What causes swelling with dandruff-like flakes on eyelid?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I developed swelling of the upper eyelid (right side) about one week ago. It took about five days to settle down. It was accompanied by dandruff-like flakes on top of the eyelids and a little discharge on waking up in the morning. The swelling is almost 90 % better.
However, there is some pain in the eye, soreness, and occasional floaters. Also, I feel a scratchy sensation in the eye, and the vision is slightly affected compared to the normal right eye. Initially, the general physician recommended a warm water compress and cleaning the eyelids. The swelling improved, but the symptoms are still left. So the doctor suggested the antibiotic Moxifloxacin from yesterday.
I want to understand what is causing this dandruff kind of flakes on the eyelid, soreness, swelling, and floater in the eye. I am scheduled to see an opthalmologist in the next week. However, I want to understand if this is an emergency.
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
You seem to have preorbital cellulitis and squamous blepharitis. These white flecks suggest squamous blepharitis. Many people with this blepharitis have scalp dandruff also. Soreness and swelling are due to infection of the lid (preorbital cellulitis). Floater in the eye has no relationship with this lid swelling.
These are common, and usually, no treatment is required. Retina evaluation is advised. I suggest warm compresses. Apply antibiotic ointment locally along the lid margin. Systemic antibiotic is suggested. This is a provisional diagnosis, and consultation with a local ophthalmologist for a detailed evaluation is recommended.
I hope this helps.
Please revert in case of further queries.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
Thank you for the reply. I was given antibiotic drops, and I have had increased scalp dandruff recently.
Do I also need an eye ointment?
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Ointment is recommended for eyelid infection. Apply ointment along the lid margin just like applying Kohl. Antibiotic drops are recommended if the infection spreads to the adjoining conjunctiva.
Treating scalp dandruff and lid condition is necessary to reduce the risk of recurrence. Consult a skin specialist for scalp dandruff and use an anti-dandruff shampoo.
I hope this helps.
Please revert in case of further queries.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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