Hydrocortizone?

[LasikLady]

I went to my primary care doc today. I wanted to be referred to an opthamologist that would take my insurance. I have been paying out of pocket for my corneal specialist. I don't see him that often but it would be nice to have someone so I'm not spending so much when I do. Anyway, my general doctor told me to try hydrocortizone on my lids when they itch. They have been itchy at times since I had my upper plugs in. And sometimes they burn too. I want to know if hydrocotizone is safe to use on my upper lids since what ever I put on my eyes ends up "in" my eyes. The doc said it was okay, but thought I'd get an opinon from the "experts" here

[kitty]

I looked up the OTC brand Cortaid. Here is part of the warning statement:

Warnings

* For external use only...

* When using this product:
o avoid contact with eyes
o do not begin the use of any other hydrocortisone product unless you have consulted a doctor
o for external anal itching do not exceed the recommended daily dosage unless directed by a doctor. In case of bleeding, consult a doctor promptly....

I don't know how you could put it on your eyelids and avoid contact with the eyes. Check with a pharmacist.

[Rory]

I went to my primary care doc today. I wanted to be referred to an opthamologist that would take my insurance. I have been paying out of pocket for my corneal specialist. I don't see him that often but it would be nice to have someone so I'm not spending so much when I do. Anyway, my general doctor told me to try hydrocortizone on my lids when they itch. They have been itchy at times since I had my upper plugs in. And sometimes they burn too. I want to know if hydrocotizone is safe to use on my upper lids since what ever I put on my eyes ends up "in" my eyes. The doc said it was okay, but thought I'd get an opinon from the "experts" here

When i first was diagnosed with dry eyes, 15 years ago... I was prescribed hydrocortisone cream for my eyelids. I used it for several months..and yes it did get into my eyes. No idea if it contributed or accentuated my problem...

My condition never improved with it, that is for sure...as it remains the same today.

[dianat]

LL,

You might post this for one of the docs if you haven't already...

D

[Scout]

This has been discussed recently on threads here (somewhere).

I have eyelid dermatitis that usually occurs with my ocular allergies. I used a prescription allergy eye drop (Zaditor, now over-the-counter) that helped, for years. I stopped using the Zaditor because it uses BAK as a preservative.

When my eyelid dermatitis gets really bad, my dermatologist okayed the temporary use of cortisone cream for my eyelids. He cautioned that it must be used sparingly and rarely, because long-term use can thin the skin and cause damage.

What I have found by researching eyelid dermatitis as well as from personal experience is that the most effective way to reduce the eyelid dermatitis, itching and inflammation is to find the source of your allergies and eliminate the allergens.

There are so many ingredients in medications, eye drops, makeup, soaps, shampoos, hairspray, laundry detergent, air fresheners that can be allergens. Then there are the usual suspects: dust, mites, mold, pollen, pet dander . . etc., etc. It is surprising how many things we put near our skin and eyes that cause allergic reactions.

I found a sunscreen once that was for "sensitive skin" and was supposed to be for people with allergies. It worked well for years and then I saw a "new and improved" on the label. Yep, you guessed it. I had a rash all over my face with the "new and improved" formula for sensitive skin.

Remember, allergies are cumulative in nature. You many only be mildly or slightly allergic to some substances. But with dry eyes, inflammation, and exposure to several different fragrances or products that you are slightly allergic to--you could still have a more serious reaction. It's all the factors added up together.

Scout

[LasikLady]

Thank you for the warnings. I knew it just didn't sound right.

I do not have any allergies, the itching is from the extra moisture seeping on to my lids after having the upper punctum plugged. And it isn't that bad, just at times itchy. I go see my corneal specialist on March 6th. I will ask him what he recommends. The primary care doc obviously didn't have a clue about all of this.

Thank you!

[stella]

Scout - Did you know there is a PF version of Zaditen available in Europe .I am researching it to see if i can get it in GB - no luck so far
It is readily available in Holland / Norway apparantly

[Scout]

Hi Stella,

Yes I did know that, and I think you and I have had this exchange in a prior thread somewhere.

I asked the company and they told me that they had no plans to produce it in the U.S. without BAK. In fact, instead of producing it in a PF formula, they were given approval by the U.S. FDA to sell it over-the-counter (WITH BAK).

I hope you can find it where you live. Good luck!

Scout

[stella]

Scout - Have you tried the net ?
I have tried - you can get the preserved version easily but not unpreserved Mind I'm not that good at surfing
If you ,or any one else come across PF Zaditen on the net PLEASE let us know - It is the only PF anti-allergic eye drop in the whole world that i know of - made by Novartis.
Hey you drug companies - I hope you see this post !!