Inflamed cheek and eye?

[Lynne]

Hello,

Please help if possible. I am 47 within the last 8 months I have had many problems with my eyes (itching, redness, one eye puffier than the other, dandruff on the lids etc).
I also take Thyroid meds for a thyroid def.
I was not getting any results apart from more medication so I looked into Chinese med. and was convinced my eyes would get better with a Milk Thislte course of treatments. No Dr seemed to want to discuss this.
I had my eye checked that it was not puffy due to Thyroid Eye Disease and it was not. I now have very bad blepharitis.
I started Milk Thistle 1 x 400mg yesterday and within 2 hours I had an acute headache, inflamed cheek and eye on the right side. Just one side? Today I have experienced only the inflamed cheek and eye but no headache - same side.
Is this just a detox symptom?

BTW - I am also on epileptic drugs but have been fit-free once I found that cheese caused the fits since I was 14.

Thank you in advance - I cannot get imformation locally - this is a great website.

Almost Forgot,...

........that I cannot speak to my Dr regarding self medication with herbs - his answer would be a resounding NO. He is against all supplements.  All vitamins and herbs should come from a balanced diet and supplements are a waste of time.

I have not bothered to try and introduce the subject of Chinese Medicine.........I have to do this on my own.

I was very frightened last week when one eye would not open as quickly as the other. It must have taken at least 2 mins longer.

I hope I am on the right course with Milk Thistle.........and with the liver / eye connection.

[Admin]

Hi Lynne,
   Thank you for your post!  Before I start I do want to re-iterate our basic disclaimer that the information posted on our side is going to be general theory and only you and your physician really know about your body.  It is up to you to take what is said here and either discuss with them, or research more on your own.

   That said, red, swollen eyes in Chinese Medicine relates to the "Gan" System of symptoms, and functions.  Some not so brilliant soul translated "Gan" as "Liver" when writing the texts in English.  He was close, but "Gan" not only incorporates the liver of western medicine, but the smooth flow of emotions, the smooth flow of blood in the body (a women's menstrual cycle), and then of course all of the functions of the western liver.  The "Gan" system is said to open into the eyes, talked about in a different light a couple weeks ago here in this topic:
Eyes Not Quite White.

   So, today we can take the topic of eyes not quite white, and expand it to eyes red, swollen, itchy, HELP!  (BTW, if the eyes clear up, hopefully the cheeks will clear up as well, so I will focus on the eyes).   In Chinese Medicine, red, swollen eyes indicate liver heat, and can be a result of both internal and external factors.  While Milk Thistle will help, probably significantly, it would not be the usual acupuncturists first thought (maybe because it is a western herb,... ) as the usuall treatment for red swollen eyes is Chrysanthemum Flower Tea and Oregon Grape Root ( or Golden Seal if Oregon Grape is not available).  It does not taste too nice, but there is much worse.  Usually 3 - 5 cups of very strong Chrysanthemum tea with 20 - 40 drops of Oregon Grape Root would make a significant improvement in the condition. 

I would stick closely to the diet for liver disease I have posted on the website here: Diet For Liver Disease.  For clients that I treat the get a reaction to the Milk Thistle, it is best to cut the dosage in half, and then slowly build back up.  I don't have the problem often, but check the bottle to make sure that the manufacturer uses only organic solvents to extrat the milk thistle.  Many companies use rubbing alcohol, hexane, and the list goes on.  (we use 100% certified organic grain alcohol from organic corn).  The milk thistle should be taken before bed, and then in the morning drink a fair amount of water to help cleanse out the intestines.  Also, make sure you are having a healthy bowel movement at least once per day while taking the milk thistle.

I hope that covers it all.  There are many options for a sick thyroid with Chinese medicine, so if you have more questions, please feel free to post!  Keep us informed as to how you progress!

[Lynne]

Thank you for your reply. I fully understand the basic disclaimer and I am self treating with care.
I shall continue with the Milk Thistle to see if the symptoms lessen with each day.
However, it is great to have a website to ask if needed. Thank you.

I am using Milk Thistle with conventional medicine for Blepharitis.
The conventional medicine will last a month and the Milk Thistle two months.

On reflection maybe my body has undergone a slight shock, with all sugar, fried foods, cakes, chocolates and wine (oh help) replaced with fresh fruit, fresh veg and mineral water, coupled with Milk Thistle as well.
Not its usual fare!  Maybe I should have expected a reaction 

One further question -
I was informed that the capsule must be taken after the largest meal.
I started the Milk Thistle over the weekend the largest meal happened to be midday on both days. So I might not have noticed any side effects if it was taken through the night.
Its seems far more logical to take the capsule just before bed - but does it matter if it is not straight after food?

PS) Sorry about the wrong place in posting.

[Admin]

On reflection maybe my body has undergone a slight shock, with all sugar, fried foods, cakes, chocolates and wine (oh help) replaced with fresh fruit, fresh veg and mineral water, coupled with Milk Thistle as well.
Not its usual fare!  Maybe I should have expected a reaction  

Carrie (my partner) used to have eczema all over her body (an all consuming itchy skin rash that flakes, peals, and cracks).  When she cut out sugar and wheat, her body went into shock.  She lost her eye brows, her body lost 20 pounds.  She went from looking 20 (she was 32   with a bad skin rash) to looking 82 (with blond hair and a death rash).  Removing sugar can do amazing things to the body.  Usually it will only last 3 days to 3 weeks.  ( Candida   ).  Drink lots of water to help with the detox!

I was informed that the capsule must be taken after the largest meal.
I started the Milk Thistle over the weekend the largest meal happened to be midday on both days. So I might not have noticed any side effects if it was taken through the night.
Its seems far more logical to take the capsule just before bed - but does it matter if it is not straight after food?

I prefer at bed, but the manufacturer should no best for their product.  I find that the body detoxifies anyway at night, so better when the stomach is empty.  With the reaction that you are having, however, it may need some food.  Your body will tell you.

PS) Sorry about the wrong place in posting.

No worries!  We love helping people, and at times where to post is not always clear in these forums.  I do like Simple Machines Forum, though.  Good people that write the code, and it seems to run very smooth.  

Keep us informed!
 

[Peggy]

Hi,
This is the first time I've seen a post with exactly the same symptoms I'm having!
A couple times in the last month, and several times before, I've had my right eye swell up, start itching on the eyelid, and my right cheek swell up. My left side is completely fine. Weird!

I took Benedryl and Clariton the first time (of the last two times) and it didn't help at all.

The second time I took Benedryl immediately and it didn't help either. But I googled and saw someone talk about possible yeast related allergies. This site recommended using Neutrogena's Tgel shampoo as a "mask" on the eyelid (very carefully of course) and then applying hydrocortisone. This did seem to bring the inflammation down.

Why yeast? I remembered that I had homemade pizzas at a friends right before the first time, then again homemade pizzas at another friends house right before the second time. Pizza has alot of yeast in it and doesn't bake or sit as long as bread does.

But now I went to the Yeast Connection site and took the quiz. And I only got 6 points which isn't enough to make it a yeast issue.

Now I'm confused.

So should I try the chyrsanthemum and oregon grape root drops, or should I try the milk thistle?

Thanks,
Peggy

[Admin]

When in the past you have read about yeast on this site, it is in reference to the internal balance of natural yeast, Candida Albicans, and is not in relation to yeast consumed.  When this yeast dies, it can create a natural detoxification reaction like the one described in this post.  However, your situation sounds more like a food allergen to me.  Could be many reasons, but I would start with identifying what foods your body is allergic to using a test of your blood's reaction ( both IgG and IgE) to potential allergens. 

You would need to see a naturopath or holistic functional medicine doctor usually to get this type of test run.  You can start here: http://naturopathic.lv0.net/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=51&tabid=59

-Mark

[Lynne]

Hello Peggy,

I was just visiting the site and read your post. My cheek has returned to normal  on the MilkThistle, but not the eye.

I have been allergic to cow's milk since birth so I do not eat cheese / pizza etc. 

My eye is better, but not as "equal" as the other. Its not something many notice, but I do. It is still itchy, with slight bags  and I am still washing the lids. I have never had this before, I have avoided all eye creams, use only babywash and no make up this year.

However, my husband and children say that I am so much better re: menopause / PMS etc on the Milk Thistle. I haven't noticed a difference, but they have! 

I have been keeping a diary on my diet and when my eye swells up I check back, its really helpful.
At the moment I am down to bread or wine. Neither of which I  have in excess.
The bread is only ever wholemeal and the wine is a glass or two (never spirits or beer). So in a way I am looking at yeast the same way as you, I reach for a slice of bread more often than I realised - so I am cutting back on that and keeping my diary.

Its an ongoing trial - and if its an allergic reaction for you too - then we could help each other, should you wish to have my email - we have the same symptoms and are equally confused.

Maybe by the end of the year, we will have found the new allergen if there is one and have healthy eyes. Something I took for granted before

Best of luck
Lynne
ps) Do you find your eye lid sticky?

[Admin]

Hi you too.  Lynne, I am so glad you are feeling better.  I would be interested in what changes your family sees as well when you are taking milk thistle. 

Just so you guys know, your email addresses, when you are logged in as a member, should be listed underneath your names (as a little envelope icon) to the left of posts.  So you should be able to send emails directly whenever you like.  If not, let me know and I can make them pop up. 

Also, I saw that you mentioned wine as a love every evening.  When Carrie, my wife, was bad with eczema (5 years, 90% of her body, red, swollen, itchy, insomnia ) she had the itchy gooey eye thing (which still kicks in with some allergens, but very rare).  We discovered for her body that Wine was a major trigger.  Probably the sulfites.  She found that Sake was the only alcohol that she enjoyed which did not effect the eyes or skin negatively.  Not to take away all of the good things in life, as removing allergens can seem like that, but you may want to take out the wine if the eye does not get better soon.  I don't think that it is the cause by any means, but it could be slowing down the healing process.

[Peggy Liu]

Update:
So I swore off pizza, have had practically no bread, drink no wine since my last post.
Yesterday I had a mild recurrence of swollen itchy dry right eyelid. (No liquid stuff)
Neck/jawline also dry and itchy, but not swollen.
Zapped it with hydrocortisone but don't want to keep doing that since it is a steroid that thins skin over time.
I'm going to try toothpaste next time- like as you do on mosquito bites (it's the baking soda right?)

This time I noticed that I had hemorroids at the same time.
So I'm thinking that between the hot /humid weather we are having here in Shanghai and perhaps I'm eating too many "heating" foods- that I was getting swollen for that reason. So today I made a batch of green mung bean soup which is cooling. Perhaps the Mothers Milk tea I'm drinking everyday is too heating. I'm going to stop drinking that for a while.

[Admin]

Hi Peggy,
   Thanks for the update!  Never heard of tooth paste for skin irritation, but have heard of increasing omega 3 intake to help moisten the skin from within while reducing swelling, it works.  Avoid Omega 6 and 9 suppliments (we get enough in our diet as it is).  Also, if you are in China, you must see a TCM herbalist.  You will get a lot of good information and some really nasty herbs to smell up your house (they sell an electric ceramic pot that you can cook outside).  You may be surprised at how quickly both conditions clear up if you find a good herbalist (and I am sure there are more than a few in Shanhai.

-Mark 

[Peggy Liu]

Well another update.
I've been trying to remember to take my probiotics daily along with my Omega 3 and postnatal vitamins.

I've been doing some research on google for "excema" and "candida"

I had read previously about cutting out starches/sugars, fermented foods, alcohol- but now I just read about mushrooms. And I realized that my latest reaction must have been due to a new dish I've had now 3 times recently- mushroom fettucine with a smorgasboard of different mushrooms. They are a fungus and that apparently doesn't do well with the candida.

Some URLs I've been looking at:
www.attentiontodetails.com
http://forum.lowcarber.org/archive/index.php/t-228338.html
http://www.gatewaytobeauty.com/potpourri/tips_eczema1.htm

I also read about a "Yeast Busters Kit" that I may try. It seems like a lot of trouble though. http://www.cdnf.com/item1687.htm. Many of these sites seem to extoll a detox period. I like this statement "I have gone through serious detoxing, over a long period of time.the first thing to detox is your colon(digestive system and large intestines)without doing this first the blood, kidney, and liver detoxing won't work near as well."

I have seen a TCM herbalist, but for other symptoms. I will give that a try when I get back in the fall. Good idea. You can get the herbs cooked and vacuum packed in individual servings here. Very easy to use.

[Admin]

Thanks Peggy,
   You didn't here it from me (Ok, you did  ), but as this company was originally founded to help Carrie out with her eczema (which is now cleared to due so many issues including Candida), we are in the middle or writing an entire eczema section for skyeherbals.com.  It will probably be done in a few weeks.  It is a crime that it was not finished a long time ago.  We'll keep you updated, although it sounds like you are making huge strides in the right direction!
-Mark

[Lynne]

Hello,

I am posting here as my problems still exist as per post.

Please excuse writing - I have been very ill through the night.

I am extremely sensitive to all medication and dairy produce. I have very low blood pressure which has been kept normal by having two glasses of wine a day (prescribed by Russian Dr). This has worked well for over 7 years until last year my eye became very red and swollen and then I had blepharitis all of this year.
After reading a reply on this thread about sulphites - I left wine alone and my eye cleared up. However my blood pressure took a dive and I could not even drive. I decided to try Milk Thistle to clear up the liver and help the eye.
The MT was one Solgar veg cap per day - I could only take this for three days as I was so sick and with such a bad headache. I tried one every other day - no use.
I then cut the capsule in half and had that every morning - still sick - not able to work.
Two days ago I tried Dandelion thinking that a change may be better I took one capsule on Monday and was so hyperactive my family found it funny that I could not sit still and my heart was thumping madly.....but felt great.
I cut the capsule in half and had half the contents in a mashed potato last night.

I was up all night feeling sick, waves of nausea, pounding headache and very shaky but feeling like I needed to run?

I want to feel healthy, have energy that comes with normal blood pressure but I cannot take the wine.

The wholesaler says that my reactions are rare adn obviously I need the herbs.

However, my husband is shopping / cooking  for me while i try to get better. Hardly living.

Traditional medicine also has to be in a baby's dose but I have never felt this sick on it.

I understand the disclaimer but i have no help here whatsoever with herbal remedies, I don't want to return to alcohol and have an inflamed eye and I wan to go out.

Can anyone tell me what they think is going on?

Can I really be too sensitive for a herb? While others are taking 3-4 capsules a day?

Thanks  in advance for anyones help.

I have to go back to bed - in the middle of the morning.

I was hoping to feel ten years younger on these herbs - not ten years older.

BTW - could wheat have this effect?

[Admin]

I have seen people that have this type of reaction to herbs, and where there is a strong reaction, there is strong medicine as well.  We usually suggest to take the herbs in liquid format, so you have the option to take as little as a drop (1/20th of a pill). 

You mentioned,...

BTW - could wheat have this effect?

The answer is yes, if you are allergic. 

Have you tried eating all of the foods you are not supposed to eat for high blood pressure?  For example, red meet, eggs, soups and stews with red meet, etc.?  I would just be interested.  Have the doctors given you a diagnosis?

[Lynne]

Thank you so much for your prompt reply.

I eat all the foods that are meant to be bad for me and will often cook pork for myself covered in sea salt. This always makes me feel better the next day.

I have left the MT and the Dandelion out of my diet, and have felt a lot better.......out and about with energy and feeling great.

My eye (which is the reason for the intest in detoxing the liver) is a little better.
I have not gone back to the eye Dr as I am tired of paying for antibiotic eye drops and eye washes that do not work - and according to eyes are not linked to the liver anyway.
(Chinese medicine is not easy to find in Cyprus)........but the Greeks bend to the "you are what you eat" - it goes with the area and its history.

So I am changing my diet very carefully, to include red wine on a medicinal basis, but far, far less wheat, more salt, more pork, red meat....with a view to cutting out wheat altogether.

Please may I add here that there are no Drs for herbal consultation, and that I would like to say a big thank you for just "knowing" you have been here to leave a message and to return to for advise when everyone else looks at me as if I have lost my marbles. I thank you so much.

Lynne
 
I hope to return by Christmas and say that a wheat-free diet has worked for me -I am still amazed at the violent reaction to the dose of MT and Dandelion, I have never felt so ill or strange - especially on Dandelion - even I knew I was speaking way too fast and making no sense whatsoever.