What Can I Use On My Eyelids For Eczema

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.

What Causes Eczema On Eyelids

Contact dermatitis can be the main cause and it can be generally categorized into two different categories:

• Allergic Eyelid Eczema
• Irritant Eyelid Eczema

Allergic: A types of eczema caused when your eyes come in a direct contact with the allergens. It can develop when your immune system provides a negative response to a particular substance that comes in direct contact. This is the main reason why your favorite eye makeup causes dry skin. The allergic reaction can arise at any time giving you red, irritated, itchy, flaky and dry skin. In general, allergic contact dermatitis involves 50% 75% of all eyelid eczema cases and the allergic reaction can last for weeks thus, affecting your skin condition.

Irritant: This particular type can be caused when the skin of eyes touches an irritating substance. The area around the eye will possess stinging, burning sensation, irritation, and dry skin, especially on the upper and lower eyelids.

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Otc Treatments For Eye Eczema

There are plenty of over-the-counter and off-the-shelf treatments for eczema available at pharmacies.

If you develop eczema due to an allergic reaction, antihistamines can help you manage the itching and swelling.

Corticosteroids can also treat eczema itching, but using them around your eyes is risky .

Consult your doctor before trying any OTC treatment .

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Safe Periocular Steroid Use For Eyelid Dermatitis

What kind of steroid cream is safe for dermatitis of the eyelid and periorbital area, and how long can it be used? Are there any adjunct measures that can be taken? How real is the danger of thinning the skin of the eyelid and/or increasing intraocular pressure? Mansurur R. Khan, MD, Pasadena, Calif.

Given the side effects of topical corticosteroids, especially around the eyes, I routinely recommend the use of a nonsteroid preparation, such as topical pimecrolimus or tacrolimus .

If a steroid is used, I choose a low-potency formulation, such as hydrocortisone cream 1% or 2.5%, or an ophthalmic preparation. The risk of thinning the eyelids is real, as is the possibility of increased intraocular pressure. I limit the use of these agents to one to two weeks, while nonsteroids can be used without limitation. Jeffrey M. Weinberg, MD

These are letters from practitioners around the country who want to share their clinical problems and successes, observations and pearls with their colleagues. We invite you to participate. If you have a question, submit it here.

Whats The Best Eyelid Eczema Treatment

If you do have eczema on your eyelids, youll want to do your best to avoid your triggers. This can range from pretty easy to completely ludicrous, depending on what specifically incites your eczema. If you cant steer clear of your triggers, or if doing so isnt enough to calm your eyelid eczema, you may need some extra help from a pro.

This is one of the hardest forms of eczema to treat with medication because of the sensitive area we are treating, Dr. Rodney says. We have to make sure your eyemeaning your eyeballis safe, as some prescriptions can lead to complications like glaucoma.

To treat any form of eczema, experts will often recommend topical corticosteroids to battle inflammation, the Mayo Clinic says, but these can be too strong on your delicate eyelid skin. If your doctor decides a corticosteroid cream is the best treatment for your case of eczema, theyll likely only prescribe it for a short period of time because it can cause thinning of your eyelids and the skin around your eyes, Cynthia Bailey, M.D., a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and president and CEO of Advanced Skin Care and Dermatology Inc., tells SELF. This treatment needs to be supervised by a physician, Dr. Bailey says.

Dr. Rodney also suggests placing a thin layer of petroleum jelly around and on your eyelids twice a day to reinforce the protective skin barrier, hydrate the dry skin, and reduce itching.

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About Eczema On Eyelids

Eczema is most frequently diagnosed in children under 5. It is a lifelong condition that has no cure. Over time, your eczema breakouts may calm and disappear, flaring up when an irritant is introduced to your skin.

Both children and adults are susceptible to eczema. Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the eyelids may only affect your eyelids, whereas other types of eczema may spread from your face onto your eyelids. Your eyelids are especially prone to eczema because the skin around your eyes is so thin and sensitive.

Some external irritants may make your eczema worse, like:

• Airborne dust
• Hair dye

Why Do I Have Red Itchy Flaky Eyelids

As a dermatologist, I’ve treated so many patients with red, itchy eyelids. This can–very understandably–be extremely uncomfortable, frustrating, and alarming. While there are several causes of red, itchy eyelids, one of the most common is allergic contact dermatitis . ACD often affects the eyelids, because the eyelids are one of the most sensitive areas of the body.

Although the rash on your eyelids may have started suddenly, this redness can last a long time. For some of my patients, their red itchy eyelids have been ongoing for weeks or even months.

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Are My Red Eyelids Due To A Pollen Allergy

Some people confuse allergic conjunctivitis with allergic contact dermatitis , but they’re two very distinct conditions.

• Allergic conjunctivitis affects the “whites” of your eyes, and is usually due to airborne pollens, animal dander, or similar allergens.

• ACD affects the skin around the eyes. ACD on the eyelids can be triggered by many different substances.

Can I Treat My Eyelid Dermatitis With Vaseline

If youre dealing with the red, flaking, itchy rash that goes along with eyelid dermatitis, youll find that moisturizing your skin will help provide some relief. Its important to remember a few important points though.

• Choose the right moisturizer. The wrong product may contain chemicals to which you are allergic, which would just keep the rash going.

• Pure Vaseline petroleum jelly would be one good option, as long as it does not contain any added fragrance or flavorings. This is a really important point! Ive had parents buy Vaseline in the baby aisle, and that version actually contains fragrance.

• I dont recommend Vaseline intensive care lotion, or any other lotion, to treat allergic reactions of the eyelids. Lotions contain a lot of water, and a lot of preservatives.

• Another option would be 100% pure coconut oil

• Note that although these moisturizers may help soothe the skin, they dont actually treat the inflammation.

• If you have severe redness, flaking, and/or itching, see your physician. He or she will typically prescribe an anti-inflammatory cream or ointment to help calm down the skin inflammation of eyelid dermatitis

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Wrap Up In Cold Weather

Cold, harsh winter winds can dry out skin and cause eczema flares.

Keep the skin covered when temperatures are low. Also, consider covering the face with a scarf if eczema occurs on the face.

Many home remedies are suitable for babies and children, but always speak to a doctor before using them on kids of any age.

The following home remedies may help:

What Will Make It Worse

I have discussed the cause of overflow exarcebating eczema above, so adding more artificial tears / fluid to your eyes is not going to help. That will only cause more overflow and more drying of fluid on the already sensitive skin. The drying fluid is salty, causing irritation and is likely to contain preservatives, which again will agrevate the already irritated skin.Dont start using baby shampoo or similar degreasing agents. With eczema the skin is already dry, so why remove what little oil there is left ? Your tears contain three layers, mucin, liquid and lipid. The exteral layer is made of lipid, this is an oily layer, remove that with baby shampoo and the tears on your eyes will become even dryer and less comfortable still.

Historic advise has been to treat blepahritis with baby shampoo, this is not advisable any more. Baby shampoo may clean the deposits from your eye lids but it does not remove the underlying cause of the blepharitis. Furhtermore it is likely to remove essetial oils from your tear film resulting in excess evaporation a and increased dry eyes. Dry eyes are uncomfortable as the front of the eye literally cracks open, just like dry skin. This shows up during a dry eye examination as green spots or marks on the cornea of the eye.

Other prescribed medication:

If you are concerned about eczema or other eye conditions, check out this page on my website and see our local MECS scheme for initial assessment and follow ups regarding sore eye lids.

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Irritant Contact Eyelid Eczema

The second known type of Eyelid Eczema is the irritant contact eyelid eczema which occurs when the skin around the eye comes in contact with an irritating substance even when you arent allergic to the substance. The most common substances that may cause irritant eyelid eczema are the makeups and eye creams you use every day. These skin care products may cause skin irritation and chronic pains or discomforts even without being allergic to their content or ingredients.

Note: Some of the substances responsible for Allergic Contact Eyelid Eczema can also cause irritant dermatitis. However, the difference between the two conditions is mostly dependent on the reaction of your immune system.

Some irritants that may cause Contact Eyelid Eczema include:

• Intensive hot or cold temperatures
• Very dry air

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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Skin Food Royal Honey 100 Hour Moisture Cream

Itchy eczema flare-ups can be one of the most uncomfortable things to deal with. But people with eczema can now rejoice as this eye cream is here to save the day. Honey, known as food for skin, is the main ingredient of this cream. Naturally hydrating, the honey ensures that the sensitive skin around your eyes is deeply nourished and hydrated. Along with honey, the cream that is safe for the eyes is also formulated with sunflower seed oil, macadamia seed oil, and aloe leaf juice powder among a host of other ingredients that lend it its hydrating properties, making it an effective moisturizing eye cream for dry skin and dark circles.

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How To Treat Eczema On The Face And Eyes

Eczema on the face is the worst type of eczema I know, Ive been there. It can destroy your confidence, as unlike eczema anywhere else on the body it can be very difficult to hide. During my worst flare-up I was having to travel to work each day and face clients in meetings whilst my eyelids were swollen and had skin flaking off them onto my eyelashes. It wasnt pretty.

My miracle cream was the Dr Organic Manuka Honey Rescue Cream. After weeks of trying what felt like every product on the market and nothing working, I was at a loss as to what to do or try next. Even my doctor was stumped because the steroid that usually worked, didnt.

The Dr Organic Cream is the only product that worked, and within a week my eyes were back to normal! Its an organic but very thick and greasy formula which is perfect for dried out eczema skin. Click here to find out more about how best to use this product to get rid of face and eye eczema.

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How Is The Diagnosis Of Allergic Eyelid Contact Dermatitis Made

Diagnosis of eyelid allergic contact dermatitis is made by identifying its characteristic features.

• An itchy rash that affects one or both eyelids
• This is most likely to occur intermittently at intervals of days to years
• Suspicion that it has been caused or aggravated by contact with an allergen .
• Patch tests to one or more suspected contact allergens are positive

Knowing the details of all substances that the skin may have been exposed to in skin care, hobbies and work are an important part of the detective work required to find the cause of a eyelid dermatitis. Patch tests should be arranged to establish or confirm the triggering allergen.

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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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What Are The Types Of Eyelid Dermatitis

Eyelid dermatitis is divided into two types: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. These names refer to what causes the swelling, scaling and itching either an allergic reaction or some sort of irritating substance. Irritant contact dermatitis makes up about 80% of contact dermatitis cases.

Soothe Atopic Dermatitis All Over

Little-known fact: Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, can occur wherever you have skin. So: anywhere. While you may typically think of it as a condition that affects your elbows, knees, back of the neck, and hands, it can pop up from scalp to tush. But dont start scratching : We have simple solutions for every sensitive area.

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Common Triggers For Eyelid Eczema

If you are suffering from eyelid eczema due to irritants, then your first step is asking yourself what might be the main cause of your eczema:

• Do my eyes itch or swell after I pet my dog, cat, etc?
• Do my eyes tear and/or itch when I use a certain type of mascara, eye shadow or eyeliner?
• Do my eyes change in appearance based on temperature?
• Have I gotten an insect bite on or near my eyelid recently?

If you are able to answer at least one of these questions, the first step is simple: AVOID THE TRIGGER.

For patients with pets where avoidance is not an option, one strategy is to keep pet dander/saliva away from the face and eyelids. Another strategy is to wash the hands immediately after direct contact or avoid direct contact. Keeping pets off the bed or sofa and anywhere you may rest your head is a good idea as well.

As stated prior, its important to avoid scratching your eyelids and periorbital areas. Scratching can introduce bacteria to the irritated skin leading to a superimposed infection. This can affect both the skin and the eye.

If you cannot identify an obvious source of your eczema, then your condition might need a little more care.