MCTD Support Group

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) or Sharp's syndrome is a human autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body. MCTD combines features of polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic scleroderma and is thus considered an overlap syndrome. MCTD commonly causes joint pain/swelling, Raynaud phenomenon, muscle inflammation, and scarring of...

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gabpaul 03/21/2012

Hello,

Does this ever happen to anyone? The skin around my eyes is swollen and red, but it does not itch. It has been like this for about 2 weeks. It was getting better, but the swelling got worse today.

I was diagnosed with angioneurotic edema in high school, but I don't recall exactly what the experience was like or how long it lasted.

Thanks!

Gabrielle

brunob 03/22/2012

I've never had any problems with my eyes......could it just be a reaction to weather changes recently?.......depending where you are.

Sorry, that's not very helpful is it?

Beth

gabpaul 03/22/2012

Any info is helpful! Thanks!

tammib 03/24/2012

I have this issue. Sometimes I even look like I have two black eyes. Most of the time it is red though.

deleted_user 03/25/2012

looks like you are posting under MCTD group....I am breing tested for polmyositis right now.....don't know a ton about it but there is a sister disease that is called dermamyositis that cause rashes around eyes, on hands etc. Do you have any fatigue or slight muscle weakness....my muscle weakness came on so slow over months I badly noticed it. I would definitely go see someone....this stuff overlaps into other things. 2 weeks is a long time to have it around your eyes!

Good luck!

Catalyzt 03/25/2012

If the eyelids are involved, you may be experiencing blepharitis. This is a common but lesser-known symptom of MCTD. Try washing eyelids gently with a solution of warm water and baby shampoo, rinsing thoroughly, and warm compresses for a minimum of five minutes-- stand in the bathroom, wet a clean wash cloth, and gently massage your closed eyes with it, warming up the cloth periodically.

If you have a sandy, itchy burning sensation in your eyes, you can try natural tear solutions. Use the stronger ones.

I also am developing skin issues adjacent to my eyelids, mostly my forehead, mostly irritation, no swelling. My upper lip is also irritated by my mustache, as is my forehead where my hair hits it, giving me the bizarre feeling I am sort of allergic to my own hair.

This is a really annoying illness. However, it is not dull.

MToennis 03/25/2012

Cat- that sounds like seborrhea. Red, irritated and scaley? Washing with Selsun Blue shampoo may help. It is a cousin to blephoritis. Have had both myself.
Mary Ann

gabpaul 03/28/2012

Thanks all! I do have fatigue and muscle pain in my left leg that sometimes causes a limp (Why the left leg? Who knows?), and I can get severe neck and shoulder pain. The rheumy prescribed hydrocortisone cream, and it seems to be helping. I do believe I have dermamyositis. I had the Malar rash too, but it has faded.

Yes, irritating and never dull!

Gabrielle

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