What Can You Put On Eczema On Eyelids

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.

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.

Symptoms Of Eyelid Eczema

If youve had eczema elsewhere on your body, you may wonder if your red, irritated eyes are caused by eczema. Common symptoms of eczema on the eyelids include:

The symptoms of eyelid eczema can mimic those of other conditions, so its important to see an eye doctor for proper assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

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Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Eczema is not a contagious condition. There is also no cure for it.

There are many treatment options that can help to manage eczema breakouts, reducing their severity and frequency. Eczema treatment is focused on repairing damaged skin and alleviating uncomfortable symptoms.

Current treatment options include:

• Topical corticosteroid creams and ointments. Anti-inflammatory creams target skin itchiness and inflammation.
• Systemic corticosteroids. Prescription corticosteroids can be swallowed or injected when topical creams are not effective enough.
• Antibiotics. These are prescribed when a bacterial skin infection is also present.
• Antifungal/antiviral medications. These are used to treat fungal or viral infections related to eczema.
• Antihistamines. These reduce itchiness and improve sleep.
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors. These are used to decrease inflammation of the immune system that is causing flareups.
• Skin barrier-repairing moisturizers. These help to keep moisture in and repair the skin.
• . Ultraviolet A or B light waves can be used to treat moderate eczema.
• Wet wrap therapy. This treatment is used for severe eczema. Three lukewarm baths per day are given, followed by the application of topical medications and moisturizers. The skin is then wrapped in wet gauze.

Eyelid Psoriasis Vs Eczema

Eyelid psoriasis may resemble eyelid eczema due to similar symptoms of redness and scaly skin. However, these are two different conditions that can both occur on the eyelids.

Psoriasis is a disease that doctors believe is caused by an immune system problem that leads to red, scaly, patchy skin on some parts of the body. While genetics may be a contributing factor, it’s not known exactly what causes psoriasis on the eyelids or elsewhere on the body. However, it is rare to get psoriasis around the eyes. If you think you may have eyelid psoriasis, it’s important to visit an eye doctor.

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Eczema Your Eyes And The Covid

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some doctors are noticing an increase in eczema around the face and eyes in their patients.

One possible reason could be that with increased contact of numerous types of fabric to the skin, this population with increased incidence of contact dermatitis could be reacting to the mask materials, says Gerami Seitzman, MD, an ophthalmologist and the medical director of the Francis I. Proctor Foundation for Research in Ophthalmology at UCSF Health in California, who has observed this trend during the pandemic.

Increased use of hand sanitizers and soaps can also worsen skin irritation, Dr. Seitzman adds.

Lastly, in colder climates, parts of the skin exposed to cold, dry outdoor air can dry the skin of its natural moisture, so it is possible with the face covered, more of the inclement conditions affect the skin around the eyes, she says.

See your doctor as soon as you notice any eczema eye complications, to prevent vision trouble.

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Keeping Eyes Safe From Eczema

Notify your doctor as soon as symptoms begin, says Dr. Kormeili. Be prepared for the doctor to examine your eyes, and ask when the symptoms began and if anything in particular may have caused the flare-up.

Often, but not always, people with eczema have known triggers to their flares, Seitzman says. Sometimes the trigger can be certain seasons or sometimes certain chemicals or other irritants. It is good to avoid contact with known triggering agents. Sometimes specialized patch testing can help reveal which triggers to avoid.

Dr. Rieder also advises keeping skin clean and moisturized. Cleanse with hydrating cleansers, and moisturize with hypoallergenic ointments or creams around the eyes regularly, he says.

Its important to avoid rubbing and scratching the area to reduce the chance of skin infections and eye problems, Seitzman says. Keep fingernails short to prevent extra damage if scratching does occur.

“Cool compresses are good tools to minimize the itching sensation, Seitzman adds. Antihistamine drops are good to minimize ocular itching.

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Why Do My Eyelids Itch And Burn

Allergies, infections, and even lack of sleep can cause your eyelids to itch. Itchy eyelids are commonly associated with other symptoms like redness, swelling, a gritty feeling in the eye, irritation, lumps or bumps, increased tear production, or discharge. Allergies are the most common cause of itchy eyelids.

Why Is It So Important To Moisturize After A Bath Or Shower

Water is an effective way to put moisture back into the skin, but only if you use lukewarm water, avoid scrubbing and apply a moisturizer within three minutes after bathing or showering. This last step very important if you dont moisturize immediately afterward, the moisture your skin needs will evaporate and may cause a rebound effect making the skin even more dry.

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What Causes Eye Complications Tied To Eczema

Compared with the general population, people with atopic dermatitis are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases, according to a study published in the August 2017 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Additionally, individuals with severe eczema were more likely to have eye complications than those with mild atopic dermatitis.

The reason for this lies in the very nature of this skin condition. People with eczema often are atopic, meaning they have a tendency to be allergic to many substances, explains Seitzman. When the delicate lining on the surface of the eye responds to numerous allergens, the eye itself can become red and inflamed.

Whats more, patients with eczema are more prone to infections in and around the eyes, Seitzman says. When eyes itch severely, some people rub their eyes repeatedly and aggressively, she says. This constant eye rubbing can also cause eye damage.

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How To Remedy Eczema On Your Eyelids

When most people think of eczema, they think of an itchy, red, skin rash on the arms, legs, or even on the face and scalp. What you may not realize is that for the nearly 32% of Americans who deal with eczema also called ectopic dermatitis its possible to get eczema on your eyelids. Eyelid dermatitis is a common condition.

Here at Specialists in Dermatology in Tucson, Arizona, our expert dermatology team diagnoses and treats all kinds of skin conditions, including eczema and eyelid dermatitis. If your eyes are itchy and swollen, or you have a rash on your eyelid, heres what you can do to remedy it.

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Eczema Eye Complications: How To Protect Your Vision

Eye complications of eczema require prompt treatment. Learn about how to spot signs of trouble and ways to find relief.

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.

How To Treat Eyelid Eczema

Steroids are an important tool for treating eczema. There is much bad press about steroids but it can be a very helpful tool to help control eczema flare-ups. The important thing to remember is that continuous, long term use of topical steroids is not good. It should rather be used as a tool to help control eczema and the inflammation process before it takes over.

With that said, a mild steroid such as hydrocortisone 1% cream is a good place to start. This is readily available over the counter. Again, discuss with your doctor before using this.

And I cannot emphasize this enough but please make sure you use a good moisturizer after applying the steroid cream. The best time to use steroids and moisturizer is within 3 minutes after a bath when the skin is hydrated.

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What Can Be The Common Culprits For Eyelid Eczema

Makeup and Cosmetics: Women are obsessed with a makeup. The chemical compounds in cosmetics may irritate and initiate an irritant reaction of the eyelids. Few of the common sources from the eye makeup include:

• Mascara
• Eyelash curler
• Kohl

Makeup brushes and these applicators can be the main cause for eczema flare-ups. The bristles of the brushes can be made of synthetic materials or animal fur that can initiate an allergic reaction.

Few of the cosmetics those possess metals like lead, nickel, cobalt, and chromium can cause the skin condition making it worse. These are mainly the allergic metals found in mascara, eyebrow pencils and more eye makeup products.

Nails: Yes, not to forget that you are in a direct contact with the allergens through your nails. It can be seen that many people subconsciously touch their eyes throughout the day, bite their nails and this can turn out to be a major cause as well. Eyelid eczema result from simply rubbing or touching the eyes even if a reaction on the fingers, nails or hands are not present.

Exposure to Chemicals: The use of chemical compounds can be found in approximately many daily needs products like cleaners, laundry, air fresheners, skin care products, perfumes, and more. These contain chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction when comes in a direct contact to your skin. The potential triggers like airborne chemicals may trigger your eyelids giving you eczema rashes. Most common chemical exposure include:

• Soaps

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

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An Eye For Warning Signs Can Save Your Eyesight

If you have AD, its important to play close attention to your eyes. When an eye problem lasts more than a few days, make an appointment to see your dermatologist or eye doctor.

You should also have eye exams as often as your eye doctor recommends. Ophthalmologists are the experts at diagnosing eye disease. Caught early, the eye diseases linked to AD are highly treatable.

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ReferencesHeiting G. Eye problems and diseases. AllAboutVision.com. Website last accessed January 31, 2018.

Leung DYM, Eichenfield LF, et al. Atopic dermatitis. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatricks dermatology in general medicine. McGraw Hill Medical, USA, 2008:152.

Thyssen JP, Toft PB, et al. Incidence, prevalence, and risk of selected ocular disease in adults with atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 77:280-6.

All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology

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 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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Refresh and protect your face with nourishing natural ingredients. In terms of stress, everyone deserves pampering. Eczema Honey Soothing Face Cream gently moisturizes and gives your face relaxing care. Enjoy comfort that cools you down and protects your skin. We combined aloe vera juice with blueberry, green tea, and kelp extract to restore essential nutrients and retain moisture to keep your face hydrated. We honored the power of honey and rosehip seed oil to help with fine lines and scarring to allow for cell regeneration.

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Other Types Of Eczema

Eczema is the name for a group of skin conditions that cause dry, irritated skin.

Other types of eczema include:

• discoid eczema a type of eczema that occurs in circular or oval patches on the skin
• contact dermatitis a type of eczema that occurs when the body comes into contact with a particular substance
• varicose eczema a type of eczema that most often affects the lower legs and is caused by problems with the flow of blood through the leg veins
• seborrhoeic eczema a type of eczema where red, scaly patches develop on the sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears and scalp
• dyshidrotic eczema a type of eczema that causes tiny blisters to erupt across the palms of the hands

Page last reviewed: 05 December 2019 Next review due: 05 December 2022

When Vaseline Is Good For Eczema

Vaseline is great for the 1st type of eczema I described above. Depending on the severity of my eczema Ive often turned to Vaseline to reduce my dry skin. Theres no doubt Vaseline helps seal in moisture and keeps skin supple.

Another characteristic I like about Vaseline is it lasts all day.

People with severe eczema often need to apply lotion multiple times throughout the day. If I use regular lotion I need to apply it a few times, however, Vaseline applies thick and doesnt absorb into the skin.

Below are a few reasons why Vaseline is good for eczema.

• Lasts 6-12 hours
• Creates a seal by adding a protective layer on top of the skin
• Fragrance-free
• Good for scratches that have scabbed and are healing
• Reduces dry flaky skin better than lotions
• Perfect for dry skin on long flights

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