My dogs eye area & nose

Question
My dog is a mixed breed with very beautiful black mascara-looking area around his eyes.  Just recently one of his eyes (and a small area on his nose) has started peeling and is kind of crusty-looking. It looks terrible and seems to be bothering him. Can it be sunburn?  Only one eye? The area is pink and crusty. I have been giving him Benedryl since the beginning of summer because of goopy eyes. Now I wonder if that is having a negative effect. Please help!
Thank you, Laraine & Bogey

Answer
Hi Laraine,

You've said you've been medicating Bogey since the beginning of the summer, but you didn't say if it's been under your veterinarian's supervision. The goopy eye condition might be many things, ranging from an eye infection to an allergy to something irritating in the eyes. While Benedryl might be controlling the symptoms, it's not curing the under lying problem.

I can't say what the pink and crusty area might be, but now with two things going on (the goopy eye, and crust raw skin) you've got twice the reasons to pay your vet a visit.

Until Bogey can be seen by a vet, flush his eyes with lukewarm water and use a clean washcloth to wipe the area around his eyes, cleaning away excess discharge and being sure to remove any dirt or foreign materials. Do not use a commercial eye wash if Bogey's eyes are inflamed or sore.

Best of luck!
Patti