What is a red eyelid?
A red eyelid is characterized by its red to pink or purple color. Often itching and swelling of the eyelid is also present. Depending on the cause of the redness, the eyelid can also be painful.
A red eyelid is often a cosmetic or optical problem. It can also become inflamed and, if swelling is also present, can restrict the field of vision of those affected. As soon as a red eyelid becomes symptomatic, i.e. causes pain, it should be treated.
Causes
There can be many different causes behind a red eyelid. First of all, inflammation of the eyelid margin or conjunctivitis causes redness of the eyelid. These inflammations are infectious diseases that are triggered by bacteria or viruses.
The pathogens spread by smear infection, which means that they are transmitted by human contact, e.g. shaking hands and then rubbing the eye. Contact between hands and eyes should therefore be avoided, as this not only infects other people, but can also transfer the inflammation to the other eye. A so-called barleycorn can also cause reddening of the eyelid.
A barleycorn is a bacterial infection of certain eye glands, the Meibom or Zeis glands on the edge of the eyelid. The sweat and sebaceous glands of the eye are therefore affected. This infection is accompanied by redness, swelling and pain and a cavern filled with pus develops in the eyelid.
Normally, barley grains are harmless and the immune system eliminates them without any problems within a few days, without the need for treatment. Besides, it is important not to mess around with the barleycorn. This increases the risk of spreading the infection to the conjunctiva and, in the worst case, causing an eyelid abscess.
However, if barley grains occur with conspicuous frequency, this indicates a weakened immune system. Another cause of a red eyelid can be neurodermatitis. This is typically accompanied by dry and itchy skin.
Many neurodermatitis patients are familiar with these complaints from different skin regions; they occur particularly frequently in the neck area, on the face, at the crook of the arm and the back of the knee. However, there are also people who only develop milder neurodermatitis symptoms in particularly stressful situations in which the immune system is particularly stressed. This then frequently occurs around the eyes and thus also affects the eyelids.
Since the itching starts a vicious circle that leads to scratching and swelling and sore skin, those affected should definitely avoid scratching their eyes. In this way, infections of the eye can also be avoided. It also often helps to supply the skin with moisturizing creams so that the wounds heal quickly.
Especially in spring, many allergy sufferers have to deal with red, swollen and itchy eyes. The pollen and grasses that bloom in spring get through the air into the eyes and respiratory tract of patients and trigger an allergic reaction. The severity of the allergic reaction varies from patient to patient and affects them to a different degree. If the allergic reactions cause massive discomfort in the eye, eye drops can be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms. If you suffer from such complaints, consult your doctor.
