Red, itchy, irritated eyelids can be hard to ignore. One day your skin may feel completely normal, and the next you may notice burning, flaking, swelling, or dryness around the eyes. However, for most individuals, eczema in the area around the eyes will manifest gradually and eventually become a problem for them. This can be because of a variety of factors, such as using makeup, trying out new skincare products, having allergies due to the season, or simply feeling stressed. Due to the sensitivity of the skin around the eyes compared to other areas of the face, there is an increased likelihood of inflammation in this region.
Common disorders that affect this area include eye eczema, eyelid eczema, and eyelid dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is another condition that is common among those who have eye eczema disorders. The good news is that eye eczema can be successfully treated through proper skin care practices, knowing what triggers it, and taking care of the skin barrier. Reducing irritation from dryness is key when dealing with this problem. Here is everything you need to know about eyelid eczema.
Understanding Eczema Around the Eyes
Eczema of the eyes refers to a condition whereby the eyes’ delicate skin becomes inflamed, leading to symptoms such as redness, itching, flaking, a burning sensation, dryness, swelling, and tightness following contact with allergens or irritants. The condition often arises due to the degradation of the skin barrier, leaving it easily irritated, prone to dryness, and susceptible to infections.
In some individuals, the condition occurs sporadically, while others develop the condition persistently. This condition may be caused by factors such as allergies, genetics, and immune disorders. Something that many people do not realize is that not every case of eyelid irritation is simply dry skin or an allergy. Persistent irritation may actually be eyelid dermatitis or early-stage eczema, which needs proper care and long-term barrier support.
The skin around your eyes is nearly four times thinner than the skin on much of your face. As a result, it loses moisture quickly and reacts more easily to irritants. Even small quantities of fragrances, residual makeup, or chemicals from cleaning agents are enough to irritate.
Compared to other parts of the body’s surface, there are fewer sebaceous glands on the eyelids, which leads to a higher risk of dryness. The condition will be even more likely due to dryness and sensitivity caused by allergic reactions. Irritation may also be caused by touching the eyes. This is where regular skin barrier repair becomes especially important.
Atopic Dermatitis Around the Eyes: A Common Type of Eye Eczema
Eye eczema may also be atopic dermatitis. It is said that atopic dermatitis is commonly associated with allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever. Individuals with a history of having eczema in their family tend to suffer from atopic dermatitis more frequently. The disease appears to come and go at different times in one’s lifetime.
Common symptoms of atopic dermatitis around the eyes include:
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
- Flaky skin
- Irritation around the eyelids
- Burning sensation
- Dry, painful eyes
In severe cases, eczema on the eyelids can cause the skin to crack and thicken because of frequent rubbing and scratching. Symptoms often become worse after using fragranced makeup or skincare products. In some cases, the skin around the eyes may look tired or puffy even after a full night’s sleep.
The following factors may increase the risk of atopic dermatitis around the eyes:
- Family history of eczema
- Asthma or allergies
- Damaged skin barrier
- Dry skin
- Skin irritants
- Sensitive skin
Because children’s and babies’ skin barriers are still developing, they are especially prone to this problem. That is why people sometimes refer to it as "baby eye eczema" or "baby eczema eyes."
Symptoms of Eczema Around the Eyes
Itchiness and Burning
Itchiness and burning are common early signs of eczema around the eyes. Many people notice that the itching, burning, and irritation worsen as the day goes on. While scratching may seem to provide immediate relief, it only ends up exacerbating eczema through increased inflammation due to skin damage.
Dry, Flaky Eyelids
Eyelid eczema can be observed by peeling of the skin of the eyelids. If this condition becomes chronic, the skin may start cracking, causing pain, mostly when there is a cold or due to an allergy attack. Eyelid eczema may manifest itself as flakes on the skin that cannot easily be concealed with makeup, since applying makeup on irritated skin will worsen your symptoms. A moisturizer intended for sensitive skin might be helpful. A moisturizer intended for sensitive skin might be helpful.
Redness and Swelling
Redness and swelling occur due to the inflammatory processes that take place around the eyes. Eyelids may be puffy and irritated; sometimes it happens because of an allergic attack or lack of sleep. One might experience changes in their skin color caused by constant rubbing and inflammation.
Watery or Sensitive Eyes
Excessive watering of the eyes, sensitivity to light, or inability to wear contact lenses are some more symptoms of eyelid eczema. Although they look similar to those of an allergic reaction, prolonged irritation accompanied by peeling of the skin is likely to indicate that you have eyelid dermatitis.
Thickened Skin from Scratching
Frequent itching and scratching may result in thickening of the eyelid skin. It is called lichenification and is a common sign of chronic eyelid eczema flare-ups.
Causes of Eczema Around Eyes
Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction is one of the top reasons why people experience eczema around their eyes. Make-up, perfumes, nail polish, shampoo, and even skin care products can irritate. Sometimes, even natural products that are meant to help the skin can aggravate itchiness when they contain essential oils or harsh preservatives.
Environmental Triggers
Environmental irritants can easily worsen eye eczema. They include:
- Pollen
- Dust
- Smoke
- Air pollution
- Dry weather
- Humidity variations
Seasonal allergies can significantly worsen eczema around the eyes.
Skin Barrier Dysfunction
A weakened skin barrier is one of the main reasons why eczema develops. When the skin loses too much moisture, irritation and inflammation become more likely. Keeping the skin hydrated can help strengthen the barrier and reduce flare-ups. Products containing substances such as colloidal oatmeal and shea butter can be helpful.
Stress and Hormonal Changes
In many cases, stress is one factor that may cause the occurrence of eczema on the eyelids. This is because stress contributes to increased inflammation within the body. Hormonal changes may also trigger flare-ups in some people.
Genetics and Immune Response
People with eczema usually have an inherited predisposition towards poor skin barriers and enhanced immune system reactions. This is the reason why ailments such as atopic dermatitis and eye conditions commonly have a familial predisposition.
Contact Dermatitis vs. Atopic Dermatitis
Both conditions are similar but not the same. Contact dermatitis of the eyelids occurs due to a contact reaction to specific irritants. Atopic dermatitis of the eyes is related more to chronic immune problems and genetics than contact reactions.
Itchy Skin Around Eyes: Common Triggers You Should Know
People with itchy skin around their eyes may notice that certain daily habits make symptoms worse.
Some common causes of itchy skin around eyes include:
- Removing makeup
- Products with retinoids
- Exfoliation procedures
- Fragranced face washes
- Eye rubbing
- Taking hot showers
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Allergies
- Toxic air
In many cases, individuals with under-eye eczema experience exacerbations after applying various skincare products simultaneously. Washing the face too often can strip away natural oils and increase dryness. This is why doctors recommend sticking to minimalistic routines.
Baby Eye Eczema: Symptoms in Infants and Toddlers
Baby eye eczema often appears as red, flaky, or itchy skin around the eyelids and under-eye area. Babies often rub their eyes repeatedly because the irritation feels itchy and uncomfortable.
Babies suffering from baby eczema eyes are likely to have the following:
- Cheek eczema
- Dryness
- Insomnia
- Fussiness
- Irritation from drooling
Common Triggers in Babies
Triggers that often cause baby eczema in eyes are the following:
- Scented wipes
- Strong soaps
- Overheating
- Exposure to saliva
- Detergent
- Dry air
Parents need to choose products for babies that are made for sensitive skin. There are barrier support creams available that contain soothing ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal.
Eczema Eyes in Children
Eczema around the eyes in older children is associated with the issue of itching while at school, outside, or during allergy seasons. Itching and scratching can make the situation worse by aggravating eczema under the eyes and increasing the thickening of the skin in this area.
Sometimes, eczema may interfere with the concentration and sleeping ability of children. Children with asthma, allergies, or eczema are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis around the eyes. Hydration and skin barrier restoration are the key to minimizing the condition's symptoms.
Eczema Eye Treatment: Best Ways to Manage Symptoms
Moisturizing the Eyelids Safely
Effective eczema eye treatment involves proper hydration as an essential part of the process. Moisturizers will aid in alleviating the dryness, calming the inflammation, and reinforcing the skin barrier. If a person has any of the aforementioned symptoms, he/she needs to select fragrance-free products, especially those formulated for very sensitive skin. This is when skincare products aimed at reinforcing the skin barrier become crucial.
Brands such as Soteri Skin specialize in aiding irritated skin with moisturizing products aimed at providing relief during the flare-up and ensuring that the skin barrier gets restored. Formulations featuring soothing agents such as colloidal oatmeal and deeply hydrating moisturizers might help relieve symptoms of eczema eyes and eczema eyelids.
Prescription Treatments
Some of the prescribed medications that doctors can give patients to help with eczema eyes include the following:
- Topical steroids
- Calcineurin inhibitors
- Antihistamine
- Anti-inflammatory creams
Since this area of the body is sensitive, one is advised to follow prescription directions carefully.
Cold Compresses
Cold compresses can provide temporary relief from itching in the area surrounding the eye and minimize swelling during flare-ups. However, not rubbing the eyes too much will be necessary to prevent further irritation.
Avoiding Triggers
Controlling triggers is perhaps the best strategy that can be employed by anyone who suffers from eczema near the eyes. Some simple ways that can make a huge difference include:
- Choosing fragrance-free skincare products
- Using gentle cleansers
- Managing stress
- Controlling allergens
- Getting better sleep
- Developing a Gentle Skincare Regimen
- Less is more when it comes to skincare.
A mild skincare regimen that includes the use of hydrating agents, skin barrier restoration, and soothing elements usually is more effective than harsher regimens. Skincare products formulated for dry and sensitive skin can help keep breakouts from coming back.
Natural Remedies for Eczema Around Eyes
Natural solutions can aid in easing eczema around the eyes that is not too severe, along with proper skincare practices. Effective solutions include:
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Petroleum jelly
- Cold compresses
- Humidifiers
- Stress reduction techniques
- Non-scented moisturizers
Individuals suffering from eczema under their eyes may need to avoid wearing too much makeup in case of a flare-up. Also, the use of moisturizing substances like shea butter will help to relieve dryness and strengthen the skin barrier. However, natural remedies should not replace medical treatment for severe eczema eye conditions.
When Should You Visit a Doctor Regarding Eye Eczema?
Although certain patients benefit from the use of skin care products and avoiding triggers, there are those who require more than that.
Visit a doctor when you have:
- Vision changes
- Painful swelling
- Yellow crust formation
- Bleeding skin
- Severe irritation
- Worsening conditions
- Signs of infection
- Eczema on eyelids that won't go away
Skin around the eyes is delicate, and the condition tends to worsen rapidly if not handled accordingly. Recurrent cases of eyelid dermatitis or eczema can be treated with medications or allergen tests.
FAQs About Eczema Around Eyes
Is eczema around the eyes contagious?
No, eczema around the eyes is not contagious. Eczema cannot spread through physical contact.
Can make-up lead to eczema around the eyes?
Yes. Make-up that contains fragrances or preservatives can lead to the development of eczema around the eyes.
Does stress affect eczema around the eyes?
Yes, stress is known to increase the inflammation seen in eczema around the eyes.
What is the best moisturizer for eyelid skin that is dry?
The best moisturizers for dry eyelid skin are those without any fragrances that cater to sensitive skin. Ingredients such as colloidal oats and shea butter may help alleviate irritation.
What is the difference between eyelid dermatitis and eczema on your eyes?
While eyelid dermatitis occurs only on the eyelids, eczema on your eyes may occur around the eyes as well as on the eyelids.
Can eczema under the eyes spread?
Though eczema under the eyes does not spread, flare-ups may get worse if one does not avoid skin irritants.
Is eye eczema permanent?
Although there is no permanent cure for eye eczema, most people find managing it easy through skincare techniques and proper medication.
Final Thoughts on Eczema Around Eyes
Eczema around the eyes may prove to be quite bothersome, but learning how to identify your triggers and maintaining a proper skincare regimen can go a long way in treating your condition. Eczema under the eyes, eczema on the eyelid, eczema of the eyes, and atopic dermatitis of the eyes are all conditions that may respond well to treatment if you follow a specific skincare regimen.
By making sure that your skin barrier gets repaired and that you avoid all irritants, you can minimize the risks associated with an eczema flare-up and keep your skin healthy. You may also want to use products containing soothing ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal and shea butter to maintain hydration.
In general, following the right skincare regimen and knowing what triggers eczema should allow you to control your condition.
