Red and swollen eyelids can be painful and significantly impact your life. When the eyelids are inflamed, this may be a condition called blepharitis, which happens when the oil glands at the base of your eyelashes are not working properly. Blepharitis can be caused by skin conditions like rosacea or dermatitis, allergies, a bacterial infection, or eyelash mites, states MayoClinic.com. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the blepharitis. If your eyelids are swollen or inflamed, see your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Supplements may be helpful in relieving symptoms, but ask your doctor before using a supplement to ensure it is safe for you to do so.
Step 1
Ask your doctor about fish-oil supplements. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help control inflammation, and depending on what is causing your swollen eyelids, may reduce your symptoms. Do not take more than 3 g of these fatty acids daily unless your health care provider instructs you otherwise. Talk to your doctor about the dosage that is right for you.
Step 2
Take a vitamin A supplement. The skin disorder rosacea is a possible cause of red and swollen eyelids, and vitamin A has been shown to help treat skin problems. This vitamin also helps keep mucous membranes healthy and can protect against dry eye, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 3
Consume a butterbur supplement, if your physician says it is safe to do so. Butterbur is a natural supplement used to treat allergies, and although study results have been mixed, some studies found this herb to be as effective as standard antihistamine drugs, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Step 4
Take 250 to 600 mg quercetin. Consume the supplement daily in divided doses, to treat allergy symptoms, suggests UMMC. Quercetin is an extract from pineapples and has both anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.
Tips and Warnings
- Cleaning your eyelids regularly can help prevent germs from getting in your eyes and may reduce symptoms of blepharitis, notes MayoClinic.com. You may also be prescribed antibiotics or steroid eyedrops to treat an underlying bacterial infection or inflammation of the eyes and eyelids.
- Tell your doctor about supplements you may be interested in using to treat your red and swollen eyelids; some supplements can interact with medications and cause adverse effects. If you have any medical conditions, notify your health care provider and ask if the supplements are safe for you to consume.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Blepharitis: Treatments and Drugs
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin A; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Butterbur
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Quercetin; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Blepharitis: Causes
