What To Put On Eczema Under Eyes

Can Eczema Cause Blindness

Eczema cant directly cause blindness. However, having eczema around your eyes increases your risk of eye conditions which can lead to blindness.

This risk increases the longer your eye eczema is left untreated. If youre experiencing an eczema flare-up around your eyes and start having vision problems you should consult your doctor ASAP.

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Gentle Soaps And Detergents

Laundry detergent can contain harsh chemicals that aggravate eczema.

Many body washes and cleansers contain detergents, which help provide a soapy lather. Detergents and other lathering agents can dry out the skin, especially in people with eczema.

Bar soaps can also be harsh on the skin because of their alkalinity.

Try using a gentle, no-lather, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid products with rough particles for scrubbing or exfoliating, as these can further irritate the skin.

Many people with eczema also find that switching to a more gentle, fragrance- or color-free laundry detergent can help improve symptoms.

Additionally, try skipping fabric softener, which lingers on clothes and often contains fragrances and chemicals that can irritate the skin.

Sitting next to a fireplace or near a furnace may feel good, but it can worsen eczema symptoms. The hot, dry air can dehydrate the skin and aggravate the itchiness of eczema.

Use a humidifier during the dry winter months and avoid getting too close to heaters and fireplaces.

Tips For Treating Eye Eczema

Laura Dolgy

Similarly to eyelid eczema, many people suffer from eczema around the eye. Because the area around the eye is more sensitive and thinner than other parts of the face, it can be a little difficult to find a treatment that is both natural and sensitive enough to use on the eyes.

Today we hope to make it much easier for you. Read on to learn 5 tips on how you can heal eczema around the eye naturally and safely.

Please keep in mind that although these treatments can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If youre experiencing severe eczema symptoms like fever or an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.

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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.

How To Use Emollients

Use your emollient all the time, even if you’re not experiencing symptoms.

Many people find it helpful to keep separate supplies of emollients at work or school, or a tub in the bathroom and one in a living area.

To apply the emollient:

• use a large amount
• do not rub it in smooth it into the skin in the same direction the hair grows
• after a bath or shower, gently pat the skin dry and apply the emollient while the skin is still moist to keep the moisture in

You should use an emollient at least twice a day if you can, or more often if you have very dry skin.

During a flare-up, apply generous amounts of emollient more frequently, but remember to treat inflamed skin with a topical corticosteroid as emollients used on their own are not enough to control it.

Do not put your fingers into an emollient pot use a spoon or pump dispenser instead, as this reduces the risk of infection. And never share your emollient with other people.

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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 .

Prescription Treatments For Eczema Near Your Eyes

If home remedies and OTC medication dont do the job, your doctor can prescribe more intensive treatment. Severe and recurring eczema will probably require some kind of prescription medication.

Your eyes are pretty sensitive. This may limit the treatments your doc can offer because they want to protect your eyes condition from becoming more severe. Prescription eczema treatments that are safe to use near your eyes include:

• topical and oral corticosteroids

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Treatment For Eye Complications Linked To Eczema

There are many creams and ointments for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, ranging from over-the-counter preparations to prescription corticosteroid creams, Seitzman says.

Never use any of these on the eye area without consulting a doctor, because, as research published in 2017 in the Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice suggests, the use of topical steroids may be associated with glaucoma, probably from the cream seeping into the eyes.

In some cases, your doctor or dermatologist may recommend treatment by an ophthalmologist.

Anytime inflamed eyes and eyelids are associated with decreased vision, an ophthalmologist should be brought in as part of the evaluation team, Seitzman says. When steroids are used around and in the eyes, it is very important for an ophthalmologist to follow along so that eye pressure can be monitored. Steroids can affect the eyes in several ways, and monitoring for these side effects requires specialized tools to measure and visualize eye health.

Ultimately, while eczema of the skin around the eyes can be challenging to control, with proper treatment it can be managed and you can protect your vision.

Medicine Used To Reduce Skin Inflammation Around Eyes Causes By Eczema

Your doctor might advise medication to lower the underlying inflammation triggering eczema around your eyes. A steroid lotion or cream, such as hydrocortisone, is frequently the first option for eczema on your eyes and eczema on hands as well. If your eyelids are included, your doctor might recommend steroid eye drops also. Although steroid medicines are normally efficient, side effects can accompany long-lasting use. If side effects are a concern or your eczema does not improve, your doctor may suggest another type of anti-inflammatory medication for your skin, such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus . These medications are not approved for children below age 2. Your doctor may suggest other prescription creams, ointments, oral medications or eye drops to manage your eczema.

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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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What Are The Possible Complications Of Eyelid Eczema

The more severe your eyelid eczema, the more likely it is that you might experience other eye problems, the AAD says. The organization specifically highlights three eye conditions that people with eyelid eczema should have on their radar: pink eye, keratitis, and keratoconus.

Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, happens when your conjunctiva becomes inflamed. Pink eye can cause bloodshot eyes, itching, tearing, a gritty feeling, and crustiness, the Mayo Clinic says.

Keratitis is an inflammation of your cornea that may cause eye pain, sensitivity to light, redness, a feeling that something is in your eye, excessive tearing or other discharge, and blurry vision, among other symptoms.

Finally, keratoconus is when your cornea changes from its usual round shape into a bulging cone shape instead, creating blurry or otherwise distorted vision, sensitivity to light and glare, a need to change your eyewear prescription too frequently, and cloudy vision13.

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These issues could also be tied to using those too-harsh medications that thin out your skin, Dr. Silverberg says. Scratching and rubbing that extra-thin skin can create tiny tears or irritate your eyes, making you more vulnerable to infection and inflammation that may present as pink eye or keratitis. That rubbing can also change the shape of your cornea, leading to keratoconus, the AAD says.

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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.

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What Is Eyelid Contact Dermatitis

Eyelid contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction involving the eyelid skin that is caused by contact with a trigger substance. It may be due to allergy or irritation . Eyelid dermatitis is also called eyelid eczema.

Upper, lower or both eyelids on one or both sides can be affected by contact dermatitis. The patient may report itching, stinging or burning, and the lids are red and scaly. They may swell. With persistence of the dermatitis, the eyelids become thickened with increased skin markings . The eyelid margins may become involved . The appearance is similar, whatever the cause.

The thin skin of the eyelids is particularly sensitive to irritants and allergens and is thus prone to develop contact dermatitis. Contact with the same trigger may not lead to a rash on other areas of skin.

Eyelid contact dermatitis

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Adults With Eczema Should Watch For Eye Problems

Eczema or psoriasis? Managing eczema in summertimeNickel allergySevere atopic dermatitis

Eye problems can be a fact of life for anyone living with atopic dermatitis , the most common type of eczema. AD can develop on your eyelids and around your eyes, causing itchy skin and red, swollen eyes.

If your eyes have felt this way for some time, you may pay little attention to eye problems. You should. Treatment can help you feel more comfortable, and possibly save your eyesight.

Early diagnosis

Found early and treated, most eye problems linked to atopic dermatitis can be successfully treated.

What To Consider When Shopping For An Eczema

The first step in finding the right eye cream for you is understanding how this form of atopic dermatitis crept into your eyelids in the first place. “People with eczema on the eyelids are usually people that are very allergic and have a family or personal history of seasonal allergies,” Dr. Jaliman tells Bustle. For that reason, an eye cream that’s free of fragrance, dyes, and other known allergens is a must to calm red, itchy, or flaky skin. For the most severe cases of itch, look for products housed in airtight packaging to prevent bacteria and allergens from getting inside.

Another thing to remember with eczema is that it’s typically the result of your skin barrier’s inability to retain moisture. So a cream that’s formulated with ingredients that work to reinforce your barrier’s ability to lock in moisture, like niacinamide or ceramides, will be the most adept at combatting dryness. In addition, niacinamide is excellent for calming inflamed skin and reducing redness.

Now that you know what to look for in a remedy for the irritation around your eyes, you’ll be sure to find relief with one of the best creams for eyelid eczema, below.

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How Is Atopic Dermatitis Treated In A Child

Treatment will depend on your childs symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. There is no cure for atopic dermatitis. The goals of treatment are to ease itching and inflammation, add moisture, and prevent infection.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis includes:

• Staying away from irritants, as advised by your child’s healthcare provider

• Bathing with a gentle cleaner or body wash advised by the healthcare provider

• Keeping your child’s fingernails short, to help prevent scratching that can cause skin irritation and infection

• Using moisturizing lotion advised by the healthcare provider

Your child’s healthcare provider may also prescribe medicines. They may be used alone or together. The following are most commonly used to treat atopic dermatitis:

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.
• 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

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What Is Perioculardermatitis

Periocular dermatitis is a localised form of periorificial dermatitis. It is characterised by small red scalypapules and pustules located around the eye .

Periorificial dermatitis includes perioral dermatitis or periocular dermatitis alone, or in association.

• Perioral dermatitis describes an eruption around the mouth and nose.
• Periocular dermatitis is confined to the skin around the eyes .

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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Types Of Eczema Treatment Around The Eyes

There are three main types of eczema treatment around the eyes: corticosteroids, moisturizers, and Calcineurin inhibitors.

Using moisturizing creams may be great for relieving itching and dryness. And there are several options available both with and without a prescription. When the signs of eczema around the eyes are mild, this may be one of the most effective treatments.

When inflammation occurs around the eyes, in this case, you may use calcineurin inhibitors. This can be taken as tablets or applied as a cream to the affected area.

Furthermore, Corticosteroids can be used for both redness and inflammation. However, corticosteroid tablets only reserved that situation when side effects can be severe, including osteoporosis and diabetes.