Eczema On Eyelids Treatment Uk

Treatment Of Eyelid Eczema/dermatitis

Whether the eyelid rash is caused by contact or atopic dermatitis, various skin creams may be useful for treating the symptoms. The skin on the eyelids is particularly susceptible to the side effects of topical steroids, and getting these medications into the eyes can result in glaucoma or the formation of cataracts. So your doctor may suggest low potency topical steroids, such as over-the-counter strength hydrocortisone cream, used sparingly, short-term, and with extreme caution on the eyelids.

Alternative creams that can be used on the face include the topical calcineurin inhibitors , Elidel and Protopic. Unlike topical steroids, TCIs do not cause many of the side effects of topical steroids, nor do they lose effectiveness with prolonged use. In addition, TCIs can be used on any skin, including the eyelids.

Try To Reduce The Damage From Scratching

Eczema is often itchy, and it can be very tempting to scratch the affected areas of skin.

But scratching usually damages the skin, which can itself cause more eczema to occur.

The skin eventually thickens into leathery areas as a result of chronic scratching.

Deep scratching also causes bleeding and increases the risk of your skin becoming infected or scarred.

Try to reduce scratching whenever possible. You could try gently rubbing your skin with your fingers instead.

If your baby has atopic eczema, anti-scratch mittens may stop them scratching their skin.

Keep your nails short and clean to minimise damage to the skin from unintentional scratching.

Keep your skin covered with light clothing to reduce damage from habitual scratching.

The Cause Of An Itchy Eyelid Can Be A Diagnostic Puzzle But Persistence Often Uncovers Some Common Culprits

The Lids: A Special Challenge

Common Culprits Ophthalmic solutions. Cosmetics.

Nails. Metals. Hair dye.Approaching the Patient Patch testing.

Treating the patient.Drs. Koo and Chang are in the Department of Ophthalmic Plastic, Orbital & Reconstructive Surgery at the Doheny Eye Institute, and Dr. Peng is in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. Contact them at 1450 San Pablo St. Los Angeles, Calif. 90033.1. Valsecchi R, Imberti G, Martino D, Cainelli T. Eyelid dermatitis: An evaluation of 150 patients. Contact Dermatitis 1992 27:143-7.2. Shah M, Lewis FM, Gawkrodger DJ. Facial dermatitis and eyelid dermatitis: A comparison of patch test results and final diagnoses. Contact Dermatitis 1996 34:140-1.

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Eyelid Eczema Sufferer Dadina Howard Is A 40

Dadina developed eczema on her eyelids two years ago because of a long career as a model.

Dadina had to wear a lot of make up due to her work. A few years ago she started to develop eyelid eczema as a result.

Dadina says:

“My dermatologist told me that my eyelid eczema was probably as a result of my skin reacting to my make up. He told me that eyelid eczema was becoming an increasingly common skin complaint, especially among middle age women, due to decades of wearing make up every day.

He also said that many anti-ageing products designed to exfoliate the skin, contain skin-stripping chemicals which could irritate delicate skin around the eye and lead to eyelid eczema.”

Eyelid eczema is common in people who suffer from eczema or atopic dermatitis elswehere on their skin.

But eyelid eczema can also exist eithout any other symtoms of eczema on the body.

Cosmetics have been identified as a cause for a rise of eye eczema. Skin irritants present in many eyeshadows and eyeliners as well as in anti-ageing and beauty products can cause eyelid eczema.

Not only is eyelid eczema irritating and uncomfortable. It can cause a number of highly visible and permanent facial skin disfigurations. These include thickening of the lower eyelids, darkening of the skin of the eyelids due to frequent skin inflammation and a condition known as an Atopic Pleat, which is an extra fold of skin that develops under the eye.

Emollients And Mild Topical Steroids

A person applies topical creams and ointments directly to the skin.

Doctors generally advise using low concentration steroid ointments on the eyes. This is because the eyelid skin is very thin and delicate.

Some topical treatments are available over the counter, but others require a prescription.

A doctor may prescribe a moderate potency steroid for a severe eczema flare-up. However, they would only prescribe this for a short period of time, such as 5 days.

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How To Treat The Skin Around Your Eyes

As well as being the UKs number one provider of laser eye surgery, and carrying out thousands of sight tests every year, Optical Express also provide services that look after your all-round eye care.

We understand that to enable optimum eye health, its important to look after the sensitive skin around your eyes.

The eyelid is unique, the skin is thinner than the rest of the skin on the body and it lacks the fat which cushions the rest of the bodys skin. As a result your eyelids are more susceptible to irritants and skin conditions. Have you ever been wondering: “Why are my eyelids dry? How to treat the skin around my eyes when I have red marks under my eyes, dry or swollen eyelids, sore corners of my eyes or even a rash under my eyes?

If experience dry skin under your eyes or dry eyelids it can cause them to be flaky, scaly and rough. When this happens you can experience irritation, redness and itchiness, among other symptoms.

Causes of dry and flaky eyelids

There are a number of causes of dry skin on the eyelids, as well as itchy eyes and skin, including:

• Low humidity
• The aging process
• Exposure to irritants.

As well as these factors, there are underlying conditions of varying severity which can cause dry eyelids and sore itchy eyelids, including contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and blepharitis.

Contact dermatitis

Treatments include:

Atopic dermatitis

Treatments include:

Blepharitis

Treatments include:

Importance Of Eczema Treatment

There is growing evidence that allergens introduced into the body through the skin can lead to the later development of food allergy, asthma and hay fever. Aggressively treating eczema in children and taking steps to restore normal skin barrier function may lower the risk of future development of these conditions.

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Can Eyelid Dermatitis Be Prevented

You can prevent eyelid dermatitis if you know what caused it and avoid that trigger. Additionally, try the following:

• Use products made for sensitive skin.
• Protect your eyelids by wearing protective glasses if youre going to be around extreme cold, high wind and/or a lot of dust.
• Avoid scratching or rubbing your eyelids.
• Touch your eyelids with clean hands only.

Can my diet help prevent eyelid dermatitis?

No, there are no foods or drinks you can ingest that can prevent eyelid dermatitis.

Will Eczema Clear Up Without Treatment

There is no cure for atopic eczema, but treatment can help to relieve symptoms and improve flare ups. Contact eczema can clear up on its own, if you can avoid your triggers. Using emollient creams every day is the best way to clear up your eczema and reduce the amount of flare ups you get. If you do get a flare up, a topical corticosteroid should be used to prevent infection and stop your flare up. There are also other things you can do to help clear up your eczema, such as changing your diet and avoiding scratching the affected areas.

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How To Soothe Irritated Skin Around The Eyes

Natural skin soothing products that are safe to use around the eye to calm the irritation caused by eczema can be really helpful. These include cucumber slices, used, cold tea bags and a homemade mix of water or milk soaked oats mixed with honey. Cotton wool pads soaked in alkaline salt water can also be useful.

Protecting From Further Damage

Avoiding triggers is easier to do if the culprit is a cheap mascara, harder if its your cat or the winter, but its important to protect your sensitive skin from further damage in the meantime.

If you cant identify a definite cause for the flare, there are still some things you can do:

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Treatment For Eczema Around The Eyes

The best remedies for eye eczema will depend on the cause of your symptoms – but we know identifying the cause of your symptoms isn’t always easy! If your symptoms are new, and youve recently started using something new around your eyes, such as an eye cream or mascara, then it could simply be a case of stopping using it.

What Triggers Allergic Eyelid Contact Dermatitis

Eyelid contact dermatitis follows direct contact with an allergen.

Allergy to cosmetics may be due to contact with allergens in:

• Hair dye, ie paraphenylenediamine allergy

Eyelid contact dermatitis is sometimes triggered by airborne allergens, such as dust mite and plant pollens. Compositae allergy is an example of an airborne allergen causing eyelid dermatitis.

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What Triggers Irritant Eyelid Contact Dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis may be triggered by contact with irritating substances and/or physical triggers.

Irritating substances that may cause irritant contact dermatitis of the eyelids include:

• Chemicals such as chlorine under goggles worn when swimming
• Dust particles
• Hydrophobic substances
• Cosmetics such as eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara and sunscreen

These substances may touch the eyelids directly or be transferred from the fingers .

Physical triggers that may cause irritant contact dermatitis include:

• Temperature extremes
• Humidity extremes
• Mechanical

Things To Keep In Mind

Having eczema can put you at higher risk for developing other conditions. Eczema leaves your skin raw, leaving you more susceptible to bacteria entering your bloodstream. Skin conditions that commonly affect those with eczema on eyelids include:

• Pink eye . Pink eye is characterized by redness on the whites of your eyes, itchiness, sensitivity to light, watering that doesnât cease, and the presence of a sticky substance that crusts.
• Inflamed cornea . When your cornea is inflamed, your eyeball becomes infected, leading to pain and discomfort, watering, and sensitivity to light. Your cornea may change shape because of the infection, leading to changes in your vision.
• Nearsightedness. Permanent changes to your vision can occur, like nearsightedness, which affects your ability to see either close-up or far away.
• Blurry vision. Your cornea should be round. When the shape distorts, it changes how you see things by distorting images to the degree of your damage.
• Sensitivity to light. You may suddenly have difficulty driving at night when it is dark. Alternately, you may feel extra sensitivity to the sun.

âWhile eczema cannot be completely cured, there are many treatment options. If one treatment plan doesnât work, you can try another until you find the right products and strategies for your personal health.

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Tips For Avoiding Eyelid Eczema/dermatitis

• Try not to touch or rub your eyes and avoid touching your eyes whilst wearing ordinary nail polish as this can causes allergic reactions round the eyes. Instead, try water-based nail polish and a natural nail polish remover.
• The wands of out-of-date mascara are a breeding ground for bacteria as are unwashed eyeliner brushes.

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Eczema On Eyelid Treatment Ideas

In case of persistent or severesymptoms, changes in vision, or high fever, patients should seek immediatemedical attention. However, there are a number of eczema on eyelid treatments to try at home. It is important not to rub or scratch the area to avoidfurther skin irritation or infection.

The area around the eye is verysensitive. Avoid eyelid creams made with unsafe, harsh ingredients. Choosenatural products with soothing ingredients what wont exacerbate the irritationaround your eye. We recommend the following eczema on eyelid treatments:

Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Creama thick, creamy balma little goes a longway in soothing eyelid eczema.

Calendula Facial Creamcontainsorganic Calendula flowers and organic aloe juice that make this lighter cream gentleand cooling, and also contains a natural anti-inflammatory supplement calleddimethylaminoethanol .

Organic Calendula Face Washcan be paired witheither cream to gently cleanse the eyes and face contains a blend of soothingherbs to calm red, inflamed skin.

Wet or Dry Wrap Therapy

If youre experiencing itchy and inflamed eyelid eczema,adaptingwet or dry wraptherapymay soothe symptoms. As an eczema on eyelid treatment, usebandages or strips of cloth to drape over the eyes. We likethese RemedywearEye Masks for Kids and Adults that are made with TENCEL and zinc-embedded fibers and help protect gentle skin around or on the eyelid.

Elimination Diet

If yousuffer from eyelid eczema, we hope you find relief with our tips!

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Are You Confident Of The Diagnosis

Eyelid dermatitis is an umbrella term describing a group of inflammatory skin disorders that localize to the eyelids and resemble eczema. There are many causes of eyelid dermatitis, hence it is a vexing problem for patients and can represent a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Knowledge of the common causes and their key features can focus the history and physical examination and alert the clinician to more serious conditions.

Time course, patient age, symptoms, presence or absence of scale or edema, distribution help differentiate the different types of eyelid dermatitis. This chapter reviews the common periorbital dermatoses with emphasis on their distinguishing features.

Most common causes of eyelid dermatitis are

Contact dermatitis , 50% to 76% of cases

Atopic dermatitis, 12% to 17%

Seborrheic dermatitis 8% to 16%

Rosacea, less than 5%

There are other conditions of the eyelids that mimic eyelid dermatitis and are not to be missed, such as dermatomyositis. The broader differential diagnosis includes other connective tissue diseases , psoriasis, contact urticaria, infections , and drug reactions. Neoplasms benign or malignant can also mimic dermatitis and can localize to an eyelid. Discussion of those conditions is beyond the scope of this chapter.

Figure 1.

Discoid lupus erythematosus plaques on the eyelids. Photographs are courtesy of Dr Alfons Krol, Dr Eric Simpson and Dr Fran Storrs.

CONTACT DERMATITIS OF THE EYELIDS

What to be alert for in the history

Figure 2.

How To Get Rid Of Eyelid Eczema

The most important thing in dealing with eyelid eczema is to make sure that thats what you have in the first place – so clarify that with your doctor or pharmacist before you crack on with soothing your dry and itchy skin.

Depending on which type you have and what caused it, it may take a little trial and error to get rid of your symptoms, but heres our expert guide to caring for eczema on and around the eyes.

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What Does Eczema On The Eyelids Look Like

Do you have an irresistible urge to scratch your eyes? It could be eczema.

If your eyelids are red, swollen, at times oozing, and extremely itchy, then you have acute eczema. Sometimes the skin is simply dry and slightly red, but still itchy.

Eczema or allergic conjunctivitis?

It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between eczema and allergic conjunctivitis: in the latter case, eyelids may be a bit swollen and itchy, but the eye is red.

Eczema or psoriasis? Eczema patches are often thinner and their edges less defined compared to psoriasis. Click here for a summary of the major differences between eczema and psoriasis.

Ultraviolet Radiation Therapy For Eczema

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation can help reduce the symptoms of chronic eczema. Exposure under medical supervision can be carefully monitored with the use of specially designed cabinets the person stands naked in the cabinet and fluorescent tubes emit ultraviolet radiation.A person with stubborn eczema may need up to 30 sessions. The risks of unsupervised ultraviolet radiation therapy can be the same as for sunbathing faster ageing of the skin and greater risk of skin cancer.

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How To Treat Dry Flaking Eyelids:

If youre not sure whats causing your dry eyelids, the first step will be to check in with a dermatologist. They may want to conduct some patch testing to see if you have an undiagnosed allergy, Dr. Kassouf says. However, there are a few measures you can take on your own if youre having eyelid eczema and dealing with an excess of flakes.

1. First, simplify your skin-care and makeup routines.

Start by avoiding as many products as possible, keeping eyelids clean and dry and using just a bit of moisturizer, Dr. Kassouf advises. Once your eyes have improved, then you can restart one product every few days, she says. If irritation occurs, then you should be able to identify which product you are sensitive to and remove that from your routine.

Its also important to streamline your eye-makeup routine. Reassess whether or not you need to use all of those products, like primer, shadow, liner, and mascara, all of which have preservatives or even fragrance than can cause a reactionsometimes weeks, months, or years after beginning to use a product. All of these contain ingredients with potential irritants or allergens.

2. Swap eye creams for simple ointments for the time being.

Instead, opt for a simple emollient such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Vaseline during a flare-up, which Dr. Kassouf says can be easier on the eyes during periods of irritation. Something like Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Stick may be easier to take on-the-go, Dr. Zeichner says.

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