Eye problem

[Jewiemax15]

I have been hypothyroid since 1994. Treatment began 1995. Am on T3 since about 6/7 years ago. My problem is my eyes, the eyelids and area around the eyes and below is very swollen and itchy. I have seen GP who prescribed 1% hydrocortisone cream which inflamed the skin and got worse. Saw nurse at walk-in who prescribed moisturising cream for night time, this also further inflamed the skin. I have been taking antihistamines for weeks. I have tried other moisturiser without paraffin or petrochemical derivatives because I suspected I might be allergic. Whatever I try isn't working. Anyone experienced this? I don't have hay fever. We have two cats but I am fine when they are with me. I might get a mattress vacuum cleaner and see if might be dust might allergy though I have washed pillows and pillow cases. It's getting unbearable...

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Can you share your thyroid blood test results and ranges with us, as eye problems may be related to thyroid medication not being optimal.

Most people who develop TED (Thyroid Eye Disease) have an overactive thyroid and Grave’s Disease, whereas some have it with an under active thyroid/ Hashimotos (like myself) and a few have it who are euthyroid (no thyroid condition).

If TED is suspected, I recommend you take a Selenium supplement, 200ug daily, as this has showed to help in mild/ moderate TED when taken in the first 6 months. Many take a maintenance dose of 100ug daily when the active phase of the condition has passed. Preservative free lubricating eye drops are important, such as HycoSan or Hyloforte.

Do you have light sensitivity? If so, wear sunglasses (even indoors if needed). If you have any eye pain, my TED ophthalmologist said to take ibuprofen (with food to protect your stomach). Also worth doing is using 2 pillows at night, to elevate your head.

If TED is suspected, do see an ophthalmologist who is knowledgeable about this condition. Above all, please don’t overdo it on Google images, as they show ‘worst case’ scenarios.

[humanbean]

I had a patch of sore skin on my face and I didn't know what was causing it. I've had eczema a lot throughout life but it didn't look the same as that.

I eventually tried various non-prescription creams :

1) 1% hydrocortisone

2) A fungal cream

3) An anti-histamine

4) Baby lotion

I can't tolerate lanolin or anything which is vaseline/petroleum jelly based.

The only one that helped was the baby lotion. All the others made the rash worse.

.

One thing I have discovered in the past is that my skin health generally improves if I keep my vitamin B12 (specifically methylcobalamin) very high (actually over the range most of the time). It also helps if I keep my folate levels reasonably good (specifically with methylfolate).

I had stopped taking both B12 and folate for a while (I get very tired of taking supplements). When I restarted them both my rash 80% disappeared.

.

There is absolutely no reason to believe that what worked for me will work for you. But none of the things I tried was dangerous, so it might be worth trying.

I've never had TED that I'm aware of, but I do have very dry eyes and have to use eye drops to moisten my eyes. The one I use is Hycosan Extra - it has no preservatives in. It's very important to avoid preservatives in eye drops.

[soppysokes]

what you are describing seems very much like I have had, only this last few months. mine is soreness and itchy rims of the eyelids. At times,particularly after sleep top eyelids feelthey have grit under them! i have been using drops for dry eyes which seem the only thing that helps somewhat. no idea whats causing it though.Tried antihistamines and bacterial drops(otc type) to no effect really.

[SilverAvocado]

My eyes can get very dry. It sounds quite different to what you're experiencing, but I find that taking an omega oil supplement makes a big difference to my eye dryness, and less noticeably to other dry areas. Could be worth a try, as it's one thing to take that never hurts and has a lot of potential benefits.

As others have mentioned, I find a lot of these prescription creams don't seem to do much, and that some over the counter options are better. I use a lot of coconut oil. With any skin complaint I will often just try rubbing in coconut oil multiple times per day (the same kind you cook with), and if possible put a dressing on top of that to keep it moist.

I've also recently bought a face cream containing snail extract from Holland and Barrett, and it's having a huge effect on two different rashes / sore spots on my skin I've had for over a year. I apply it very often across the day. I've had success a few times with different face creams, as I guess they have some ingredients that have a big impact on skin healing.

[Jewiemax15]

Thanks so much everyone, some ideas to try!

Sore Eyes

[Wheat]

hello Jewiemax15, so hard to say what the problem may be, looking at your photo it reminded me of panda eyes that a relative and friend had.

Eventually it was diagnosed b y Consultant as allergic reaction to Methylchloroisothiazolione and Methylisothiazolione in their make up It is in so many things make up, laundry liquids etc.

Also, petrochemicals are in many things, medical creams too, these I react to. Ive reacted badly to a couple of facial moisturisers too. Redness and burning.

Hope you find your answer. Best wishes.

[Jewiemax15 in reply to Wheat]

Thanks so much. I went to the walk-in again today and nurses there said that I shouldn't have been prescribed hydrocortisone cream for eyelids. I am going to write a letter to my GP. The diagnosis is allergic contact dermatitis. Nurses recommended stronger antihistamines and use only water or dermol for the time being so am hoping this will help and that it will start to heal.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Wheat]

Definitely worth considering - they really are in everything!

Try doing laundry using products which do not contain them.

Actually, just remembering, I think they are in almost all washing up liquids. So very easy to get on hands then transfer by otherwise innocuous eye rubbing.

[McPammy]

You could book an appointment at your local optician. They can check to see if you have any type of eye disease and maybe refer you to your local eye hospital if needed. GP’s don’t know much about eyes in my experience. Or maybe your pharmacist for antibiotics?

[Jewiemax15 in reply to McPammy]

I saw my optician first and he did thorough checks, said ocular health was fine but the issue with eyelids is a dermatology issue and he couldn't give any advice or treatment. I have spoken with 7 different pharmacists who aren't actually qualified to prescribe anything. I have bought blephagel, dermol, allergy eye drops, cetaphil lotion , all to no avail. I have been to a walk-in yesterday, no treatment given. Back to the GP...(Having already requested 0.5% hydrocortisone cream because 1% is too strong. ! V frustrating as am totally fed up with sore itchy swollen eyelids etc, it's making me feel miserable. And this on top of my Mum being at end of life... don't want to drive over to be with her whilst I am not at best, not sure driving whilst taking antihistamines is a good idea anyhow...

[McPammy in reply to Jewiemax15]

Sounds like you’ve tried lots of options and still got nowhere. I’m not experienced enough to know what’s the best treatment really. I’ve had styes in recent years that keep returning, started happening after I got covid for the first time. I use antibiotics for it, but not gone as keeps returning. Could it be pollen effecting your eyes. Are your thyroid levels good and in range?

[Jewiemax15]

Hi there, my results are "within range", I take thyroxine and liothyronine. I don't know what is triggering the allergy, seems to improve slightly throughout the day so am wondering if could be either pollen or dust mites- am going to vacuum my mattress and try washing pillows again etc. This is distressing me now xx