My entry about swollen eyelids has turned into one of the most popular pages on my site, so I thought I revisit the topic. The rash on my eyelids has gotten better, but I still haven't found out what I'm allergic to.  The loratadine continues to help, but I got tired of using it. It's so frustrating... I take it, the swollen eyelids goes away... I stop using it for a day... the symptoms return.
I need to find out the root of the problem.
I should've mentioned earlier that I am big-time allergic against salicylic acid. For years I had been using skin care products with salicylic acid with nary a problem - until, two years back, it suddenly started to make my eyelids swell up so bad that I couldn't open my eyes. Couldn't drive or anything. It took hours for the swelling go down.
But the reaction back then was so strong and immediate, I quickly found out what was going on and I've been avoiding salicylic acid ever since. I found other ways to clear up my skin (but that's reserved for another entry).
Anyhow. Salicylic acid is not the reason this time; there has to be a different cause. It seems that eyelid rashes, or swollen eyelids, can be caused by allergies to substances even if they don't touch the eye directly. In my research I came across a very interesting article:
I have a rash on my eyelids, behind my ears, around my neck and inside my elbows. I was advised that it may be due to a cat allergy, but could it be caused by something in my work environment? -- Rose I.
Rashes are often associated with exposure to allergens. However, the most common cause of skin rash is the direct contact with an irritant substance or materials that contain them. This is commonly described as irritant contact dermatitis. It is responsible for 80% or more of rashes that individuals experience.
Since your rash may be due to contact irritant your exposure is likely to be associated with something that you are touching. But what?
The places on your body are your best clues. The rash occurs where the irritant comes in contact with your skin.
The rash on the inside of your elbows is a major clue. It appears that you’re placing your arms on something, as if you were working at a desk. In such work, the insides of ones elbows are a major point of contact.
The article continues with speculation that it's a workplace allergy, e.g. from coming in contact with carbon paper, toner from a laser printers, or other sources. Now, this doesn't apply to me, as I don't come into contact with toner or carbon paper, but I think the expert in the article is on to something.
Maybe my swollen eyelids are caused by some black soot on my car, that gets on my hands when I open the car door, and gets transferred onto the steering wheel? I do rub my eyes occasionally as I drive. I should've washed my car more but it seemed so pointless, going up and down that long dirt road all the time. But, I washed it since, and wiped off the door handles and steering wheel as well.
I found another article that recommends to put hydrocortisone 1% ointment on the area of the rash. It takes down the swelling. Well, hydrocortisone 1% is Preparation H. A bit unsual but it does help. I make sure it doesn't touch the eye itself; I just put a little dab in the crease. It works well (though burns a bit for the first minute or so) without the side effects of Claritin / loratadine (which does seem to make me a little bit drowsy).
I switched my contact lens solution from Renu No-Rub to Solo Care Plus. It did nothing to relieve the allergy, but Solo Care Plus feels a bit more comfortable.
I switched laundry detergents because my eyelids started burning every time I dried off my face. But, it didn't help. I think it's the same effect as when you get a mosquito bite... it doesn't hurt until you rub or scratch it inadvertedly.
I'll keep reporting on my progress (or non-progress) with my swollen eyelids. Drop me a note if you're going through the same thing and found out a definite cause.
5:30:53 PM 
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