What Can I Put On Eczema On My Eyelids

What Substances Trigger Acd Of The Eyelid

The eyelids are one of the most sensitive areas of the body. This means that they can react to:

• Products that are used on the eyelid itself, such as eye drops or makeup.

• Products that are used close by, such as facial products or hair products.

• Substances that are on the hands and then transferred to the eyelids , such as hand cream, plants, or even tiny metal particles.

• Substances in the air, such as air freshener.

What Products Should I Use

You’ll need to check with your physician on which products are recommended. I’m including several product recommendations below that may be options for many individuals with ACD.

The products below do not contain any of the common triggers of ACD. They do not contain any synthetic fragrance additives, natural fragrance additives, botanicals, formaldehyde, methylchloroisothiazolinone, or lanolin.

Some are available at major retailers, and others must be ordered via phone or website.

Note that the ingredients of these products are accurate at the time of this article. Since product formulations often change over time, however, always check product labels prior to use, or check with your physician prior to use.

Also note that every product must contain some additives, and some people are allergic to less common substances. Therefore, if these recommendations do not help, then you may require further testing.

It can take up to 8 weeks of allergen avoidance for your skin to recover. You should check with your physician about a recommendation or prescription for a medicated ointment to use on your eyelids during this time to help with the inflammation.

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.

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Ad May Increase Your Risk For Some Eye Diseases

It seems that the more severe the AD, the higher your risk of developing certain eye diseases. At least, thats the finding from a 15-year study run in Denmark.

During this study, researchers looked at the medical records of adults in Denmark. In doing so, they discovered that those with AD had a higher risk of developing an eye infection called conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye.

Pink eye : Signs that you may have pink eye include:

• Pink color to your eye

• Watery, itchy eyes

• Eyes sensitive to light

• Wet, sticky or dry, crusty eyes

In this study, adults with AD also had a higher risk of developing the following eye diseases.

Inflamed cornea : This eye disease occurs when the eye becomes infected or inflamed. Warning signs include your eyes feeling:

• Painful or uncomfortable

• As if you have something in them

• Gritty

When caught early and properly treated, keratitis can often be cured.

Cornea changes shape

The cornea of the eye is normally round, as shown here.

Frequently rubbing your eyes can change the shape of your cornea. As the cornea starts to change shape, it begins to bulge. It becomes cone-shaped. This change in shape can cause the following warning signs:

• Nearsightedness
• Sensitivity to light, especially when driving at night
• Constantly changing prescription for eyeglasses or contacts

Signs of keratoconus

If you have any warning signs of keratoconus, ask your eye doctor to take a close look at the shape of your cornea.

Remedies To Relieve Symptoms

You can first try some at-home remedies to relieve itchiness, prevent further irritation, and ward off infection that can happen from rubbing and scratching your eyes. These remedies include:

• Stop wearing eye makeup or switch to hypoallergenic brands
• Put cold compresses on your eyes
• Avoid products containing formaldehyde, lanolin, and parabens
• Wear protective eyewear if you work around chemicals

For immediate relief, you can moisturize your eyelids with an over-the-counter anti-itch cream thats safe for the eye area. If creams only provide temporary relief, we may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids. You can apply corticosteroid cream directly to your irritated eyelids to reduce inflammation and dry, flaky skin.

With some research and investigation, we can discover the underlying causes of your eyelid eczema so you can get long-term relief from symptoms.

Call the Tucson office location closest to you to schedule a consultation, or send us a message online.

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Type : Red And Weeping Eczema

This type of eczema is red and weeping. It is clearly irritated and is visible to other people.

This is when my dust mite allergies and pollen allergies are exacerbating my skin.

Ive tried using Vaseline for red, irritated eczema and its actually made my eczema worse. My skin couldnt breathe. It became even more red. Ill share why Vaseline is bad for this type of eczema

Type : Dry And Flakey But Not Red

This type is simply the dry skin. White flakey skin that needs moisture. I find that Vaseline works great to reduce the flakiness and appearance.

I travel a lot for work and often use Vaseline on my eyelids, behind my ears, and in my nose to seal in moisture. The thin air while flying tends to suck the moisture from my skin and Vaseline helps.

Ill share why Vaseline is good for this type of eczema.

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Is Eye Serum Better Than Eye Cream

Mauricio says an eye serum is lighter than a cream, contains less oil, and uses a vehicle that allows for better penetration of potent anti-aging ingredients as opposed to an eye cream. Eye serums in general are better for wrinkles, dark circles, reduction of puffiness and help improve skin firmness, she says.

Who Gets Irritant Eyelid Contact Dermatitis

Irritant eyelid contact dermatitis can occur in anyone. However, it is more common in people with sensitive skin. People with a background of atopic eczema, asthma and hayfever are more likely to suffer from irritant contact dermatitis than people without this history.

Any pre-existing inflammation of the skin can cause the skin’s waterproof barrier to be compromised and may make it more vulnerable to irritant contact dermatitis. Barrier function may also be defective for genetic reasons.

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A Rashon Your Eyelids

Eyelid dermatitis, or a rash on the eyelids, is a very common skin condition. Eyelids have the thinnest skin of the whole body so they are most susceptible to irritation. Eyelid dermatitis presents as dry, red, itchy skin and can have many causes.

The winter months in cold and dry climates can bring out eyelid dermatitis as a form of eczema. Some people may have eczema or dry, itchy skin elsewhere, but it is very common on the eyelids because the skin is so thin. Eyelid dermatitis can also be due to an allergic reaction. This is usually caused by something you come in contact with, but determining the item can be tricky. It can be something that you are applying directly to your eyelids, or it can be something that is on your hands, fingers, or nails, and then gets transferred to your eyelids when itching or scratching your eyes.

The best way to treat eyelid dermatitis is to start with basic skin care. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face and apply a gentle moisturizing cream daily. Refrain from using any acne or anti-aging skin care products or makeup on the eye area. A dermatologist may prescribe a medicated cream, but if the rash still persists, allergy testing may be recommended. Although treatable, people who have this condition usually need to maintain a gentle skin care routine and use hypoallergenic makeup to ensure the rash doesnt return.

Health Topics:

What Causes Eczema Around Your Eyes Or Otherwise

Theres not a definitive reason that some people develop eczema. Even with contact eczema, science hasnt discovered why some people have allergic reactions to the stuff others can touch no-problemo.

You can develop any kind of eczema due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors. There are strong hereditary links, stress can play a big part, and your immune system is also a catalyst for many eczema types.

Theres no way to test if youre at a high risk of developing eczema . Avoiding it may be impossible for some people. There are, however, known triggers that folks at risk of eczema are advised to steer clear of where they can.

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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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People with eczema are accustomed to the dry, itchy skin and red rashes that go along with a flare-up. These episodes show up mostly on the face, inside the elbows, behind the knees, and on the hands and feet though they can happen anywhere, including the eyelids, eyebrows, and even eyelashes, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, can develop around the sensitive eye area and lead to a number of eye problems for anyone living with the condition, says the American Academy of Dermatology .

Indeed, according to DermNet NZ, the eyelids are particularly sensitive to irritants. If you expose your eyelids to an irritant, they are more likely to flare up than other parts of your skin.

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When Should I Go To The Emergency Department

Go to the emergency department right away if your eyelids swell up so much that you cant see. Unrelated to dermatitis, you should go to the emergency department if you have:

• Trouble breathing/shortness of breath, or if you stopped breathing for any reason.
• Severe chest pain or pressure.
• Any pain that is so severe that you cant stand it.
• Injury to your head, neck or spine.
• Loss of consciousness .
• Sudden weakness, especially if you cant speak or move.
• Dizziness that doesnt stop.
• Seizure.
• Coughing or throwing up blood.
• Heavy bleeding.
• High fever that doesnt get better with medicine.
• Severe burn, electric shock or lightning strike.
• Stroke symptoms slurred speech, numbness, weakness, loss of balance and/or vision problems.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Although eyelid dermatitis wont stop you from going about your daily activities, it is a nuisance. It can cause itching and sometimes pain, so its important to get checked out by a healthcare provider as soon as possible to keep the symptoms from getting severe. Try your best with the help of the people around you to figure out what may have caused the dermatitis. If you can figure that out and avoid the trigger, then you can prevent future flares. Around 15% to 20% of people experience contact dermatitis at some point in their lives, so know that youre not alone.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/25/2021.

References

Causes Of Atopic Eczema

The exact cause of atopic eczema is unknown, but it’s clear it is not down to one single thing.

Atopic eczema often occurs in people who get allergies. “Atopic” means sensitivity to allergens.

It can run in families, and often develops alongside other conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.

The symptoms of atopic eczema often have certain triggers, such as soaps, detergents, stress and the weather.

Sometimes food allergies can play a part, especially in young children with severe eczema.

You may be asked to keep a food diary to try to determine whether a specific food makes your symptoms worse.

Allergy tests are not usually needed, although they’re sometimes helpful in identifying whether a food allergy may be triggering symptoms.

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Who Gets Allergic Eyelid Contact Dermatitis

Allergic eyelid contact dermatitis can occur in anyone. It is no more likely in those with known sensitive skin or atopic eczema than it is in people that have previously had no skin problem.

Contact allergy usually develops after repeated previous contact with the allergen, so it is not necessarily a new substance that has triggered the allergy.

Vaseline And Eczema: Application Strategies

Over the years Ive learned how and when to apply Vaseline. Here are my tips for applying Vaseline to my face and body.

• Use a cotton swab or cotton ball to apply
• Apply thin layers
• Apply at least 30 minutes before bed to avoid getting oil all over pillows while sleeping
• Apply to nose, eyes, lips, and ears before and during flights
• If applying under expensive clothes use a band-aid to prevent oil from staining clothes

Moisturizing my eczema has caused me to ruin plenty of clothes and bed sheets. Im careful of what I apply to my body and when I apply it.

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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.

What Else Could It Be

When you are dealing with eyelid eczema, you will visit the doctor often. Together, you will determine whether your skin is improving or degrading, and you will work on a treatment plan that can help you feel better. Sometimes, you will need to change course.

Typically, medicated creams bring relief within about three weeks, and when they do, you stop using them. Then, you will talk to your doctor if the issue comes back. If it does, something else might be triggering your outbreaks.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology points out that skin creams and moisturizers often trigger eczema. They can contain:

• Perfumes
• Chemicals
• Preservatives

If you’ve switched to an over-the-counter cream to prevent the next outbreak, that solution could be causing your current misery.

You may also be triggered by something in your environment. Researchers say up to 74 percent of cases of eyelid eczema are caused by contact dermatitis, and for some patients, it can take up to seven years to get the right diagnosis.

Your doctor can suggest allergen testing. The results can help you pinpoint the issues that spark your symptoms, and you could be surprised by what you find out. Patients have been diagnosed with sensitivities to nail polish remover, for example, but only their eyelids swelled with exposure.

Work with your doctor and be persistent as you search for your trigger. Once you find it, you will have the information you need to protect yourself against further outbreaks.

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When Vaseline Is Bad For Eczema

Vaseline is bad for eczema if youre experiencing the 2nd type of eczema I described. The problem with eczema is that it likes to breathe. Once you apply Vaseline your skin has a seal over it. It isnt breathable and can actually suffocate pores.

Vaseline can also be difficult to clean from skin . If Im experiencing an eczema outbreak or a general worsening of eczema, Ill never apply Vaseline.

Ill wait for it to calm down hopefully, a few weeks and once it is dry and not red I feel its safe to use Vaseline. There are a few other reasons I wont use Vaseline for my eczema. These include:

• Oil can stain pillows and sheets
• Can stain clothes
• Gives off an unnatural shiny appearance if used on the face
• If eczema is itchy my hands will spread the oil to other places
• If Ill be showering/bathing within a few hours