Cat hair loss below eye

Question
Hello,
I have 2 persian cats at home. The eldest, 10-year-old Sashi has recently been losing her hair below her right eye. The area of hair loss is now increasing towards her nose and it appears slightly swollen. I have not actually seen any of the hair fall out. This area is not white or scaly. She scratches this area with her paws but doesn't seem to do it excessively. Since this area is so close to her eye, I clean it daily with a cotton pad and warm water. She goes to the vet and groomer yearly. Both cats were taken to the groomer about a month ago and my other cat, GiGi is not suffering from any skin conditions. Both cats are fed Wellness Adult Super 5 Mix. Lately, Sashi has developed a fondness for Nature's Recipe Tartar Control Treats and she eats 5 to 6 pieces every other day. Both the food and treats don't have any by-products or artificial preservatives. I know I need to take her to the vet, but at this moment I don't have any funds to allocate towards her healthcare. Is there anything you think I could do for her in the meantime? Should I continue to clean this area? I would appreciate your advice. Thanks!

Answer
It could be due to a food allergy or ring worm.  If the Nature's Recipe diet is new, then I would recommend discontinuing that as there could be something in that such as corn, soy or wheat in it that is not in the other food that is causing the problem.   Otherwise you can continue to clean it, and get her to the vet as soon as you can if it doesn't clear up soon.