Itchy red rash on face, swollen eyelids and undereyes - part 2

I started taking biotin about 3 weeks ago for hair loss and got an extra treat! My ears aren't flaking anymore!

I just had an epiphany reading this thread and its Part 1 in addition to a ton of other articles because I'm having another bout of these symptoms. The gist of it is -- Vitamin A overdose!

This problem has been occurring for awhile but has been more frequent in the past year. I've associated it with stress but felt a tie with food/beverage consumption and skin products too.

About me: early 30’s female, no known or major health issues and "great" bloodwork according to a recent doctor visit. I get really dry, flaky facial skin (like a sunburn); red, itchy, bumpy neck skin; swollen eyelids and under my eyes to the point where it looks like I've been punched and have even been taken aside by well-meaning strangers ("Honey, are you sure your boyfriend isn't beating you?"); patches of dry red circles on my face. I also get a major brain fog, dizziness, digestive unrest and blurry vision.

For many years, I've gotten an itchy mouth when I eat cantaloupe so I avoid it. Five years ago, I had an anaphylactic reaction to a Cajun-spiced chicken wrap that had raw tomatoes in it. Since then, I got an epi-pen and eat raw tomatoes sparingly because they seem to make my mouth itch and make me nauseous. I went to Europe this summer and tried to be a good sport when people offered me food so I ate a lot more tomatoes than I usually would over five weeks in France and Italy. It was at this time that these symptoms discussed above got really bad. The situation with my then-travel partner was extremely bad so again, I associated the skin issues, dizziness and brain fog with stress. I moved onto central Europe and the diet changed so I wasn't really around tomato-heavy foods although I noticed that I loved the taste Hungarian goulosh soup (paprika is their national spice) but felt terrible after I ate it.

Another time I've had these symptoms was after several months of vegetarianism.

I cut out gluten for several months and it didn’t make a difference.

I used to drink alcohol fairly often and felt that sometimes even just a drink or two hit me really hard. I've stopped drinking entirely, and that was 6 weeks ago. I chose to do that for several reasons but hoped that it would assist in squelching this mystery ailment. I feel great not drinking but the symptoms seem to be around whether or not I consume alcohol.

I have been using anti-ageing skin care products for about 5-6 years. Again in Europe, I felt that maybe the products I packed were too harsh with my "stressed" skin so I stopped using them for awhile. It helped a bit but as mentioned above, I still had issues.

Thyroid issues? I was checked for those and found totally "normal” although I was seriously convinced that there was a tie since my normally robust appetite dissipated in Europe so much that I lost at least 12 pounds in my first month of travel.

Trying to be healthy, I’d started taking a multi-vitamin right before I went to Europe (when I had a bad bout of symptoms). Then I ran out and didn’t think much of vitamins again until a few weeks ago when I got a cold. I bought some gummy vitamins and have been taking two every day.

Last week, I'd been feeling really good about my diet and health, having gotten over my cold and even though I'd still been having bouts (every 2-3 weeks) of neck itching, bumps and redness. Again, lots of stress though (driving across the country for a job interview), so I've been trying to eat healthfully. Over the last few days, I've been eating a lot of raw spinach salad, sweet potato, and dried chili mango instead of candy for my sweet tooth.

I've also been trying to use some of my anti-ageing skin care products again as I'm back out west after a long time in the more-humid south and because, well, I’m a 33 year old sun-lover! Using a bit of "sensitive skin night cream" on my neck and some "de-puff" eye pads in the past couple days completely unlocked my epiphany. I am DEFINITELY having a reaction where I used the eye pads and the cream on my neck. (I look like I've been in a fight with a black eye and dry skin patches like burns almost on my neck and chin plus super dry, flaky skin on my chin in spite of plenty of moisturizer.) I can barely focus mentally and literally as my vision is very blurred. I compared the full ingredients of the two skin products mentioned above as well as everything else I've put on my face the last week, and while there are a few common ingredients (like glycerin, I'll get to that at the end of this post), the two products to which I definitely reacted badly this week both contain Vitamin A - AKA retinol or retinyl palmitate. Some searching later about the symptoms of Hypervitaminosis A, I’m convinced that this is my problem and may be for many of you!

Vitamin A is really healthy and we need it, but too much of it I imagine that many other sufferers of these skin issues have tried “Healthy Skin and Nails” type of supplements and skin products with retinol in an attempt to solve the problems when the Vitamin A they contain may be the very cause!

This explains why when I feel like I’m eating extra healthfully especially with lots of salads, my symptoms are even MORE prevalent. The foods that I’ve already identified as allergic triggers are high in Vitamin A (cantaloupe, tomatoes) plus other foods that make me feel “bad” even though they are healthy and that I’ve been eating a lot of lately before having this latest, extra rough bout – kale, spinach, paprika, red pepper, mango and sweet potato!! Paprika is another culprit (otherwise, I loved the country of Hungary!) And that multi-vitamin? I’ve been getting 4000 IU just from that and the when the UL (upper limit) of fat-soluble Vitamin A is 10,000 IU and the RDA/DV is 5000 IU. Again, it’s when I started taking multivitamins before my trip to Europe when I had another really bad bout. Add the topical retinol and NO WONDER I feel and look terrible right now.

When I was a vegetarian, which was the first time I really had these skin issues, I was eating a LOT of these foods high in Vitamin A. Too much Vitamin A can affect liver function, so maybe there’s a tie with that and the way that sometimes alcohol seems to hit me so hard.

It all makes so much sense now.

I’m obviously going to restrict my intake of Vitamin A-rich foods and stop taking the multi-vitamin. I will check back into this forum in a month or two since you can’t expel Vitamin A overnight. But I wanted to share this info ASAP in case anyone else realizes that this could be their issue too. It’s tough living this way – canceling plans because you look like you lost a fight, having your normally sharp brain feel like mush, having vision go downhill very quickly, having dizzy spells often, having a terrible neck rash and everyone telling you it’s an allergy to your scarf or jewelry even though you can tell there’s no relation, feeling worse after eating “healthy” foods and using gentle face care products. I hope this solves it. We’ll see.

Omg I was reading your post and I'm going to try what you did. I really hope this works for me because this driving me crazy. I'm also 50 and just develop this problem.

I too notice an increased reaction while in my office.

I don't work, just at home and outdoors.  I recently got a dog (french pug) and wonder if I'm allergic to dog.  I've reading the posts and can't believe how common this problem is. It started first on my neck, red itchy spot and spread to chest.  Now, it's my eyes and upper cheek, swollen and itchy.  My arms itch at times and so do my ears.  I'm 56 and really do need my make-up.  I usually use Clinique but ran out and bought the brand Simple Foam wash and make-up and eye make-up remover pads.  

Thanks to all of you for your tips and so far today, I've tried salt and baby oil rub, vitamins, apple cider/water, and antihistimine.  I have a doctors appt next week for other issues but I hope to be better by then.

I have had swollen, puffy eyelids and a rash on my face off and on for over a month now.  Once the puffiness goes away on my eyelids they get dry and flaky.  I finally went to a dermatologist after trying several remedies on my own (coconut oil, vaseline, over the counter coritsone cream, vitamin E, oil of oregano, emu oil and acupuncture).  The doctor told me it's perioral dermatitis.  She prescribed doxycycline (antibiotic).  I have to take it twice a day for TWO months. She told me to wash my face with Cetaphil and use Vaseline as a moisturizer.  I started taking it on Monday. Tuesday I woke up and it was worse than ever.  After researching various message boards online I found that for some people who have it Vaseline makes it worse.  There is also an ingredient (SCF) in the Cetaphil that can make it worse for some.  I stopped those things on Tuesday and saw a definite improvement on Wednesday.  Today is Friday and most of the redness has gone way.  I still have dry patches and my eyelids are flaky but it's so much better.  Before all this started I was using a blend of castor oil and olive oil to clean my face.  I used Vaseline to remove my eye makeup and coconut oil to moisturize.  I'm convinced it was a combination of all the oils I was putting on my face as well as hormonal (almost 40 yr old female). 

Since Tuesday I have been using Lanolin for the dryness. It has an almost waxy texture but it helps tremendously with the dryness.  I use Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Facial Cleanser (pineapple enzyme) and Alba Botanica moisturizer.  Also if you have a lot of redness/itchiness try pure zinc oxide.  It helped dry up the red patches and stop the itching.  Things have only gotten better since I switched to these products and am taking the antibiotics.  I love my coconut oil but don't think I will use it on my face ever again. 

I have tried triple antibiotic cream- Vaseline and other Exzima ointments, many making the condition worse.  After many months of suffering this worked for me.

Every Morning & Night.

1. Cleanse the area with Isopropyl Alcohol,  if the skin is cracked or irritated this will sting.

   Be gentile but though  This is to clean and kill any surface contaminates.

2.  Treat the area as a  " Sun Burn "  or  "Chemical Burn"  -   I used an  after sun Aloe cream, and about 4 times during the dayy with a gentle moisturizing cream.    

5 days later I am looking at a new face.

Terry - Minnesota

I have had this for 6 months. It went away for a couple of weeks and now back with a vengence. Calamin lotion and cider vinger seemed to work a bit. I was tested for allergies and thermosil came up very strongly which is in eye make up but it is relentless even if I don't wear make up for months. One interesting point in this thread is several people have heart palpitations which I also have. Also Predisone cleared it up but then it came back worse when it had been clearing up. I am guessing we all have a strange allergic reaction but after a ton of research it would appear there is no answer or cure. Initially I was told I had rosacea caused by an allergic reaction. The right eye is swollen more and hard bumps swelling under skin. Chin is spolly and it is a sort of butterfly rash but think I tested clear for lupus. Any solutions let me know. I am a 49 yr old woman and thought it might be caused by hormone change?

I also have facial swelling, redness, itchy eyes. Confined to my face. Started out as small rash under my nose, original MD gave me cordicalsteriod cream, which I didn't use much, but enough to start the cycle of steriod use. It was cleared up when I went to an opthamologist about two months ago. She put tear duct plugs in my eyes, problems started with eyes before leaving the office, called them next day, said would call back, never did, ended up in ER by following Sunday. Gave me steriods & antibiotics. Gone before finished course. Then in about 3-4 days was worse than ever! Went to Dermatolgist, said it was perioral dermatitis & steriods, some types of antibiotics make it worse! Prescribed antibiotics, extreme swelling, etc didn't go away, then prescribed more steriods! Heavy doses of steriods, after, it OF COURSE CAME BACK! I've always steered away from western medicine, but was desperate. Now think it IS NOT perioral dermatitis, but somehow the plugs set it off & running. I do think its related to hypothyroidism, but steriods damage the liver, & now detoxing with living bentonite calcium clay, taken orally (detoxes organs, liver, everything) & using (bontanical name) helichbrysum italicum hydrasol (common name Everlasting or Immortelle) for swelling, etc, works great, though skin is so dry, constant spraying on face. Look for spray online, very expensive at local health food store (if they even have it). Doing more research, going to an MD that does intergrative medicine. Will post again later.DON'T TAKE STERIODS, JUST MAKES IT WORSE!!

I have my eyes itching and swelling in the morning and i dont know can light cause that?

If you are using the Cetaphil moisturiser with spf stop. I have exactly those symptoms when I use it.

I am 62 and healthy with the exception of flare ups of swollen eyeslids and the area on the top of my cheeks too. I have been through all kinds of tests and mine remains a mystery as well. When I have a flare up, it takes 4 days to look normal again. Thanks for sharing.

Help. You are describing exactly what is going on with me. Have you found out what caused it? If so what is the cure? I am miserable.

Hi. I am not sure if you will receive this, but in the case you do, how are you? Did you ever find answers or relief? I am suffering and looking for help!

I realllly recommend protopic for immediate overnight remedy, it is not a steroid but acts in a similar, slightly less damaging, way (doesn't thin the skin). Apple cider vinegar with the mother can be used diluted or undiluted (if your skin can handle it like me) with huge success for th rash and dryness, must be applied verrrry regularly to see fast results. It works by seemingly drying up the rash and pulling out th badness then it peels slightly, like like scab the skin underneath is nice. Id recommends tea tree oil too, I don't dilute but it's v v recommended. And in the long term take biotin and a vitamin b multivitamin and I think it should stave it off, must drink a lot of water with biotin as that's how it works best and to prevent spots which some people get from biotin. Mine coincides with fake nails so avoid those.

all the best

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