Differential Diagnosis for Eyelid Swelling and Warmth
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Blepharitis: This is an inflammation of the eyelids that can cause swelling, warmth, and redness. It's a common condition often associated with skin conditions like acne or rosacea, or infections.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): An infection or inflammation of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the inner eyelid. It can cause redness, itching, and swelling of the eyelid.
- Hordeolum (Stye): A localized infection or inflammation of the eyelid margin involving hair follicles of the eyelashes or meibomian glands. It presents as a painful, swollen nodule on the eyelid.
- Chalazion: A small bump on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland. It can cause swelling and may become inflamed, leading to warmth.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Orbital Cellulitis: A serious infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can cause eyelid swelling, warmth, and redness. It requires prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.
- Preseptal Cellulitis: An infection of the eyelid and skin anterior to the orbital septum. While less severe than orbital cellulitis, it still requires medical evaluation and treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Angioedema: A rare condition characterized by rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa, and submucosal tissues. It can cause significant eyelid swelling and potentially life-threatening airway obstruction if not promptly treated.
- Graves' Ophthalmopathy: An autoimmune condition associated with Graves' disease that can cause eyelid swelling, among other eye symptoms, due to inflammation and swelling of the tissues around the eye.
- Sarcoidosis: A condition in which inflammatory cells form lumps known as granulomas in various parts of the body, including the eyelids, leading to swelling and other symptoms.