how to treat eczema around eyes

Eczema isnt a contagious condition. Keratitis is the medical term for an inflamed cornea. Eyelid dermatitis can be painful. Doctors may also prescribe topical calcineurin inhibitors. In most cases, effective treatments should reduce the eczema in 2 to 8 weeks. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be used undiluted, especially around sensitive areas such as the eyes. If your eyelid eczema does not settle with first-line eczema flare treatments, you should ask for a referral to a dermatologist to discuss possible allergic contact dermatitis, especially if the eczema is confined to your eyelids. Some older people may also face a higher risk because of thinner skin and slower wound healing. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You may feel like your eyes are irritated, or like there is something inside that you need to remove or rub away. People with eczema on the face often experience eczema on the eyelids, also known as atopic dermatitis. Look for cleansers that say "gentle" and "fragrance-free.". If the condition persists, it can cause the eyelids to thicken. When discussing eczema around your eyes, there are three noteworthy types of eczema: . Seborrhoeic dermatitis affects the face, scalp, ears and eyebrows as well as the eyelids. You may want to start with home-based treatments for your eczema. Some of these triggers can include: Your eyes may react to a substance youve been exposed to before. They include: Also called conjunctivitis, this is the inflammation of the thin tissue covering the white parts of the eyes. They require a prescription. What Does it Feel Like? Many medications can cause a skin reaction. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By Aubrey Bailey, PT, DPT, CHT Treatment may include the application of low concentrations of hydrocortisone ointment, which may be available over the counter or require a prescription. Most people treat their eye eczema with one of three products; lotion, cortisone cream, or Vaseline. Having eczema around your eyes can increase your risk for other eye diseases like conjunctivitis (pink eye). It is common for TCIs to produce a burning and stinging sensation when first applied, but this usually subsides within a week. Is coconut oil good for eczema? Scratched skin that is raw, swollen, and sensitive Red, gray, or brown patches Note: Eczema should never be self-diagnosed because it can resemble multiple skin conditions. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. This skin condition most often shows up in babies and children. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Scratching can also cause you to lose part of your eyebrows and eyelashes. Summary Several types of dermatitis can produce eczema on the eyes and on the eyelids. It's also good to limit makeup, use gloves when cleaning, lower stress, and eliminate foods that worsen your symptoms. Allergic conjunctivitis that lasts throughout the year is less common, but can be caused by sensitivity to a wide variety of substances, including house dust mites and animal dander. But in your eye area? Eczema is often characterized by flare-ups and remissions. Some topical treatments are available over the counter, but others require a prescription. As that name implies, it's a skin condition caused by your eyelids coming into contact with something a substance or physical trigger that you're allergic to or irritated by. What is the fastest way to get rid of eyelid dermatitis? The patches stay in place for up to 48 hours. All rights reserved. Fortunately, blepharitis does not cause any permanent visual problems. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when your skin has a negative reaction to something that touches it, such as soap or a cosmetic product. This makes it prone to both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. The cause is usually not known, but it can be caused by a reaction to the bacteria which live naturally on the eyelid skin. Write about what makes you worried or excited, and think about what you can do to reduce the stress of that event. Some symptoms of eczema around the eyes include: People with atopic dermatitis could develop scaly patches and an extra fold of skin under their eyes. He is a clinical professor at the University of Colorado in Denver, and co-founder and practicing dermatologist at the Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology in Colorado. Eye problems can be a fact of life for anyone living with atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common type of eczema. Seven common allergen groups causing eyelid dermatitis: Education and avoidance strategies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Some of the common types of dermatitis affecting the eye area include atopic, contact, and seborrheic. Kelly Burch is a freelance journalist who has covered health topics for more than 10 years. Working with healthcare providers, including dermatologists and ophthalmologists can help you manage day-to-day symptoms and prevent more serious side effects like permanent vision changes. An allergist can also lightly scratch your skin with tiny needles that have been exposed to different allergens. First used for the treatment of eczema and other skin conditions in the 1950s, the tried-and-true anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties of . You can have both eczema and pimples. When it detaches, it pulls away from the blood vessels that support it. This article has been viewed 611,876 times. It is related to environmental allergies, hay fever, and asthma, meaning that if you develop one of these conditions, you are more likely to develop the other conditions. Hydrocortisone is one of those things. (n.d.). The face and eye area can be especially problematic because so many products are applied in this area, particularly on women. Seborrhoeic dermatitis & cradle cap in infants, Atopic Eczema Systemic Therapy Register (A-STAR), Eczema Mindlines helping parents and children manage eczema better, Global Patient Initiative to Improve Care (GPIIEC), Your Feedback Compliments and Complaints. Your healthcare provider will examine your eyes, ask questions about your symptoms, and take your medical history. Don't use honey, oils, or any other natural product on your eyelids without talking about it with your healthcare provider. About atopic eczema. These conditions can return in adulthood, usually between ages 30 and 60. Hold it on your face over the affected area for about 5 minutes. Other ingredients may be causing your symptoms. You've come to the right place. National Eczema Society. Contact dermatitis Contact dermatitis of the eyelids may be either allergic or irritant in origin. However, no matter how old you are, you can end up with a flare-up of atopic dermatitis around your eyes, and you need a way to treat it. Eczema around the eyes is most common on the eyelids. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and more. Additionally, some people have a genetic hypersensitivity to the environment, making them more likely to react to irritants. Investigating the power of music for dementia. Eczema Around the Eyes: Treatment and More - Healthline Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. They may also ask about any products you use on your skin. It is often swollen and greasy with a white or yellowish crust. Skip soaps that are antibacterial, as they can dry out your skin. Procedure Overview LASIK LASIK Contoura Vision LASIK PRK EVO ICL (Implantable Lens) SMILE Vision Correction Cataract Surgery Comprehensive Ophthalmology Lenses Lifestyle Lenses Vivity Extended Vision IOL Keratoconus Treatments Cross-Linking INTACS Corneal Implants Oculoplastic Cosmetic Treatments Cosmetic Treatments Blepharoplasty ", and her mom as her adviser) are going through! All rights reserved. Cleve Clin J Med. Eczema eyes have an appearance that changes from person to person, but it can include: For many people, eczema around the eyes is very itchy. You can take steps to lower stress, which has been known to make flares worse. National Eczema Society. American Academy of Dermatology Association. By Kelly Burch Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. This causes discoloration, itching, and swelling. You may need a specialist, such as a dermatologist or an allergist, to find the underlying cause. It has a barrier to block allergens or foreign substances from entering, but in some people, this may be impaired. You can clean your eyelids daily and avoid using products with harsh ingredients to lower your risk daily. For instance, a person with contact dermatitis may be told to identify and remove triggers from their daily routine. Some forms of eczema, such as contact eczema, will likely improve after several weeks of treatment. Treatments around the eye should be performed with caution. Remember that the allergen does not need to come into contact with the affected skin. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and more. Adults with eczema should watch for eye problems. Common types include focal, contact, and seborrheic dermatitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually seasonal typically, it is worse in the spring and summer months when allergy to grasses, pollens and some plant fragrances can lead to itching and streaming eyes. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy skin. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. If blepharitis becomes very sore and infected, you will need to see your healthcare professional and may need antibiotic eye drops or tablets. If you're breastfeeding a child with eczema, you should avoid tree nuts, as you can pass them to your child. Seven common allergen groups causing eyelid dermatitis: Education and avoidance strategies. What Is Lichenification and How Can I Treat It? This is usually in response to something that triggers an allergy. These include: Allergies or environmental sensitivities can cause eczema around the eyes. Early diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus can minimize the potential vision loss. How long does it take for eyelid eczema to go away? As they lower them, have them make extended sounds such as hissing or buzzing. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. In some cases, you may be referred to a dermatologist or allergist. The treatment for allergic conjunctivitis is to avoid the plants, flowers and pollens that trigger the condition as much as possible and, if necessary, to also use drops that desensitise the eyes. Eczema Around the Eyes| National Eczema Society Factors that can contribute to dermatitis include family history, the environment, allergies, or foreign substances, such as makeup or moisturizers. Try conscious breathing to calm yourself. Rubbing and scratching your eyelids can create small wounds. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. While both conditions can cause symptoms of itchiness . Wash your face with an unscented, gentle cleanser. Getting an early diagnosis and treatment protects the eyes and prevents vision loss. They will also ask about a persons symptoms and medical history. Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the eyelids tends to affect just the eyelid margins and is seen more frequently in adults. Your eyes are a sensitive and vulnerable part of your body. Consider eliminating products like makeup or hair dye and reintroducing them one by one to see if any of them is causing your eczema. Technically, eczema refers to atopic dermatitis, a common form of dermatitis. Eye eczema treatment | How to soothe itchy, flaky skin around the eyes Eyelid eczema is common in adults with eczema elsewhere on the face. This article discusses eyelid dermatitis, including its symptoms, types, and causes. Allergic reactions are more likely to occur the longer you have been using a product, and can be localised or more widespread. The most important treatment is lid hygiene. "My child is struggling with this right now. How to Treat Eyelid Eczema, According to Dermatologists Eczema on your body is not pleasant. Work to identify your triggers by journaling when you experience flare ups. You may also need one or more tests. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. (2020). Enjoy! You can also try taking an antihistamine, but make sure to take it at night since it can cause drowsiness. Early intervention is key to preventing vision loss from conditions like an inflamed cornea or keratonconus. 1 Understand the basics. Last medically reviewed on August 25, 2021, Eczema is a condition that causes inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough skin. People who have eczema are at higher risk for some eye diseases, including: If you experience any changes to your vision, increased sensitivity to light, or new sensations in your eyes, its best to reach out to your healthcare provider. Direct contact triggers may include exposure to the following products: Indirect contact refers to contact through an individuals own hands. The eyelid skin is particularly thin and fragile, making it prone to rash, especially in the creases of the eyes. Your primary care doctor may be the first person to diagnose your condition. In both cases, topical medications can ease symptoms and treat infections. Seborrheic dermatitis of the eye usually affects only the eyelid margins. This involves using a warm compress and gentle eyelid massage to soften and unblock the oil glands of the eyelid, and gently cleansing the edges of the eyelids with warm water. The itchy, inflamed, dry, scaling skin of eyelid eczema is particularly problematic for all ages as the skin here is very thin and sensitive. Living with eczema can be challenging, especially when it appears on your face and affects your appearance. When dermatitis and/or eczema occurs in the eye area, it can cause various symptoms. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Discover potential benefits and uses. National Eczema Association. Don't spent too much time in hot weather; the heat can easily irritate your skin and cause more inflammation. However, if you're having trouble sleeping because of your eczema, an antihistamine that caused drowsiness can be helpful to take at night. This is because the eyelid skin is very thin and delicate. The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye. You can then target treatments to your symptoms for faster relief. Treatment will vary depending on the type of dermatitis a person has. I can't wait to try and see if it helps. If people in your family have skin conditions or allergies like these, you are more likely to have them. My eczema is right in the corner of my eyes and I worry about the Protopic medication getting in my eyes, as all the literature says to avoid this. If you're exposed to certain substances over and over, immune cells "remember" them. Using this test, an allergist can tell which substances are causing the reaction. The most common type is atopic dermatitis. Because of that, its often tricky to find the cause of eczema around the eyes. It can be caused by a bacterial infection, eyelash mites, medication side effects, and more. Diagnosing eczema doesnt require any lab tests. Lichenification is when your skin becomes thick and leathery as a result of constant scratching. The potency of the cream will be low because the skin around your eyes is fragile compared to other parts of your body. There are a number of conditions and types of eczema that affect the eye and the eye area. This article covers how to treat and prevent eye eczema, provides information on the different types of eczema, and explores how eczema can lead to eye problems if not treated properly. Other symptoms of the condition, such as redness, itching, swelling, oozing, or crusting, can be caused by a reaction to an allergen or irritant. 2014;2014:354250. doi:10.1155/2014/354250. These include "contact dermatitis," a skin reaction to an allergen or harsh substance, but eczema around the eyes is usually "atopic" dermatitis, meaning the skin reacted without any direct contact. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Treat-Eczema-Around-the-Eyes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Eczema-Around-the-Eyes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Treat-Eczema-Around-the-Eyes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid4734242-v4-728px-Treat-Eczema-Around-the-Eyes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"