An insect bite is never fun, but an insect bite on your eyelid can be especially irritating. The skin around your eyes is thin and sensitive, so even a small bite can cause significant swelling and discomfort.
The first step in treating an insect bite on the eyelid is figuring out what bit you and making sure it is an insect bite and not something else. Treating an insect bite like pinkeye, for example, won’t do you any good!
In this article, we’ll cover the common causes of insect bites on the eyelid, what the symptoms look like, how to treat the bite at home, how to prevent future bites, and when it’s time to see a doctor.
Types of Insect Bites on the Eyelid
If you’ve been bitten on the eyelid, it’s likely the work of one of these common insects:
Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes are a common culprit when it comes to eyelid bites. Their bites usually cause localized swelling, redness, and itching. While some mosquito species can transmit diseases, this is less of a concern in many areas of the U.S.
A mosquito bite generally looks like a small, raised bump with redness around it. It’ll probably itch like crazy, too.
Spider Bites
Spider bites on the eyelid are rarer, but they can be more serious. Bites from spiders like the brown recluse and black widow require immediate medical attention because they can cause severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage.
A serious spider bite can cause pain that worsens over time. You may see blistering or ulceration around the bite. You may also experience systemic symptoms like fever or muscle cramps.
Other Insect Bites
Bedbugs can also bite your eyelids, leaving small, itchy welts that appear in a line or cluster. In fact, a 2014 case report found that many bedbug bite victims had bites on their eyelids.
Flies and gnats can also bite your eyelids, causing symptoms similar to mosquito bites.
What does an insect bite on your eyelid look and feel like?
Typical symptoms include swelling, redness, itching, and pain. Swelling can be minor, like a little puffiness, or major, like a completely closed eyelid. Redness is just your body’s natural inflammatory response. The itching is often intense, and scratching can lead to an infection.
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of insect that bit you, as well as your individual sensitivity. If you’re allergic, you might have more severe symptoms. Kids and people with weak immune systems may also have more noticeable reactions.
It’s also important to notice if the symptoms only affect one eye or both. If both eyes are involved, there may be something else going on besides an insect bite.
Treatment of Insect Bites on the Eyelid
If you’re dealing with an insect bite on your eyelid, here’s how to treat it:
Immediate Care
- Wash the bite gently with a mild, unscented soap and water.
- Apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling and itching. Use a clean washcloth soaked in cold water and apply it for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
You may also find relief with OTC medications.
- Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin), can help with itching and swelling. Be careful when using topical antihistamine creams or lotions near your eye.
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage any pain you’re experiencing. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label.
When to Seek Medical Attention
In some cases, you’ll want to see a doctor. Seek medical attention if you notice any of the following:
- Symptoms that worsen despite home treatment
- Signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or pus
- Vision changes or eye pain
- Systemic symptoms like fever, chills, or body aches
- Suspicion of a spider bite, especially from a brown recluse or black widow
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face or throat
How to prevent insect bites on eyelids
The best way to prevent an insect bite on your eyelid is to avoid insects. You can achieve this by:
- Avoiding areas that insects like to live in.
- Using insect repellent, but being very, very careful around your eyes. Choose EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. Spray the repellent on a cloth and gently dab it around the eye area.
- Wearing long sleeves and hats when possible.
- Using mosquito nets, especially when sleeping outside. The nets should have a very fine mesh (at least 156 holes per square inch).
- Removing standing water to discourage mosquitos from breeding.
- Avoiding strong perfumes or scented lotions that attract insects.
Key Takeaways
If you think you’ve been bitten by an insect on your eyelid, it’s important to figure out what bit you so you can treat it properly. Fortunately, simple home remedies can often relieve the swelling and itching. But the best way to deal with insect bites is to keep them from happening in the first place.
Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you have severe symptoms or think you may have been bitten by a dangerous insect.
By taking proactive steps to protect yourself from insect bites, you can minimize the risk of bites and avoid the discomfort, pain, and potential complications they can cause.