DEAR DR. GOTT: What causes hives and itching on eyelids? When I first got them 30 years ago I found out the culprit was aspirin. I don’t take it any more but lately I’ve been getting them again, especially at night. I’m a 76-year old female.
DEAR READER: Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) result in extremely itchy, red welts that form on the skin, particularly that of the lips and eyelids. This rather common phenomenon affects almost 20% of the population at some stage during a lifetime. It may be from an allergic reaction to food, an insect bite, medication, stress, heat, cold, chemicals, exercise, and a number of different causes.
Because the exact cause of hives can be extremely difficult to determine, you might consider keeping a journal for up to a month prior to each outbreak. It is important to know what medications have been taken — to include over-the-counter products, whether you exercised, changed laundry detergents, used a new bathroom cleaner, pet a neighbor’s dog, found yourself under additional stress, ate foods with MSG or peanut oil, or whether you spent time out of doors in the fall when many people become stuffy and breathing becomes difficult. Remember that no journal notation can be taken too lightly because if the same symptom or symptoms precede several outbreaks you may have your answer. As odd as it may sound, perhaps you fail to wash your broccoli before cooking it. If it happens to be treated with pesticides or other chemicals prior to shipment, the solution will be simple. If your problem occurs primarily in the evening, can you link it with a room freshener or oil or to a pet that sleeps in the same room with you? Could a cat be curling up next to your pillow?
Simultaneously, you might try using Benadryl or a non-sedating antihistamine such as Claritin, Zyrtec or Allegra. More potent antihistamines, hydroxyzine and doxepin can be used, however they could cause drowsiness and unwanted side effects. In extreme cases, corticosteroids in extremely low doses may be prescribed by your physician. Avoid using makeup, mascara or eye liner for a time. Be sure your shampoo doesn’t run over your face when you shower. Don’t rub your eyes if your hands have been exposed to any lotions, soaps or chemicals, since this unconscious rubbing could cause the irritation.
Thirty years is a long time to have an on-going problem. You don’t indicate whether you have seen an allergist who can perform testing on common irritants. This might be an appropriate next step for you to take.
Readers who would like related information can order my Health Reports “Allergies” and “Dermatitis, Psoriasis and Eczema” by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope and $2 US for each report ordered to Peter H. Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039-0433. Be sure to mention the title(s) when writing or print out an order form from my website www.AskDrGottMD.com.
