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Red and itchy eyelid margins – what's behind it?
Anyone who suffers from allergies, works in an office in front of a computer screen all day, or has got a speck of dust in their eye is certainly familiar with the discomfort: when you look in the mirror, the eyelid margins look red, and there is also an unpleasant itching sensation and the urge to constantly rub your eyes. But what causes your eyes to itch permanently, and what can you do about it?
Why are the eyelids margins red and itchy?
Red and itchy eyelid margins can have various causes, ranging from temporary irritation caused by pollen, for example, to acute or chronic inflammation.
The most common causes include:
- eyelid margin inflammation (blepharitis)
- meibomian gland dysfunction
- wind
- UV rays
- dust
- smoke
- allergies
- dry room air
- intensive screen work
- cosmetics
- foreign bodies
- stye (hordeolum)
- eyelid dermatitis
- inflammation of the conjunctiva
- inflammation of the cornea
Our sensitive visual organs are exposed to environmental influences and irritations all day long and have to fend off pathogens. Short-term reactions to irritants are therefore no cause for concern at first. The presence of additional symptoms or symptoms that are persistent or particularly pronounced may indicate an acute or chronic inflammation that should be treated.
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How does inflammation of the eyelid margin become noticeable?
A common cause is acute or chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin (blepharitis), which can result in other symptoms in addition to red and itchy eyelid margins:
- dry eyes
- burning eyes
- flaky eyelashes that stick together
- eyelids stuck together in the morning
- sore eyes
- swollen eyelid margins
- reddened conjunctiva
- watery eyes
- foreign body sensation
- increased sensitivity to light
If there’s an acute inflammation of the eyelid, a stye often forms on the eyelid margin. This painful, pus-filled swelling is usually caused by an infection with staphylococci that attach themselves to a sweat or sebaceous gland on the eyelid.
Chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins, on the other hand, develops gradually. At first, there may only be mild symptoms such as dry, tired and itchy eyes. Over time, the symptoms can become more severe, and others often develop.
What can I do about red, itchy eyelid margins?
As much as you would like to just rub the itchy margins of your eyelids with your fingers, don't do it, because this will only make the irritation of the eyes worse and, in the worst case, will introduce additional bacteria into the already stressed eye. Instead, what does help with the itching depends on the cause:
- Avoid triggers: Dust, pollen, animal hair and cosmetics can irritate sensitive eyes, especially if you are allergic or intolerant to certain ingredients. Once the triggers are avoided, symptoms usually improve as well. Spending time in smoky rooms or around a campfire can also irritate the eyelid margins and should be avoided.
- Moisturise: Dry eyes caused by heater air, air conditioning or working too long at a computer screen need moisturising from time to time. This can be done by using water-filled bowls to moisten the air and by using moisturising eye drops, eye gels or eye ointments to help against irritation.
- Eyelid margin hygiene: Chronic eyelid margin inflammation or meibomian gland dysfunction is treated by consistent eyelid margin hygiene. As redness and itching are caused by a malfunction in the sebum production of the eyelid margin glands and secretion accumulates in the gland ducts, secretion build-up is loosened by heat. With an eye mask, the heat acts on the eyelids for several minutes and liquifies the secretion. The eyelid margins are then cleaned with a moist cotton pad or an eyelid cleansing wipe. Finally, an eye spray can be used to care for the irritated eyelids.
- Medications: In the case of allergies or acute inflammations, eye drops and eye ointments can relieve the itching. Depending on the cause, antihistamines, antibiotics or corticosteroids may be used. The medication to use depends on the diagnosis made by an ophthalmologist, as the treatment depends on the trigger of the symptoms.
Infographic Eyelid margin hygiene
When do I need to consult a doctor for red, itchy eyes?
If the eyelid margins are red due to smoke, dust or wind, avoiding the trigger is usually sufficient. Symptoms often resolve on their own. However, if the redness and itching persist for several days, keep recurring or are accompanied by other symptoms such as swollen eyelids, burning eyes or stuck eyelashes, a visit to the doctor is advised as a matter of urgency. This could be due to an inflammation that should be treated by an ophthalmologist.