Eye eczema, also called eyelid eczema by professionals, is a skin disorder that targets the skin around the infected person’s eye. This kind of eczema can be very frustrating and painful if not treated, which ultimately causes issues with your vision. Common symptoms of eye eczema include a change in skin color, itching, and swelling around your eyes. However, not all recorded cases of eye eczema are of the same nature, as eczema can stem from different triggers and factors, with each trigger affecting your skin in its own way. On the other hand, eye eczema can be hard to call out, as it has the same symptoms that can resemble those of allergic conjunctivitis. Therefore, understanding what causes eye eczema and learning about its symptoms can help make identifying it less confusing.
A medical expert or a doctor can diagnose eye eczema by examining the skin around the eyes. If they suspect any allergic contact dermatitis, they might suggest conducting the patch testing to study the cause of the allergic reaction. They will probably question you about your medical history, especially if you have had cases of eczema or allergies in the past, as these are often linked. In reality, preventing eye eczema is relatively easy; you just need to make some lifestyle adjustments as recommended by your doctor and follow a specific care routine to keep your symptoms under control.
What Is Eye Eczema Actually?
Eye eczema is a type of eczema whose symptoms usually appear around a person’s eyelid, commonly under the eye. A person infected with eye eczema will see their skin turning red, dry, and scaly with continuous itching. It is crucial to note that this condition can be caused by many factors, such as allergens, irritants, stress, or even underlying skin issues. Since the skin around your eyes is more sensitive and thinner compared to the rest, this makes it is more prone to irritation and inflammation.
Dealing with eye eczema can be tough and stressful, as it often interferes with your daily life, hindering your life. On the other hand, the urge to rub the affected area can worsen the irritation, which can potentially lead to further infections or skin damage. An effective way to cure this condition is to avoid its known triggers and stick to skin-friendly hypoallergenic skincare products. Regularly moisturizing your skin with hypoallergenic skincare products can help make it restore its natural skin barrier by trapping in moisture, which even heals your disorder. If you feel like your case is severe, it’s best to consult a professional like a dermatologist or allergist, as they can guide you best.
What are the Common Causes of Eczema on the Eyes?
There are many factors that can contribute to eye eczema. Your eyes are a very delicate and sensitive part of your body that is exposed to air and can be easily affected by irritants, allergens, and health issues. Below are six of the most common causes of eye eczema:
Your Genetics and Family History
Like other disorders, eye eczema can run in your blood. Having close ones who suffer from disorders like asthma or other kinds of eczema means that you are more prone to getting infected.
Because eczema has a genetic component, this gene can, over time, affect the skin's barrier and disrupt its immune system. There's about a 30%-50% chance that a child may develop the disorder if the parents are affected by it.
Environmental Factors
Different weather conditions can also play a role in triggering this disorder. Cold, dry air, wind, pollution, and even UV rays can irritate the sensitive skin around your eyes.
Cosmetic Products
Applying cosmetics is one of the main causes of this disorder. Products like eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara have fragrances, dyes, and preservatives in them, which can make your skin prone to this disorder. This causes the eye eczema to develop rapidly, not giving you enough time to track it down and prevent it. This makes cosmetics one of the major causes of eyelid eczema.
Physical Irritation
Your eyelids are sensitive to friction. Rubbing your eyes frequently and prolonged wearing of glasses can irritate the skin around your eyes. Scratching or friction, if done often, can damage the skin's barrier, causing this disorder.
Contact Dermatitis
Anything that comes in contact with your face can potentially damage your skin's barrier, which includes products like makeup, sunscreen, and other skincare products. Using such products can cause redness, itching, and swelling, and ultimately lead to eye eczema.
Types of Eyelid Dermatitis
Eye dermatitis, which is also known as eye eczema, is linked with allergic contact dermatitis. It consists of two major forms, which are irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). In most cases, your eyes may itch, swell, redden, and become dry, along with visible changes in your eyelids and the skin beneath them.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD)
This disorder occurs when your skin comes in contact with something it's allergic to. Common allergens include cosmetics, beauty products, and other environmental factors. The treatment for this is just simple: just avoid coming in contact with the allergens and daily apply medicated creams to your face. If your condition has worsened, then one of the best treatments is to apply topical corticosteroids, which can significantly reduce inflammation. Topical administration is generally best when less than 20% of the body is affected.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD)
Irritant contact dermatitis is one of the most common types of eyelid dermatitis. Like ACD, it's not caused by an allergic response; rather, it occurs when the skin's outer protective layer is eroded by an irritant. In most cases, there's a visible symptom.
The key point that differentiates irritant and allergic dermatitis is that irritant dermatitis occurs very quickly and is visible. On the other hand, if you are successful in avoiding the irritants, then it will leave your skin, allowing your skin barrier to be healed in a short period of time. When it comes to the treatment, Babe skin baby eczema cream is suitable for children, while eczema cream is best suited for adults.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a chronic form of eczema that can eventually grow on the thin and sensitive skin under your eyes. This leads to redness, swelling, and continuous itching.
Studies show that genetics plays a crucial role in tackling this disorder. If this disorder runs in your blood, your body may lack the proteins required to maintain a strong skin barrier. When your skin is less immune, it becomes more prone to irritation, which can eventually lead to atopic dermatitis.
If you are suffering from atopic dermatitis, try applying over-the-counter creams that contain less than 1% hydrocortisone, which will effectively reduce itching. Anti-allergic and anti-itching medications can also provide temporary relief. However, if you are suffering from a severe condition, it's best to always consult a professional like a dermatologist.
Symptoms of Eye Eczema
There are many ways eye eczema can show up, as it affects both the skin around a person's eye and the eyes themselves. The most common issue is the itchy, dry, and flaky eyelids; however, these can grow gradually and become a serious concern, especially if the irritation continues and the disorder isn't treated. Below are some of the most common symptoms of this disorder:
Itchy, Dry Skin
If you suffer from eye eczema, it is common for your eyes, including the eyelids, to dry up, become flaky, and cause irritation. In most cases, the irritation gets worse at night.
Redness and Discoloration
The irritated patches on your skin may look red, but on darker skin tones, the affected area appears to be brown, purple, or even gray.
Swollen Eyelids
Inflammation can cause your eyelids to swell, which leaves them puffy, tender, and sensitive to touch.
Thickened or Creased Skin
Rubbing your eyes for relief from the itchiness can make your skin thicken up, grow deep creases, or even take on a leathery texture around the eyelids.
Burning or Stinging Eyes
You might feel like your eyes are on fire, as they may burn and sting or sometimes even feel gritty. This can lead to eye problems like blurred vision and light sensitivity while also causing headaches.
Triggers of Eyelid Eczema
Both internal and external factors can contribute to triggering the disorder. As you might already know, the most common factors that trigger eye eczema are irritants and allergens. Other products, like fragrances and beauty products, may be deemed harmful, causing eye eczema. Lastly, environmental factors like pollen, dust, mites, etc., also play a role in triggering this disorder.
Here are five common triggers of eyelid eczema:
Cosmetic and Skincare Products
Many beauty and skincare items contain fragrances, preservatives, and chemicals that can potentially irritate the sensitive skin around your eyelid. Since such products are applied on the face, close to your eyes, they can become the primary reason for the trigger. People suffering from eczema should be careful using such products and should opt for gentle, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic options to minimize irritation. In case you are also diagnosed with this disorder, it's best to stop using them immediately and apply a mild Best Eczema Cream to ease discomfort.
Environmental Allergens
Allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander are common triggers. These allergens are present in everyday surroundings and can be hard to avoid without proper care.
Allergic Metals like Nickel
It's hard to believe, but yes, allergens like nickel can also play a part in triggering your eczema. Most commonly found in jewelry and metal accessories, nickel is one of the leading causes of metal allergies.
Stress and Hormonal Shifts
Hormonal changes and emotional stress can weaken your skin's barrier, making it more prone to flare-ups. Stress may cause a person to rub or scratch their eyes, which worsens the symptoms. Hormonal changes, such as during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can also trigger eczema flare-ups.
Weather Extremes
Abnormal changes in climate, cold weather, dry air, and hot or humid conditions can dry your skin out and weaken its protective barrier, making you more prone to eye eczema.
What Are the Effective Ways to Cure Eyelid Dermatitis
Why do most people ask, “Why does eczema itch?”. The answer lies in the skin's sensitivity. The skin around your eyelid is sensitive and delicate, which is why it needs gentle care to avoid further irritation.
To manage this disorder effectively, it's crucial to identify the factors causing it. Consulting a dermatologist for guidance would be a great choice, as they can help you by creating a customized treatment plan. Some people believe in homemade remedies, which, in most cases, do work when done safely and under the light of professional guidance.
Top 5 Eyelid Dermatitis Treatments:
Moist
Applying a mild, non-fragrant moisturizer close to your eyelids can hydrate the skin by trapping in moisture and creating a barrier. This reduces dryness and discomfort and delays allergic reactions.
Cold Compresses
To get quick relief from itching and inflammation, apply a cold, clean cloth to your face. This tested home remedy is an excellent, chemical-free way to relieve irritation that has worked for millions around the world.
Topical Steroids
For treatment, dermatologists may prescribe low-potency topical steroids, like hydrocortisone, which reduces inflammation. These medications do have side effects like skin thinning or worsening symptoms; thus, they should only be used for short periods of time. And remember, always use steroid creams under medical guidance. You can also visit Soteri Skin to purchase these medical items.
Antihistamines
Oral antihistamines can also control allergic reactions that are responsible for eyelid dermatitis. Oral antihistamines are often recommended in cases when the symptoms are connected to environmental allergens such as pollen or pet dander.
Avoiding Irritation
Harsh soaps, perfumed skin care products, and even contact lenses can irritate the skin around your eyelid. It's best to avoid using such products, especially when you have a history of being diagnosed with eye eczema.
Home Remedies for Eczema on Eyelid
Treating eye eczema can be frustrating and difficult, as you are dealing with a fragile part of your body. While in many cases treating eczema does require medical attention, some popular homeopathic treatments on the market can alleviate itchiness, dryness, and redness. But remember, it's important that one should be under professional guidance from an expert before doing the treatment themselves. Because while something works for someone you know, it doesn't necessarily mean that it should also work for you.
Below are six proven homemade remedies that can help relieve your eye eczema, and the best part is that the majority of the ingredients needed to make these remedies are available in the kitchen or nearby shops:
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer with antibacterial properties. It helps reduce itchiness and protects your eyelids from infection. Applying coconut oil also heals your skin barrier.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel has great cooling properties and is anti-inflammatory in nature. Apply it approximately for a minute over the affected skin to soothe the irritation, reduce redness, and get relief from the burning sensation.
Oatmeal Compress
Oatmeal can help soothe your skin. For this remedy, mix water with oatmeal, then soak a cloth in it, and then gently cover it over your eyelids to reduce the itching and inflammation.
Cold Cloth
Placing a cold cloth over your infected area can help reduce itching and swelling.
Honey Mask
Pure honey has natural antibacterial properties, which makes it a cure. Apply a thin layer of it over your eye for about 15 minutes, then wash it.
Chamomile Tea Rinse
Chamomile tea bags, once cooled down, can be placed over your eyes, which helps diminish the puffiness and also eases the irritation.
Effective Ways to Prevent Eczema Around the Eyes
Being diagnosed with eye eczema shouldn't be taken lightly and ignored. The skin around your eyes is very sensitive, and if not treated properly, it can result in irreversible damage. Remember, regardless of any disorder, prevention is always better than cure.
Here are six key tips to help you prevent eye eczema:
Avoid Eye Makeup
Try avoiding eye makeup. But even if you don’t feel like skipping makeup, then switch to hypoallergenic makeup products, as they won’t cause an allergic reaction on your skin.
Use Products that are Non-Fragrant
There are thousands of non-fragrant products available on the market; try switching to them.
Always Clean Your Hands Regularly
Your hand is the busiest part of your body, and it’s no surprise that it has millions of bacteria on it. Rubbing or touching your face can allow the transfer of these bacteria onto your skin. So it's best to keep your hands clean from time to time by regularly washing them.
Keep Your Body Hydrated 24/7
By drinking up to 12 glasses per day, you can help keep your skin moisturized. A hydrated body is less prone to dryness, lowering the chances of eczema.
Manage Stress Levels
Even stress can worsen or trigger your eczema. So one should always remain mindful of their mental health and should do meditation and other relaxation exercises to help keep stress in check.
Control Allergens
Keep your home and surroundings clean and dust-free, especially where you sit or sleep. Allergens like dust, mites, and pet dander can make your symptoms worse, especially at night.
What to Do When Your Baby Develops Eczema Around the Eyes
Eczema isn't limited to adults only; your babies and children can suffer from it too. Since at a young age, their skin is naturally tender, they demand quick and delicate treatment and care. The skin around a baby's eye is extremely sensitive, and if cracked, it can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep due to irritation.
Parents should regularly check for signs like redness, dryness, and behavior like eye rubbing in their kids. If there are signs of eye eczema, quickly refer to a professional rather than experimenting by yourself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, eye eczema is a disorder that can be managed easily if one takes care of their eyes and observes prevention from its causes. If there are early signs of disorder, then the patient should be carefully assisted with a professional's guidance, usually a dermatologist.
Ignoring the symptoms will result in much bigger issues and ultimately, irreversible damage. Therefore, having substantial knowledge about homemade remedies can be deemed useful in such cases. So, one must always learn about the symptoms of eye eczema, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.
FAQs
How do you get rid of eyelid dermatitis?
To avoid getting infected by eyelid dermatitis, it's best to stay away from irritants and allergens. If infected, try applying a gentle moisturizer on your skin or consider buying over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams.
How long does it take for eyelid dermatitis to heal?
If treated properly under a properly prescribed plan, your infection can heal within a few days. To cure your disorder, either refer to professional guidance or try homemade remedies.
Does Vaseline help dermatitis on eyelids?
Yes, Vaseline can help cure dermatitis on eyelids. Vaseline helps create a protective layer on your skin that locks in all the moisture and helps in the recovery of your skin barrier.
What happens if eyelid dermatitis is left untreated?
When left untreated, your condition could definitely worsen. This can ultimately lead to further severe redness beneath the eyes, prolonged itching, and even a more serious infection. Chronic inflammation may eventually cause your skin to thicken with a change in pigmentation around the eyes.
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