Take Care of Your Eyes!

For years, 5 to be precise, I have had the worst, most gross, issues with my eyelids. It's not all the time so don't think I look like some sort of swamp monster, but occasionally my eyelids and under eye decide to become red, swollen, flaky, itchy, scaly and just plain gross. When it happens it usually lasts for several weeks. I have been fairly successful at covering it up with makeup but I still know it's there and it's nasty!

I have seen a dermatologist, general practitioner, and opthomologist...all to no avail. I know what triggers it for me, all Clinique mascaras and benzoyle peroxide. If I even look at benzoyle peroxide my eyes immediately swell shut and look like an alligator handbag. The following were recommendations that didn't work and/or hurt like hell: cortisone cream (temporarily reduces puffiness and redness but HURTS!), eye drops (nothing), sinus sprays/pills (nothing), and allergy tests (I'm only allergic to sycamore trees, which I think don't even grow here). The only thing that gave me even temporary relief from the redness and itchiness without hurting was Clinique All About Eyes. It is very soothing but doesn't help to clear it up, just temporarily relieves a few symptoms. Honestly, I can live with it now but I'm afraid that if it keeps happening I'm going to get some major wrinkles and that's just not OK with me.

I had enough of this mess and visited my new GP yesterday. She said that the low % benzoyle peroxide I have put on blemishes maybe twice in the last 4 months could have caused this the entire time! I should have known better. Salicylic Acid is a good alternative and doesn't aggravate my eyes. I have been using Clinique's Acne Solutions Soap just for fun for a few months and I am in love with it. My Dr. gave me such a good tip that I had never heard and it sounds kind of genius. After I wash my face with whatever I'm washing it with, wash my eyes with baby shampoo, you know the kind that is as gentle to eyes as tears. This way you remove all potentially irritating residue and it also helps with flakiness. I have used this method once and so far so good. It just makes really god sense to me and I wonder why I hadn't come across this tip years ago! She also gave me oral steroids to knock this out right now so I will probably gain 100 pounds in the next 5 days; but at least my eyes will be clear:)

I also read online about how products that contain NEEM are really good for issues like this. No, I do not know what that is but I bought some at the natural foods store anyway. It does feel soothing but greasy so I will use it at night. We'll see if continued use will keep this tom-foolery at bay. I also read that Egyptian magic was excellent for an issues like this too but I couldn't find any and anyway the pictures I saw of it has it in a super ugly package that I certainly don't want sitting on my vanity. Hopefully the baby shampoo and NEEM will fix everything right up.

Merry Christmas Y'all!!