in droplets (for the prompt cleansing of the eyes). When diagnosed with a herpevirus prescribe medication based on acyclovir.
Ophthalmoferon |
The drug human interferon, recombinant alpha-2b, and dimedrol. It exhibits antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic and restorative activity. In case of viral itching, the eyelids are installed in the eyes 1-2 drops two to eight times a day. Treatment continues until the complete disappearance of symptoms of the disease. |
Awesome |
Immunostimulating drug with an interferonogenic effect. It is used for viral itching in an individually defined dosage. Before use, 0.2 mg of the powder is dissolved in 2 ml of distilled water or water for injection. The tool is perfectly perceived by the body and has no side effects. |
The selection of drugs and the determination of the treatment regimen as a whole is conducted by the doctor. He will be able to take into account not only the existing symptoms (including itchy eyelids), but also the results of diagnosis. As for self-treatment, there are many dangerous moments: a person does not know for sure what and how he should be treated, therefore often it only aggravates the situation.
When diphtheria itch can not be cured without the use of special anti-diphtheria serum. In addition, it is important to conduct eye rinsing with antiseptic agents hourly. Oral sulfanilamide and antibacterial drugs are also shown for secondary bacterial infection.
Quite often, for eyelid itching, the doctor prescribes washing and compresses. For washing, it is preferable to use special devices in the form of eye baths: they are sterilized beforehand for 10 minutes. Prepared bath filled with filtered through gauze with vegetable extract or pharmaceutical medicinal liquid. Next, lean over the bath to the eye was in the liquid, and then blink repeatedly for a minute.
Compresses prescribed to get rid of eye tissue irritation. In order to perform the procedure correctly, a piece of bandage or gauze is moistened with a therapeutic fluid and applied to the affected eye. The duration of the procedure is 10 minutes.
If you correctly approach the use of medicines, you can get rid of the itching of the eyelids in a short time, warning of possible complications and preserving the visual function.
Ointment for itchy eyelids
To date, pharmacists can offer a wide range of different ophthalmic ointments, including those that help with eyelid itching. We suggest you familiarize yourself with only the most common such drugs.
- Ointment for bacterial itching of the eyelids:
- Erythromycin ointment - is a representative of antibacterial agents macrolide group. This ointment is allowed to apply even to infants.
- Tobrex is an ointment based on tobramycin, an antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity. Tobrex is successfully used in cases where itching of the eyelids is associated with infections or the formation of barley.
- Kolbiotsin - the combined ointment preparation presented by components tetracycline, chloramphenicol, sodium kolistemitatom. Ointment perfectly copes with amoebic and chlamydial lesions, as well as spirochetes, mycoplasma, rickettsiae. Kolbiotsin is not suitable for use by children of preschool age, and is also prohibited during pregnancy.
- Eubetal - an antimicrobial and antiallergic ointment, represented by the components tetracycline, colistin and corticosteroid betamethasone. One of the contraindications to the use of Eubetal is a tendency to increased intracranial pressure.
- Ointment for itching due to adenoviral or herpevirus infection:
- Bonafton is an ointment based on bromnaftoquinone.
- Tebrofen ointment - a universal remedy based on tetrabromo-tetrahydroxydiphenyl.
- Florenal - ointment preparation, represented by bisulphate fluorinonylglyoxal.
- Ointment on the basis of acyclovir - Zovirax, Virolex or, in fact, Acyclovir.
- Ointments for allergic pruritus:
- Tobradex is a universal anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiallergic ointment preparation based on the action of an antibiotic and a corticosteroid. Thoradex is prohibited for use in children and during pregnancy.
- Maxidex is a corticosteroid ointment that cannot be used to treat children.
- Dexta-gentamicin is a combination agent based on an antibiotic and a corticosteroid. Ointment works well with allergic inflammation, but is not suitable for the treatment of fungal infections, ocular tuberculosis, and is not used in pediatrics. Similar in composition means on the ointment base - Garazon.
- Cortineff is a steroid ointment that is prescribed for complications that develop on the background of itchy eyelids.
Treatment with hormonal ointment preparations is carried out extremely carefully, starting with the lowest possible dosage. In many cases, along with such ointments, oral anti-allergic medicines are prescribed.
Before using any ophthalmic ointment, you must first prepare the eyes: wash with an antiseptic, drip the drops prescribed by the doctor. And only 30 minutes after these procedures should be laid ointment.
Eye drops against itching, eyelid inflammation
There are drops that are used only to treat any particular itching of the eyelids — for example, bacterial, viral, or allergic. But there is also a small number of relatively universal drops, from which they usually begin to eliminate unpleasant itchy sensations in the eye:
- Sulfacyl sodium, or Albucidum - drops can be used in adult and children's practice, dripping 2 drops up to five times a day.
- Oftadek is an antiseptic that drips into each eye 2-3 drops up to 5-6 times a day.
- Zinc sulfate - antimicrobial drops, which are used to treat eyelid itching in adults (drip a couple drops every four hours).
In case of viral itching, the drops Ophthalmoferon and Poludan already sounded by us, as well as Florenal, Oftan-go solutions, 0.1% Tebrofen, 0.1% Gludantan, are used.
In case of bacterial pruritus, the use of such drops as Floksal, Tsipromed, 0.25% Gentamicin, Vitabact is shown.
Drops from allergic itching are often used both to correct the problem and to prevent its appearance:
- Histimette - drops, representatives of histamine receptor blockers. Perfectly cope with puffiness, itching, eyelid flushing. Histimethem drip one drop in the eye, morning and evening. If itching is pronounced, then the frequency of procedures is doubled.
- Hydrocortisone drops is a drug representative of synthetic steroid hormones. Thanks to the drops, you can get rid of unpleasant painful symptoms, as well as activate local immune protection.
- Allergodil - combined drops of action, representing the category of histamine receptor blockers. Means drip a couple drops three times a day.
In case of fungal itch, drops are rarely used: in most cases, oral antifungal drugs are used. If such drops are prescribed, they are prepared in pharmacies by special order. For the preparation of such solutions, it is important to clearly identify the fungal pathogen, so that further exposure to it is effective.
If the itching of the eyelids is caused by the so-called "dry eye syndrome", then most often come to the aid of drugs "artificial tear" or known for many drug Vizin "Pure tear". Such drops moisturize the eye mucous membranes and retain this moisture, preventing the tissues from drying out. The pharmaceutical market is represented by a large number of variations of "artificial tears": they are released without a medical prescription, and use them as needed, several times a day.
Alternative treatment for itchy eyelids
Very often, itchy eyelids quickly get rid of with an alternative treatment. Recipes are mostly effective, affordable and simple: ingredients can be found in almost every home.
The main task in case of itching of the eyelids is to clean the eyes, prevent or remove puffiness, and normalize the sensitivity of tissues.
- Itchy eyelids for many years successfully eliminated with the help of leaf tea - and any, both black and green. The only condition is that tea should not contain flavors, fruit acids and other extraneous additives, as well as sugar and other sweeteners. Optimal use of the freshest, just cooked rich brew. It is abundantly moistened with a cotton pad or a piece of bandage, folded several times, and gently wipe the disturbing eye (3-4 times a day).
- Washed a bunch of fresh dill. Crush and squeeze the juice. Drops into the affected eye one drop of warm juice, twice a day.
- Take the seeds of fennel or dill in the amount of 1 tsp, pour 200 ml of boiling water. Insist to cool. Used as a liquid for lotions that are made several times a day.
- With the viral nature of itchy eyelids, such a medicine is prepared. Crushed hips. About two teaspoons of the resulting mass pour 200 ml of boiling water, insist under the lid for forty minutes, carefully filtered. Use the infusion to wash the eyes, 3-4 times a day.
- Prepare honey drops: take half a teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of warm boiled water. Mix and apply for setting lotions or for instillation (one drop in the affected eye).
Herbal medicine
- The most popular remedy for itchy eyelids is chamomile flower infusion. Chamomile quickly stops the development of the inflammatory process, removes redness and swelling. To prepare the infusion, take 1 tsp. Fine dry raw materials and pour 200 ml of boiling water. After the liquid has cooled to a warm state, it is used for applying lotions - at least 3 times a day.
- 1-2 drops of Kalanchoe juice drip into the affected eye. The procedure is repeated three times a day.
- 2 drops of aloe juice are dropped into the eye, once daily.
- They take three large or four smaller bay leaves, pour 200 ml of boiling water over them, keep under a lid for half an hour. In the form of heat, the infusion is used for lotions (applied to the eyes for 30 minutes) or for washes.
- Prepare a drug collection. It consists of 1 tbsp. Spoons of dried dill, 2 tbsp. Spoons of chicory color, 1 tbsp. Spoons of horsetail, 1 tbsp. L ground rhizomes Althea and 2 tbsp. L pink petals. All components are mixed, poured into a container of 3 tbsp. L mixture, pour 200 ml of boiling water. Insist until cooling, filter. Used for washing three times a day.
[10]
Homeopathy for eyelid itching
Redness and itching of the eyelids of an allergic or infectious nature can be cured by the use of homeopathy. What can an experienced homeopath from a wide variety of drugs advise?
- Apis mellifika - prescribed for itching, burning of the eyelids, edema.
- Argentum nitricum - is used if itching of the eyelids is combined with photosensitivity, redness; may be disturbed by discharge in the corners of the eyes.
- Belladonna - helps with a pronounced onset of the disease, when the itching of the eyelids is quickly supplemented by redness and photosensitivity.
- Euphrasia - is used when itching and the presence of sand in the eyes.
- Ferrum phosphoricum - will help if the patient complains about the sensation of a foreign body under the eyelid.
- Hepar sulphuris - is prescribed if the itching of the eyelids is accompanied by the appearance of purulent discharge.
- Pulsatilla - helps if the itching of the eyelids practically passes in the fresh air, and indoors or in the warmth it starts to bother you again.
- Rus toxicodendron - is used if in the morning the eyelids stick together from the discharge, and the itch increases during the movement of the eyeballs.
The dosage of homeopathic medicines requires an individual approach. In the first days of the disease, the patient is offered to take a suitable remedy every three hours: the treatment is stopped when the improvements become noticeable. If, after drug withdrawal, symptoms recur, treatment is resumed.