Itchy eye, dermatologist or optician?

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Right under one of my eyes, under the lower lashes is incredible itchy, and has been for months but it's getting worse by the day. There's not much to see, it's a little bit pink and feels slightly rough. It's driving me mad and time to do something about it. Should I go to optician or dermatologist or maybe pharmacist or even a doctor? I don't know where to start!

Blepharitis or possibly sun damage. Optician first, or GP.

As it’s not actually the eye that’s the problem but under the eye I would go to the GP first. They can then refer you if you need it

I'd be very tempted to have a chat with an optician first and follow their guidance.

I have something similar and have been suffering for 13 years. It is perhaps more towards the corners of under my eyes though.

It is definitely something for the GP rather than optician. It sounds more like a dermatitis type thing. I have just been seen by dermatology and am having patch testing for allergies. They have given me some new creams and I am so relieved I decided to push for treatment after all this time. Previously I had been using hydrocortisone cream, which really is not recommended near your eyes and that was the best the GP could advise.

Thanks for replies.
Sufferingaggressiveneighbours, did you GP refer you to a dermatologist? And do you mind me asking if yours is visible? Mine is just in the corner under my eye too but I don't think anybody else would notice it

Hi

Yes, I have only ever seen the GP about it. Initially when it first flared up I was told it was something I would 'have to live with'! As there was not much allergy testing available on the NHS. I plodded on for 13 years, sometimes hiding behind dark glasses when I had a big flare up. Mine is very variable. Sometimes red and very visible, sometimes swollen looking like I have been punched, but always very dry, sore or itchy and looking very lined. Husband claims he does not really notice but others do.

After a bad flare up when I noticed people seemed to be embarrassed for me I went to the GP. They were immediately sympathetic and knew it was not something I couldn't 'live with', due to the effects on self esteem. I got a quick referral to a dermatologist after suffering for 13 years and they changed my medication. He said it could be stress related as eczema near eyes is common but I also do have quite a few allergies. Mine is definitely worse after using any chemicals, perfumes, soaps, detergents etc. One eye is worse than the other. It is in the corner and just above and below the inner eye.

Initially I was diagnosed with blepharitis but the condition has changed somewhat over time.

I now use coconut cream or oil as a moisturiser and the hospital dermatologist has me on protopic (for a short time) and hydromol for moisturising. Next step is patch testing for allergies
Best wishes to you - I hope you get it sorted.

Thank so much. I'm going to go to GP. Did the hydrocortisone work for you? I might try that in the interim

OP, even 1% hydrocortisone is not normally recommended for use on the face, let alone near your eyes. Wait till the GP tells you what to use.

Yes, I did use hydrocortisone 1% near my eyes. That seemed to be the only option recommended at the time. As Footle says, although it works it is not good for near eyes. It can thin the skin and my eyes look incredibly lined. Obviously 'thinned skin' can irritate even more. I only wish I had persisted with the GP, as I rarely went back or had my medication reviewed. Protopic is a newer medication and works in a different way. I think it can only be prescribed by a dertmatologist though. By all means use hydrocortisone for a short time if your GP prescribes it - but be very wary of long term use, and I would not self - medicate, knowing what I know now about this cream.

Thanks everyone. I'll wait to speak to GP. It's such an ordeal going to GP, time off work, appointment running over so waiting for an hour, etc.. that why I put it off but I guess I can't anymore