Rash around eyes

[pepsimax]

I've started to get a bit of a rash around my eyes. It started in a tiny patch in the outer corner of my right eye and it is very slowly spreading under my eye. It is also on my inner eyelid, almost up to the eyebrow. Then today I have noticed the outer corner of my left eye is developing the rash too.
Its slightly red with small bumps.
I have not used any eye make up for a while so I am pretty sure its not that. The only face washes I use are ones I have used on and off for a while. The only creams I have used on or around the eye area are shea butter (pure) and extra virgin coconut oil but again I have used these for a long time now. Plus I recently bought some eye gel (thread here) http://www.dermatalk.com/showthread.php?t=3042 but I am 99% sure the rash started before I used it.
I have a house rabbit but he has recently just turned 6 so I doubt it is him. I also pet a few cats belonging to friends and family but I have never in the past shown a reaction to animal fur.
The only thing that has really changed in my diet recently has been to cut out most dairy products and switching to soya based ones. And to increase my fruit intake by making fresh smoothies daily.
Does anyone have any idea what it could be or what I could do or shouldn't do, to see if it clears before it becomes even more noticeable?
The picture I have attached is from google and shows in exaggeration what my eye looks like. It isnt as red but its more noticeably red when it is dry.

[vencasand]

don't fool around with trying to fix this at home. see a doctor.

[pepsimax]

I thought as much Brenda. I can't see her until Friday so I figured I would ask here and if anyone idea what it could be I could look it up to see if it resembles what I have.

[vencasand]

apply cool compresses to the eyes. it looks like it itches something awful. how about a cucumber mashed and squeeze the juice from it and apply with a cloth. i am glad you are going to the doctor. i tried to look on line also and couldn't find anything helpful. i hope you feel better.

[paulog]

Hi Nikki;

The other posters are correct in saying that you need to get to a doctor and find out exactly what's going on and get treatment to clear up the rash.
However, I could not help but notice that you made a sudden change in your diet. That could create a reaction, such as an allergy to the soy-based dairy products.
Definitely tel your doctor about that.
Although soy is healthy in most cases and considered a health food, you may be allergic to it. Many people are.

[pepsimax]

Thanks Brenda. It doesn't actual itch but whats above my eye resembles eczema in that it flakes when dry.

Thank Paulog. I mentioned my change in diet as I know with skin conditions it is just as lightly to be what we put into our bodies that cause them as what we put on our skin.

I will let you know what my doctor says when I see her tomorrow.

[pepsimax]

Out of curiosity, would anyone know how long it would take a food allergy to show on the skin if its something that is consumed daily?

[paulog]

Hi pepsimax;

A lot of that depends on the speed of a person's metabolism; shape of the immune system & so many other health and metabolism factors.

I was always thin & have a very high/fast metabolism. So, I react very quickly to something that does not agree with me.
The other side of the coin is that I benefit quickly from good stuff like organic vegetable juice.
So, all I can tell you is that anything good or bad reacts quickly with me.

[pepsimax]

Well I saw my GP. She isn't sure what it is but practice here is for a GP to try treating a symptom before referral to a specialist, unless it is obvious a specialist is needed.
She said she doubts its the change in my diet. Not only does she feel it would have shown earlier but on other parts of my body too.
I mentioned all the lotions and potions I am using and she said to avoid coconut oil on the area while I have this rash although again she feels if that was the problem it would show on other parts of my body.
Being the eye area she very reluctantly gave me Hydrocortissone 0.5% cream and stipulated to use very sparingly twice a day. I used it twice yesterday and once so far this morning and it has made a huge difference.
I see her again in two weeks and she then wants me to stop using the cream and we will take it from there if I need further treatment.

[vencasand]

she sounds like a good doctor. gp's know a little about everything. i just can't imagine what could cause a reaction like that. have you used drops in your eyes lately? my one granddaughter is allergic to sulfa drugs in one of the eye drops she had to use as a baby for closed tear ducts. her eyes were always getting infected. her skin turned bright red everywhere the drop ran down her face. i hope your eyes continue to get better.

[paulog]

I agree with vencasand. She definitely sounds like a doctor who not only knows her stuff but has the wisdom to realize how strong the effects of some medicine can be.

The important thing is that you got relief and it has come quickly under control.

I'm a big believer in going as alternative & natural whenever possible. But, when there's an emergency, it's great to know that a doctor can pull out the "artillery"
to put a nasty invader out of business quick!

Best of luck. Hopefully, this affliction will fade quickly into history for you.

[pepsimax]

Thanks Brenda and Paul. She is a good GP and I see her for a long term illness I have so she knows me very well.
I did have eye drops recently for possible pterygium or eye infection so it could have been that but I have never reacted to eye drops in the past.
I've just used the cream for the fifth time and the rash is pretty much gone. So I will quit using it now and hope that it has cleared up for good.
I did try using natural products including a mild tea tree soap and my GP said they were good things to try and they wouldn't make it worse but obviously I did need something more suitable.

[paulog]

Hi pepsimax;

One last thought: I'm glad that you did not have to take any antibiotics & just used a cream.
All the dangers from taking an extensive antibiotic protocol & what that can do to the immune system make me very concerned.

Best of luck. I'm glad this problem has cleared up for you.

[pepsimax]

Well the rash around my eyes cleared in days but I had occasional itching of the eyes since then. Kind of like I had little bits of dust irritating my eyes. Plus on one eye I have a Pinguecula which is also causing me a problem. With the eye irritation I bought some allergy relief tablets and they seemed to help. I'm not definite as my knowledge on this is scarce but I 'think' I may have developed an allergy to fur. Not sure if its my rabbits or my parents or neighbours cats but I want to try and get something I was told about which you apply to the fur which should help an allergy reaction. If it is my rabbit I will not get rid of him so I have to find something that will help.

[Carolhardin]

Please consult a doctor. One thing which I can suggest for you is that take proper diet. Eat fresh fruits, green vegetables, egg, nuts etc. These an help you to cure your rashes but first you should have to consult a doctor.