Eyelids are red, crusty or swollen

Does your child have red, crusty or swollen eyelids? He may have an eye disease. Discover below the pathologies that most frequently cause these types of symptoms.

Chalazion

Inflammation of the eyelids can have several causes in children. Chalazions are lesions that are often found.

What are symptoms caused by a chalazion? 

The meibomian gland, which is located at the level of the eyelid, secretes an oily substance that is used to keep the eye lubricated. From time to time, it sometimes clogs, causing a cystic lesion. 

The child then has yellowish secretions, red, inflamed and swollen eyelids. He is in discomfort and rubs his eyes. It is possible that his gland is blocked and he have developed a chalazion. 

Several factors are conducive to the development of chalazions in children: dry eyes, allergies, air pollution and exposure to sunlight. 

How can a chalazion be treated? 

The first course of action should not be to pierce the chalazion. It is important to explain to the child to wash his hands thoroughly. You can first apply a compress soaked in hot water several times a day. If this is not enough after a few days, consult the child’s paediatrician or an ophthalmologist. A prescription of antibiotic or anti-inflammatory ointments to be applied to the child’s eyelids will allow the chalazion to heal. 

If you want to learn more about chalazions, please visit our page on this eye problem. 

Conjunctivitis

The child wakes up with eyelids stuck-together, and redness and yellowish secretions on his eyelashes. He may have bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, often associated with eye redness. Allergic blepharoconjunctivitis (simultaneous inflammation of the eyelid and conjunctiva) can also cause eyelid swelling.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

When a child develops conjunctivitis, his eyes become red and watering. The child has itchy eyes and eyelids, and you may also notice yellowish secretions on the eyelashes. 

There are three types of conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis, which is very common in children and very contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis, which usually affects only one eye, is often linked to staphylococcus. Then there is allergic conjunctivitis, which usually occurs in the spring with the arrival of pollen. 

How do you treat conjunctivitis?

In most cases, symptoms disappear naturally after two weeks. Treatment will depend on the severity and type of conjunctivitis. The paediatrician may prescribe lubricating eye drops or antibiotic ointment. 

Do these indications suggest that your child is developing conjunctivitis? We invite you to visit our page on conjunctivitis in children.

Ocular Rosacea

Finally, certain inflammatory diseases, such as ocular rosacea in childhood, can result in chronic inflammation of the edge of the eyelids, and have an impact on vision if not managed correctly.

What are symptoms of ocular rosacea?

The classic symptoms are red eyes, blurred vision accompanied by lacrimation, itching and dry eye. 

It is an inflammation at the root of the eyelashes. Repeated chalazions as well as a chronic inflammatory state of the eyelids can promote ocular rosacea. 

How do you treat ocular rosacea?

Like chalazions and conjunctivitis, it is important to have this disease diagnosed quickly. From the first symptoms, remember to clean the eyes with hot water compresses to calm the irritation. You can gently massage the child’s eyelids. In case of ocular inflammation, the child’s paediatrician or ophthalmologist may prescribe treatment with local antibiotic. 

A page dedicated to ocular rosacea in children has been created to provide you with more information on this disease; please don’t hesitate to check it out.

Find out more about children’s visual disorders

You now know the main reasons that cause symptoms of red, crusty or swollen eyelids in children. If you want to learn more about children’s eye diseases, visit our dedicated page.