ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS
Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition in which the conjunctiva becomes inflamed in response to something in the environment, such as pollen, mold, dust, or secondary to exposure to chemical substances in cosmetics or skin care products.
Symptoms include red, itchy eyes with tearing, sometimes accompanied by a white mucoid discharge. Treatment may include avoidance of allergic stimuli, if possible, OTC eye drops, anti-histamines, and/or prescription eye drops.
ALLERGIC DERMATITIS
Eyelids are prone to contact/allergic dermatitis because the thinness of the skin (1/4 the thickness of the rest of the skin of the face) lends the lids to a relatively high level of absorption, especially because they are frequently touched by contaminated hands and fingers.
Common irritants include cosmetics, nail and hair products, ophthalmic medications, nickel, plants, fragrances, etc. Treatment may include avoidance of allergic stimuli, if possible, anti-histamines, and/or prescription eye medications.
