Hi
I have always had eczema, chronic in childhood. But in my adult years, it has calmed and I have learned how to manage it. I occasionally use a tiny amount of hydrocortisone if needed. I am 52.
For about 2 years now, I seem to have become allergic to ALL moisturisers. This started in summer 2022. I had been using a Balmonds moisturiser which I had been fine with, until my face just completely swelled up. Mostly the swelling was around my eyes. Since then, I have tried numerous moisturisers. The strange thing is that my face doesn't flare up but my eyes swell. Sometimes my left eye is affected, sometimes my right. The symptoms are red marks below my eye and to the side, along with the swelling. Last week, some shampoo (one I have used for years) got into my eye while washing my hair. When I woke up the following morning, that eye was massively swollen underneath.
I am taking an antihistamine at night and one in the morning. Today a chemist gave me antihistamine eye drops to try. He seemed baffled. In an effort to isolate the irritant/s, I have stopped using all products except: salt in bath, my usual shampoo and conditioner and just vaseline to moisturise. I do wear foundation every day and would really find it hard to not wear this as a base for my make up as my skin looks awful. I have Squalene Oil which seems to agree with me but its very oily. I was always absolutely fine with Clinique products but appear to be allergic to them now!
I wonder if anyone has any experience of similar or can suggest anything. I am at my wits end now trying to work out what I’m reacting to (what is making my eyes swell).
Thank you for reading.