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Differential Diagnosis for a Swollen Eyelid

  • Single most likely diagnosis:
    • Allergic conjunctivitis: This is often the most common cause of a swollen eyelid, typically presenting with itching, redness, and swelling due to an allergic reaction. The reaction could be due to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or other allergens.
  • Other Likely diagnoses:
    • Blepharitis: An inflammation of the eyelids that can cause swelling, redness, and itching. It's often associated with a bacterial or demodex mite infestation.
    • Hordeolum (Stye): A localized infection or inflammation of the eyelid margin involving hair follicles of the eyelashes (external hordeolum) or meibomian glands (internal hordeolum).
    • Chalazion: A small bump on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland. It can cause swelling and may become inflamed.
    • Cellulitis: A bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath. Periorbital cellulitis affects the area around the eye, which can cause eyelid swelling.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed):
    • Orbital cellulitis: A serious infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can lead to severe complications, including vision loss and cavernous sinus thrombosis.
    • Angioedema: A condition characterized by the rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa, and submucosal tissues. It can be life-threatening if it involves the airway.
    • Herpes zoster (Shingles): When it affects the eye (herpes zoster ophthalmicus), it can lead to serious complications, including vision loss.
  • Rare diagnoses:
    • Graves' disease: An autoimmune disorder that can cause bulging eyes (exophthalmos) and eyelid swelling among other symptoms.
    • Sarcoidosis: A condition in which inflammatory cells (granulomas) form in various organs, including the eyes, which can lead to uveitis and eyelid swelling.
    • Wegener's granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes, and cause a range of symptoms including eyelid swelling.

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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