Why are my eyes itchy? Find the causes including allergy, meaning and treatment for itchy eyes in this article. The condition can be more severe at night and during cold seasons. We have also provided you with natural home remedies to get rid of the itching in corner and line of the eye.
An itchy is a common skin irritation caused by an allergen. It’s neither harmful nor life threating. Depending with what is causing the itching, it might take long or few day to heal and clear up. The comforting part is that at the end, the itching will clear up on its own, with or without medical attention.
Related articles:
What Are The Symptoms of Itchy Eyes?
Many people with itching eyes have reported different symptoms in the past. It is very important for you to know then that, the symptoms are not conclusive. The symptoms will vary from person to person depending on what is causing the itching. The itching will also vary from one geographical location to the other.
Some of the most observed symptoms among those whose eyes itchy include the following:
- The eyes become red and irritated
- The eye may become sensitive to light
- It is possible to experience soreness, burning and pain
- The eyelids will become swollen
- Your skin may start to itch.
You need to see a health care provider if you notice any of the above symptoms. Failure to do so might lead to spreading the infection to other people. This is true for condition such as shingles and chicken pox. For pregnant women, it is important to be assured of the health of your kid. This can be for condition that cause the itching and are genetically linked.
What Does It Mean To Have Itchy Eyes?
For many people an itchy eye is a sign of an allergic reaction. This can be both internal and external of the body. When internal, the itching will be caused by an allergic reaction also known as allergic conjunctivitis of what you have eaten. For instances, if you have a gluten intolerant system, when you take beer or food that gluten then you are likely to have this kind of rash.
Allergic conjunctivitis is the most common cause of itching. It is common in adults compare to children. The condition can also attract people of all ages. The condition can be chronic or mild, depending on how severe the allergy is, more symptoms are likely to show up. This will include symptoms such as swollen eyelids and blurred vision.
An itchy eye can cause the skin to appear dry and flaky, it can also cause your face to develop small itchy raised bumps. To some people, small blisters maybe seen around eye along the eyebrows. Having your eyes itch can be very painful and discomforting. What then do you need to do to get rid of the itching?
Before we talk about treating the itch, you need to have a health care provider diagnose the condition to establish what the actual cause of the problem is. For external caused itching, topical ointments and skin emollients can be used to relieve the eye of the itching. That caused by gluten rash or allergic reaction can be treated by antihistamine, antibiotics can be used for itching caused by fungal or bacterial infection.
Causes of Itchy Eyes
The following the most possible causes of an itchy eye, you need to know that the list below is not a conclusive one, there are other causes of itching face. The information provided cannot be used to substitute a professional health diagnosis and checkup.
Among each of the causes listed below, we have provided information on what would cause it, what the symptoms of the condition are and the possible treatment option for the said condition. Below, find the causes:
1. Dry eyes causing itching
The number one cause of itching eyes is dry eye syndrome. As we grow older, our tear glands will start producing few tears. Though common in old people, dry eyes is can be a problem to all people regardless of the age. Statistic show that the condition is more common in female than in males.
The causes of dry eyes include excessive use of birth control pills, antihistamine medication, diuretics and use of antihypertensive. People with arthritis are more likely to have dry eye as opposed to those who don’t. For those with arthritis, dry mouth, dry eyes and dry mucous membrane anywhere in the body, they are likely to be suffering from Sjogren’s syndrome.
To treat a dry eye, a punctal plug and antihistamine medication maybe used. A punctal plug is a biocompatible device inserted into tear duct to block drainage, this increase the eyes’ tear film and surface moisture to relieve dry eyes.
2. Itchy Eyes Allergy- allergic conjunctivitis
Allergy are among the common cause of itching. The common allergen that can trigger an eye allergic infection include pollen, dust mites, wind and at time contact lenses (giant papillary conjunctivitis). The eye allergy can cause the eyes to become swollen, red and itchy. An eye allergy can also be caused by facial make ups.
An eye allergy is known as allergic conjunctivitis, it is caused by the misfiring of the immune system. This is the natural body defense system against infection causing pathogens. The system reacts by releasing histamine, this is the chemical responsible for causing swelling and inflammation.
Once your optician or dermatology establishes the cause of the itching to be an allergy, he may prescribe antihistamine medication to try and reduce the secretion of the chemical. This will include both oral and eye drop. Also you will be advised to avoid the allergens causing this reaction.
3. Itchy Eyes Cold, winter
Winter allergy is another common cause of itchy eyes. The symptoms can be the same and would include such things as sniffling and sneezing. The best way to tell the difference between the symptoms caused by cold and those caused by allergy, is that whereas itching and watery eyes caused by cold will clear up with a week, those caused by allergy persist for much longer and maybe intermittent.
For winter allergies, the nasal secretion is clear and watery, may cause eyes to itch and throat and the symptoms too persist for a week.
4. Itchy Eyes Hay Fever
Hay fever is an allergy caused by dust and pollen. It causes the inflammation of the membrane lining the nose and eyes. The inflammation may cause running nose, watery eyes and itching.
To treat hay fever you can use:
- Antihistamine nasal sprays
- Oral antihistamine pills
- Antihistamine eye drops
Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
5. Itchy Eyes Line STD
Itchy skin rash can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections. Herpes is one of those infection. People with HIV/AIDS have weak immune system which make the susceptible to very many skin disorder causing itchy rash.
Since most virus weakening the immune system have no treatment. Antiviral may be used to boost the immune system. Eating a balance diet, cutting down on alcohol and regular exercise can all help in strengthening the immune system.
Other causes:
Apart from the one above, other causes of itchy eyes include the following:
- Eczema also called atopic dermatitis, this is the body response to allergic substances.
- Squamous cell carcinoma this is a common form of skin cancer. Apart from itching it may cause the skin to become swollen. It is also common for bumps and blind pimple to form beneath skin.
- Melanoma causing itching on eyes and face: melanoma is a malignant tumor associated with skin cancer.
- Blepharitis this is the inflammation of the eyelid. Apart from the swelling, the eyelid may become painful and itchy.
Eye Itching In the Corner at Night
Through itching can occur at any time of the day (night or day time), some people have reported the condition to worsen at night. This is called nocturnal pruritus. This is a clear sign of an underlying medical condition that need immediate attention. Night itching is common among people whose rash is caused by atopic dermatitis and allergy.
Night itching is also seen in systematic condition like chronic kidney failure. Where itching is one of the symptom presented, then the itching is seen to worsen at night. The main cause of an itching on the eye corner is dry eyes. This is a common problems that results in lac k of normal tears. It is the most likely cause of itching, burning sensation around and in eyes, tearing and most of the time cause the eye to feel sandy. Other symptoms of dry eyes will include:
- Contact eyes intolerance
- Chronic redness of eyes
- Recurring eye infection
- Your eyes may feel sandy
- Yellow growth on corner of eyes
- Eyes may appear swollen
- Crusting on corner of eyes
- The eye my seem to pop out of the socket
An itchy eye corner is contrary to most people’s belief caused by dry eyes. Allergy and contact dermatitis is not likely to cause itching in the corner of the eyes. The inner corner of the eye will mostly itchy due to dry eye. Lack of normal tear is the main cause of this.
To know a dry eye, your eyes are more likely to get watery when out in the wind or while reading or steering into a television screen. The tearing is a response to the irritation caused by the eye being too dry. People with dry eyes are more likely to complain of contact eye failure.
Itchy Eyes and Runny Nose
Running nose is another symptoms associated with itchy eyes. What causes this to happen? This condition is causes by a viral infection. The virus attracts the mucous membrane in the nose causing it to become inflamed. The virus can be a common cold. The inflammation can also be caused by an allergic reaction of the body, most commonly hay fever.
The inflammation of the nose mucous membrane is known as Rhinitis. It causes sneezing, running nose and stuffy nose. In most cases this symptom will be accompanied by conjunctivitis, this include such things as itchy and watery eyes. As stated, the condition is mostly caused by an allergy or an infection.
Treating an allergic rhinitis depends on how severe the symptoms are. Nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines and saline formulations can be used for the inflammation. For stuffy and running nose, nasal spray can be used in relieving the nose of the symptoms.
Itchy Under Eyes and Headache
Those with diabetes or have a family history of diabetes are more likely to experience severe case of skin itching. Itchy under eyes can result in severe headaches. This can be true for both males and females. The condition can also be a response to drug and medication one is taking. You should seek medical attention if the headache and itching last for more than four hours.
An itchy under eye can be due to one of the following:
- Hay fever, this is an allergy caused by allergy, main allergen are dust and pollen that causes the mucous membrane of the eye and nose to itch. The membrane may also become inflamed causing running nose and watery eyes.
- Allergic reaction, these are body sensitivities to allergen coming in contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. The allergens can be breathed into the lungs, swallowed into the body are injected (mostly medicinal drugs).
- Tension headache, this is the most common type of headache, it is pain and discomfort in the head associated with muscle tightness. The tightness may cause the skin to itch especially around eyes and forehead.
- Dry skin is an uncomfortable condition marked by scaling, itching and cracking. It can occur due to a number of reason. The common cause of this condition is atopic dermatitis also known as eczema. Other causes are psoriasis and type two diabetes.
- Acute sinusitis also known as acute rhinosinusitis, it is a short-term infection causing inflammation of the membrane lining the sinuses (air pockets located within the bones of the skull and face). It prevents the drainage of mucus from the nose. The symptoms associated with these condition include; nasal congestion, green or yellow mucus discharge, severe headaches, earaches, pain pressure and tenderness behind ear.
Dry Itchy Skin around Eyes
It is very discomforting to have dry itchy skin, the condition is common though not life threatening. The most common cause of dry skin are allergies and contact dermatitis. The condition can be worse for those with diabetes, those with weak immune systems or those suffering from cancer.
The following are some of the common condition that might lead to a dry skin causing itching. The causes might also result in small itchy raised bumps on skin surface. For some people the bumps might be underneath the skin forming what is known as blind pimple.
- Hormonal imbalance is common in female and adolescent girls. The condition is also common in male and boys. Testosterone hormones is responsible for changes in males while estrogen is responsible in females. This hormone may cause over secretion of sebum the oil responsible for keeping your skin and hair follicles oil.
- Foundation make up and skin moisturizers can also cause blocking of the skin pores. This can lead to inflammation, itching and May also –cause the skin to have small itchy bumps.
- Poor hygiene is another common cause of itchy skin. Bug bites, fungal and bacterial infection can all be caused by poor hygiene.
- Threading and waxing eyebrows can lead to you damaging the hair follicles. This can lead to ingrown hair on eyebrows which causes itching an inflammation
- Contact dermatitis caused by the cosmetic creams and gel used in waxing and make ups can also cause skin itching.
Treatment, Medication, Cure for Itchy Eyes
Treatment for an itchy eye will be determined by the underlying cause of the itching. You need to know that the response of the medication and treatment will depend on how strong your immune system is. To avoid drug allergy, you need to have the medication prescribed by a professional health care provider after the condition has been diagnosed and established.
The following are the most common used cure for itching eyes:
- Antihistamine effective for hay fever and seasonal allergies, insect bites and itching caused by hives.
- Corticosteroids good for a number of skin condition causing inflammation. The steroid can be in form of oral pills, inhalers or injectable.
- Topical ointment for the swelling, itching and inflammation, this can include anti-itching and anti-fungal creams.
- Moisturizers and emollients can help keep a dry skin supple and moist. Good for reducing the itching and burning sensation.
Eye Drops for Itchy Eyes
As we have discussed above, the common cause of itching eyes is dryness. To remedy this, antihistamine eye drops can be used. The eye drops are specifically formulates to treat itching due to allergies. It works to reduce histamine in the eye tissues. The eye drop can also be used for redness in eyes, watery eyes, puffy eyes and swollen eyes.
A common side effect of using the eye drop would include burning, stinging and irritation of the eye.
Home Remedies for Itchy Eyes
Mild cases of itching can be treated at home with simple natural remedies. The response of the medication and treatment will be different form person to person. If used properly the remedies will work to reduce the itching, inflammation and swelling around eyes.
- Aloe wash twice or thrice in a day can help relieve the skin around eye of the itching. The gel is also antiseptic and contains anti-bacterial quality good for preventing bacterial infection in the eyes.
- Applying Baking soda paste around eyes for oil skin to keep it dry. When mix with honey, the paste can be even more effective for relieving the skin of the inflammation.
- Olive oil is a good remedy for dry skin. When applied can help keep the skin moisturized, it can thus help get rid of the itching and burning sensation.
- Oatmeal face wash is a good home remedy for itching and inflammation caused by most skin disorder. It is good for itchy rash caused by psoriasis, eczema and food allergy.
- Apple cider vinegar can be a very good remedy for getting rid of itchy rash around eye. It contain acetic acid know to relieve skin itching
Sources and references
- Itching eyes cause: http://gdatf.org/about/about-graves-disease/patient-education/dry-eyes-watery-eyes-itching-eyes/
- Allergy and itching eyes: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/understanding-eye-allergies
- Itchy eyes treatment: http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/punctal-plugs.htm
- Winter cold: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/winter-mold-allergies-risk
- Home remedy itching eyes: http://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/soothing-swollen-eyes.aspx