What causes eyelid swelling. How to treat swollen eyelids at home. When to seek medical attention for swollen eyes. What are the best remedies for children with puffy eyelids. How to prevent eye swelling from allergies and infections.

Understanding Eyelid Swelling: Causes and Symptoms

Eyelid swelling is a common symptom that can result from various factors. The eyelid, a complex and delicate structure, consists of several components including eyelashes, tear glands, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. When these tissues experience inflammation, it can lead to noticeable swelling.

Common causes of eyelid swelling include:

• Allergies
• Infections (such as styes or conjunctivitis)
• Injuries
• Clogged oil glands (chalazion)
• Blepharitis (inflamed eyelids)
• Shingles
• Thyroid conditions (e.g., Graves’ disease)

Is eyelid swelling always a cause for concern? While most cases of swollen eyelids are not serious, it’s essential to monitor the condition and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

Home Remedies for Swollen Eyelids: Quick Relief Techniques

For mild cases of eyelid swelling, several home remedies can provide relief and promote healing:

1. Apply a warm compress: Hold a clean cloth soaked in warm water against your eyes for 15 minutes, twice daily. This helps loosen crusty discharge and unclog oil glands.
2. Gentle cleansing: Use a cotton swab or washcloth with diluted baby shampoo to clean your eyelids. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
3. Saline solution: Rinse the eye area with saline to remove any discharge or crust.
4. Rest your eyes: Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses while experiencing symptoms. Get plenty of sleep and limit sun exposure.
5. Use eye drops: Over-the-counter artificial tears can keep your eyes moist and comfortable. For allergy-related swelling, consider antihistamine eye drops.

How long does it typically take for eyelid swelling to subside with home remedies? In most cases, swelling should improve within 24 to 48 hours. If symptoms persist beyond this timeframe, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Medical Treatments for Persistent Eyelid Swelling

When home remedies prove insufficient, medical intervention may be necessary. Healthcare providers may recommend:

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointments for bacterial infections
• Oral antibiotics for more severe infections
• Steroid medications to reduce inflammation
• Antiviral medications for conditions like shingles

How do doctors diagnose the cause of eyelid swelling? Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough examination of your eye and eyelid, asking about your symptoms and potential exposure to allergens or irritants. They may also inquire about other health conditions that could contribute to the swelling.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While most cases of eyelid swelling are benign, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical care:

• Severe swelling that nearly or completely shuts the eye
• Fever accompanying the swelling
• Vision changes, including double vision or loss of vision
• Extreme redness, heat, or inflammation around the eye
• Drooping of the eyelid
• Light sensitivity or seeing flashing lights

Why is prompt medical attention crucial in these cases? These symptoms may indicate more serious conditions, such as orbital cellulitis or severe allergic reactions, which require immediate treatment to prevent complications.

Managing Eyelid Swelling in Children: Special Considerations

Children are prone to eye irritation, often due to touching their eyes with unwashed hands. However, several other factors can contribute to eyelid swelling in children:

• Rubbing the eyes excessively
• Insect bites near the eye area
• Contact dermatitis from irritants like poison ivy or detergents

How can parents effectively treat eyelid swelling in children? Consider these child-friendly remedies:

1. Cold pack application: Wrap ice or a cold pack in a clean, wet washcloth and apply to the eye for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling and discomfort.
2. Oral antihistamines: Administer age-appropriate allergy medication, such as Benadryl, every 6 hours to alleviate swelling and itching.
3. Vasoconstrictor eye drops: For swelling that impairs vision, use over-the-counter eye drops like Visine (containing tetrahydrozoline) as directed.

When should parents seek medical help for their child’s swollen eyelid? If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, worsen, or are accompanied by fever or vision changes, consult a pediatrician or eye specialist promptly.

Preventing Eyelid Swelling: Proactive Measures

While not all cases of eyelid swelling can be prevented, several strategies can reduce the risk:

• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
• Remove makeup before bed: Always cleanse your face and remove eye makeup thoroughly before sleeping.
• Manage allergies: If you have known allergies, work with your doctor to develop an effective management plan.
• Use protective eyewear: When engaging in activities that could lead to eye injury, wear appropriate protective gear.
• Stay hydrated: Proper hydration can help maintain overall eye health.

How effective are these preventive measures? While they cannot guarantee complete prevention, these strategies can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of eyelid swelling episodes.

Understanding Allergic Conjunctivitis: A Common Cause of Swollen Eyes

Allergic conjunctivitis is a frequent culprit behind swollen, irritated eyes. This condition occurs when the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white of the eye) becomes inflamed due to an allergic reaction.

Common triggers for allergic conjunctivitis include:

• Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
• Pet dander
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Certain cosmetics or eye drops

How can you differentiate allergic conjunctivitis from other eye conditions? Symptoms typically include itching, redness, and watering of both eyes, often accompanied by a runny nose and sneezing. Unlike bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

Treatment Options for Allergic Conjunctivitis

Managing allergic conjunctivitis involves a combination of avoiding allergens and using appropriate medications:

1. Antihistamine eye drops: These can provide quick relief from itching and redness.
2. Oral antihistamines: Systemic medications can help control overall allergy symptoms.
3. Mast cell stabilizers: These eye drops prevent the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances.
4. Artificial tears: Lubricating the eyes can help flush out allergens and provide comfort.
5. Cold compresses: Applying a cool, damp cloth to closed eyes can reduce swelling and provide relief.

How long does it typically take for allergic conjunctivitis symptoms to improve with treatment? Most people experience significant relief within a few days of starting treatment, but complete resolution may take up to two weeks.

The Role of Eye Health in Overall Wellness

Maintaining good eye health is crucial for overall well-being. The eyes are not only vital for vision but also serve as windows to our general health, often reflecting systemic conditions.

Key aspects of eye health maintenance include:

• Regular eye exams: Annual check-ups can detect early signs of eye diseases and other health issues.
• Proper nutrition: A diet rich in vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids supports eye health.
• UV protection: Wearing sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays helps prevent eye damage.
• Digital eye strain prevention: Following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can reduce eye strain from screen use.
• Adequate sleep: Proper rest allows eyes to recover and maintain optimal function.

How does eye health impact overall wellness? Good eye health contributes to better cognitive function, improved balance and coordination, and enhanced quality of life. Moreover, eye exams can detect early signs of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and certain autoimmune diseases.

The Future of Eye Care: Emerging Technologies and Treatments

The field of ophthalmology is continually evolving, with new technologies and treatments promising improved eye care:

• Artificial intelligence in diagnostics: AI-powered systems can detect eye diseases with increasing accuracy.
• Gene therapy: This innovative approach shows promise in treating inherited eye disorders.
• Stem cell treatments: Researchers are exploring stem cell therapies to regenerate damaged eye tissues.
• Nanotechnology: Microscopic devices may offer new ways to deliver medications and monitor eye health.
• 3D-printed corneas: This technology could revolutionize treatment for corneal diseases and injuries.

What impact will these advancements have on eye care? These innovations have the potential to dramatically improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye conditions, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients with various ocular issues.

Navigating Eye Care: When to Consult Different Specialists

Understanding when to seek care from different eye specialists can ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for your condition:

• Optometrists: These professionals provide primary vision care, including eye exams, vision tests, and corrective lenses.
• Ophthalmologists: Medical doctors specializing in eye and vision care, capable of performing surgery and treating complex eye conditions.
• Oculoplastic surgeons: Ophthalmologists who specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the eyes and surrounding structures.
• Neuro-ophthalmologists: Experts in visual problems related to the nervous system.
• Pediatric ophthalmologists: Specialists in diagnosing and treating eye problems in children.

How do you determine which specialist to see? Your primary care physician or optometrist can provide guidance based on your specific symptoms and medical history. For general eye health and vision correction, an optometrist is often the first point of contact. More complex issues may require referral to an ophthalmologist or subspecialist.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining optimal eye health and detecting potential issues early. The frequency of exams depends on various factors:

• Age: Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months, then at 3 years, and before starting school. Adults should have exams every 1-2 years, with frequency increasing after age 60.
• Risk factors: Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye diseases may need more frequent exams.
• Existing eye conditions: Those with known eye problems may require more regular monitoring.
• Contact lens wearers: Annual exams are typically recommended for contact lens users.

What can you expect during a comprehensive eye exam? A typical exam includes visual acuity tests, refraction assessment, eye muscle balance evaluation, and examination of the front and back of the eye. Additional tests may be performed based on individual needs and risk factors.

By prioritizing eye health and seeking appropriate care, you can maintain clear vision and overall wellness throughout your life. Remember, many eye conditions are treatable or manageable when detected early, underscoring the importance of regular check-ups and prompt attention to any changes in your vision or eye comfort.

What to Do and When to See a Doctor

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Remedies and Treatments for a Swollen Eyelid
• When to See a Doctor
• Remedies for Children
• Emergency Care

The eyelid is a complex, fully functioning skin tissue that consists of eyelashes, tear glands (lacrimal), sweat glands (glands of Zeis or Moll), and sebaceous (oil or meibomian) glands. These tissues can develop inflammatory reactions, leading to a swollen eyelid.

A swollen eyelid is usually a symptom, not a condition. It’s very common and is usually due to allergy, inflammation, infection, or injury. The skin of your eyelid is less than 1 millimeter thick. But, since the tissue is loose and stretchy, your eyelid is capable of swelling considerably. 

A swollen eyelid is sometimes a symptom of a medical condition, such as:

• Allergies
• Clogged oil glands in your eyelid (called a chalazion)
• Eyelid infection (called a stye)
• Infection around your eye socket (called orbital cellulitis)
• Inflamed eyelids (called blepharitis)
• Pink eye (called conjunctivitis)
• Shingles
• Thyroid conditions such as Graves’ disease

Depending on the cause, you may experience swelling in one or both eyelids. Most of these conditions are not serious, but you should make sure to clean and care for your eyes if your eyelid is swollen.

The treatment for a swollen eyelid depends on the cause. If you have an eye infection, you may need to use antibiotic eye drops, ointment, or other topical medication — meaning a medication to be applied on the body — to help remove the infection and ease your symptoms. Your doctor may give you antibiotics or steroids to take orally if the topical treatment is ineffective. 

To relieve eyelid swelling and keep your eyes clear and healthy, try these home remedies for swollen eyelids:

Apply a Compress

Run a clean cloth under warm water and hold it gently on your eyes. Do this twice a day for 15 minutes at a time to help loosen crusty discharge and get rid of any oil that might be plugging your glands.

Gently Wash the Area

After using a compress, use a cotton swab or washcloth to gently clean your eyelids with diluted baby shampoo. Make sure to rinse your eye area well afterward. You can also use a saline solution to rinse the area if you have any discharge or crust around your eye or in your eyelashes. 

Leave Your Eyes Alone

While you have symptoms, don’t wear eye makeup or contact lenses. Get plenty of sleep and avoid direct sunlight so your eyes can rest.

Use Eye Drops

Use over-the-counter artificial tears to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. Antihistamine drops can help with allergies and may help if your eyelid is swollen due to allergens. 

Eyelid swelling usually goes away on its own within a day or so. If it doesn’t get better in 24 to 48 hours, you should call your primary care physician or see your eye doctor. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your eye and eyelid. Your doctor will ask questions about other symptoms or changes that may be causing your eyelid or eyelids to swell. These could include contact with allergens or irritants, infections, or other health conditions.  

Children frequently experience eye irritation, typically from touching their eyes with unwashed hands. But there are several possible causes for eyelid swelling in children in addition to the causes listed above. These include:

• Rubbing the eye: Children often rub their eyes for various reasons but especially after getting an irritant in their eye.
• Insect bite near the eye: The loose tissues around the eye swell easily, which can happen as a reaction to a mosquito or other insect bite. 
• Contact dermatitis near the eye: Contact with poison ivy, detergents, or other irritants may affect the eyelid.

To treat your child, try these home remedies:

Cold Pack

Apply ice or a cold pack wrapped in a clean, wet washcloth to the eye for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to decrease eyelid swelling and pain.

Allergy Medicine

You can safely give your child an allergy medicine or antihistamine by mouth. This will help to decrease eyelid swelling and itching. Benadryl every 6 hours or so is best. 

Eye Drops

For eyelid swelling that interferes with your child’s vision, use a long-lasting vasoconstrictor eye drop (such as a tetrahydrozoline, like Visine). No prescription is needed. The recommended dose is one drop every eight to 12 hours as needed for one to two days. 

You should seek emergency medical care or call your doctor right away if you or your child experience:

• Drooping of the eyelid
• Fever that won’t break
• Light sensitivity, seeing flashing lights or wavy lines
• Loss of vision or double vision
• Severe redness, inflammation, and a hot feeling
• Severe swelling (the eye is shut or almost shut)

Top Picks

Home remedies for swollen eyes

By Anna Barden

Swollen eyes can occur for a number of reasons, including injury, allergies, illness and even crying. Since treatment may vary for each case, it’s important to know what caused your swollen eyes. 

While severe cases of swollen eyes may be due to an underlying condition and should be addressed by an eye doctor, mild cases of swollen eyes may benefit from home remedies such as cool compresses and tea bags, among many other treatments.

The following remedies for swollen eyes at home may help address your condition and provide relief before calling the doctor.

Try a cool compress

A cool compress can help relieve eye inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Place a damp, cool washcloth over eyes for 20 to 30 minutes at a time for relief. An ice pack will work as well — just remember to add a cloth buffer (such as a towel) between your eyes and the ice pack to avoid direct contact with skin.

Cold spoons may also soothe swollen eyes. Place two spoons in the freezer until cold, then hold them over your eyes as you would with an ice pack or cool washcloth. Applying a small amount of pressure with the spoons can help stimulate blood flow and redirect any built up fluid away from the eyes, but remember to be gentle.

Cold cucumber slices and even chilled teething rings have also been used to soothe swollen eyes.

Use tea bags

Tea bags can help reduce eye inflammation due to the tannins and caffeine content. Some varieties like green tea also include an anti-inflammatory compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to help the cause.

For proper use, steep tea and let the bags cool in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or so before applying to eyes. Then leave the cool bags on eyes for up to 30 minutes. 

Never put hot tea bags over your eyes.

Take over-the-counter medication

Allergy medications as well as pain relievers that are available over-the-counter may help with managing pain and inflammation. Depending on what caused the swelling, one may provide better relief than another. 

For swollen eyes caused by an allergic reaction or seasonal allergies, antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may provide aid.  

If swollen eyes were caused by an injury, ibuprofen (Advil) may help bring down swelling and inflammation. Ibuprofen is recommended instead of acetaminophen (Tylenol), as acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory medication. However, both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help with pain relief.

Take a break from cosmetics

Cosmetics and facial cleansers that come close to the eyes could be causing irritation and swelling. If you suspect this is the problem, stop your current makeup or cleansing routine until swelling clears up. 

If taking a break from a particular product helps, replace it with hypoallergenic or sensitive formulas. Aside from makeup and cleansers, hair products like hair sprays and gels could also cause irritation.

SEE RELATED: Fastest way to heal a swollen eyelid

Change your diet

Too much sugar can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the eyes. Try to cut back on your sugar intake, and you may notice a difference in eyes that constantly appear swollen.

Hydration is also important for your eye health, so be sure to get enough water every day (at least eight glasses, though this is subjective), and cut back on caffeine and alcohol intake, as these can cause dehydration.

Use eye drops

Lubricated eye drops (natural tears) may help soothe the redness and discomfort that comes with swollen eyes. You can find a large variety of eye drops over-the-counter, but avoid “anti-red” or “whitening” properties, as these can make conditions worse.

For severe swelling and redness, an eye doctor may need to prescribe special eye drops. In any case, be sure to follow directions and avoid underusing or overusing products.

When to see a doctor for swollen eyes

If swollen eyes suddenly appear without an explanation or if they persist despite treatment at home, consider seeing an eye doctor to address the condition. Swollen eyes could lead to worse conditions or an infection if not treated properly. 

In some cases, swollen eyes can indicate a bigger issue and require different treatment.

SEE RELATED: Itchy, swollen eyelids

Preventing swollen eyes at home

If you frequently suffer from swollen eyes, avoiding triggers is critical. Regularly taking allergy medications and avoiding irritants such as certain eye makeup, pollen, dust, pet dander and chlorine from swimming pools can help stop the problem of swollen eyes before it begins.

If you play sports, consider wearing protective eyewear like sport glasses or goggles in order to prevent eye injuries that may cause swollen eyes.

For the overall health of your eyes, see an eye doctor once a year for an annual eye exam and evaluation.

Page published on Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Allergy edema: how to relieve allergic edema

Edema is one of the most common manifestations of allergies. And, unfortunately, allergic edema most often appears on the face. How to get rid of them correctly and quickly?

Doctor’s consultation

You can get the consultation of the necessary specialist online in the Doctis application

Laboratory

You can undergo a comprehensive examination of all major body systems

• Physiology of allergic edema
• Acute allergic edema
• Chronic allergic edema
• Treatment of allergic edema
• Topical Allergy Remedies
• Prevention of allergic edema

Why do allergic edema occur? What are they?

This phenomenon is based on the body’s reaction to an allergen – an increase in vascular permeability
walls and the release of a large amount of fluid into the surrounding tissues. The speed of this process is directly related to the number
allergen and the duration of contact with it, as well as with sensitization of the body, that is
his sensitivity to the allergen.

Allergic edema – acute and chronic.

Acute edema is often manifested by Quincke’s edema – a massive increase in the volume of the face and neck, which
threatens to obstruct the upper respiratory tract and may well cause respiratory arrest. Therefore, Quincke’s edema
referred to as emergency situations. And in order to remove such a strong edema, an allergic person needs to be as soon as possible.
hospitalize, and in the hospital, against the background of complex treatment, the swelling will decline.
Sometimes acute edema does not occupy the entire face, but some part of it. For example, in response to a hit
pollen greatly swells the nose. Or lips can react to a new lipstick, so much so that no hyaluronic
acid is not needed. Sometimes the upper and lower eyelids swell when an allergen gets into the eyes.

The second type of allergic edema is chronic edema. They appear gradually, over several
hours, often in spring and early summer, during flowering. They are less dangerous, but no less
noticeable.

What are the general treatments for allergic edema?

Edema, although located on the face or limbs, is a manifestation of a systemic disease –
allergies. This means that drugs that act on the body systemically (that is, tablets) cannot be dispensed with.

In case of massive acute edema, epinephrine is administered intravenously to relieve them,
hormones, antihistamines. Let’s leave this job to the paramedics.

Local acute as well as chronic edema require oral antihistamines. Often this
course treatment, covering the entire period of the allergen, for example, flowering. Or for the entire visit,
a dusty room, for example, an old library or a museum store. I understand that among the readers there are those
who does not like pills, but alas, without antihistamines, it will not be possible to quickly remove allergic edema.

Is it possible to quickly remove allergic edema with the help of topical agents?

Various topical ointments containing hormones, mainly corticosteroids, are intended for this purpose.
They are used as prescribed by a doctor,
rubbing into the swollen area 2-3 times a day.

In addition, skin and nasal sprays, drops
with anti-edematous action. In order to choose the right agent and the optimal dosage form, it is better
consult with a doctor.

There are many effective folk recipes for the quick removal of allergic edema. So, swelling from the face
helps to remove the mask of fermented milk (kefir, sour cream) products. It should be applied to the face for 15-20
minutes and then rinse with cool water. Equally effective is the application of an ice heating pad or
direct massage with an ice cube obtained from freshly frozen black or green tea. Ice cubes –
an excellent remedy for removing swelling from the lips. If the eyelids are swollen, the old one will come to the rescue
beautician – cucumber. It is cut into rings, which are applied to the eyelids for 10-15
minutes.

How to avoid the recurrence of allergic edema?

So that the surprise does not take you by surprise again, you need to consult an allergist and try
calculate who served as the source of the allergy. For this, skin allergy tests have been developed, special
blood tests, provocative tests.

Knowing your allergen, it is realistic to avoid contact in the future, or in a timely manner
take preventive measures by starting antihistamines in advance, if you avoid unwanted
contact fails.

Allergic edema is widespread and its main problem is that many of us
for a long time they cannot figure out their allergic nature. Limit fluid intake, refuse beer
and tea, subscribe to “quick drying” channels in social networks, buy expensive
cosmetical tools. But everything is useless, puffiness persists, and even progresses. Not surprising,
after all, if edema is based on an allergic reaction, it is necessary first of all to influence the allergy
systemically, taking antihistamines, and the place to apply not ordinary ointments, but hormonal ones,
designed to relieve allergic edema.

If you have any questions, you can ask them to an allergist,
using the Doctis service.

The author of the article: Aleksey Yurievich Fedorov

What should I do if my eyes are swollen due to allergies?

Eye allergies are a phenomenon familiar to many people. It can be caused by various factors: flowering plants, animal hair, conjunctivitis and others. In this case, a very strong allergic edema may appear in the eyes. How to deal with it before meeting with the doctor? We will tell you what you can do at home to eliminate these symptoms.

An allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body to the effects of a substance. This is due to disorders in the immune system. There are a great many allergens – more than 20 thousand of them are known to doctors! Usually their action is primarily manifested in the eyes, since the mucous membrane is extremely sensitive. What happens to the eyes during an allergy attack?

Symptoms

The organs of vision begin to react immediately to the stimulus, and the following manifestations are observed:

• redness of the conjunctiva and whites;
• itchy eyes, tearing;
• sensitivity to light;
• pain on moving the eyes;
• purulent discharge, swelling of the eyelids.

Swollen eyelids are one of the most common symptoms during an allergic attack. The longer the stimulus lasts, the more the eyelids can swell. This is dangerous for the health of the eyes, since swelling can go to other mucous organs – the nasopharynx, throat, mucous membranes. In such a situation, you need to take prompt measures to eliminate puffiness. If it is strong enough and progresses, be sure to call an ambulance. With a slight swelling, you can use medicines and folk remedies.

Folk medicine

Various types of compresses are a long-known and effective way to remove eye swelling. To do this, you need to make an infusion of medicinal herbs – for example, succession, chamomile, sage, and also brew strong black tea or dilute baking soda. Moisten a cotton swab in any of the listed liquids and apply to the edema for 10-15 minutes. This will contribute to the effective outflow of fluid from the subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Another popular folk remedy is simple food compresses. Grate an apple, potato or cucumber, wrap it in a gauze bag and apply it to your eyes. An ice pack will also help.

Adsorbent

If the cause of the allergic reaction is a food product, it must be removed from the body as soon as possible. The most famous and affordable adsorbent is activated carbon, as well as Enterosgel, Polysorb, Polyphepan and the like. Their reception is well combined with compresses. In the absence of any adsorbents in the first aid kit, you can simply drink more water in order to quickly cleanse the body of the allergen (it will be excreted along with the liquid).

Medicines

Every person who is prone to periodic allergic attacks will definitely have a whole warehouse of antihistamines at home. To eliminate edema, you need to take any similar medication, for example, Telfast, Suprastin, Tavegil, Zirtek and others from this category of drugs. The place of edema can be lubricated with hydrocortisone, salicylic ointment, as well as “Nise” or “Elocom”.

What causes swelling of the eyes with allergies?

With a sharp and rapidly progressive swelling, it can turn into Quincke’s edema, which manifests itself in inflammation of other mucous membranes (nasopharynx, tongue), as well as severe reddening of the skin. The reaction to an allergen is sometimes so strong that the eye can close completely and even suffocation begins.