Does increased itching in the inner corner of the eye from rubbing indicate excessive internal heat ("shang huo")?

Itching in the inner corner of the eye that worsens with rubbing may be caused by excessive internal heat ("shang huo"), allergic conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, or other conditions.

1. Excessive internal heat ("shang huo"): When the body experiences "shang huo," it can lead to dehydration in the eyes, causing dryness and resulting in itching at the inner corner of the eye. Rubbing further irritates the dryness, making the itching progressively worse. It is important to maintain good eye hygiene, drink plenty of water, and avoid spicy or irritating foods.

2. Allergic conjunctivitis: This occurs when individuals are allergic to substances such as pollen or animal dander, leading to symptoms like itching and a burning sensation in the inner corner of the eye. Rubbing aggravates these symptoms, causing increased itching. Under medical guidance, antiallergic medications such as calcium gluconate tablets or loratadine tablets may be used, and exposure to allergens should be avoided promptly.

3. Dry eye syndrome: In dry eye syndrome, the eyes either do not produce enough tears or tears evaporate too quickly, resulting in excessive dryness. This leads to discomfort such as itching, stinging, and a foreign body sensation in the corner of the eye. Symptoms typically worsen after rubbing. Artificial tears can be used to relieve ocular discomfort.

In addition, worsening itchiness from rubbing the inner corner of the eye could also result from eye strain, trichiasis (inward-growing eyelashes), or other causes. An ophthalmologic examination is recommended to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.