Dermatitis is an umbrella term that refers to a group of skin conditions that cause skin irritation, sensitivity, redness, and similar symptoms. As the name implies, eyelid dermatitis or eyelid eczema, is a form of dermatitis that impacts the upper or lower eyelid. According to Dr. Emily Nesbitt of U.S. Dermatology Partners Denver, “The skin around the eyes is sensitive, and requires special care, so what happens if a chronic skin condition impacts this area? For those who struggle with eyelid dermatitis, preventing and treating this unique form of eczema can be a big challenge, but with the right products, it’s possible to clear up eyelid dermatitis and prevent further flareups.” In this blog, Dr. Nesbitt goes through all the eyelid dermatitis basics and makes recommendations for treatment and prevention of further flareups in this chronic skin condition.
What is Eyelid Dermatitis?
Eyelid dermatitis is one of the names given to this chronic condition, but you may also hear it referred to as eyelid eczema, periorbital dermatitis, or periocular dermatitis. This condition occurs when the eyes come in contact with a trigger that causes swelling, irritation, or itching. There are two main types of eyelid dermatitis. The first is atopic contact dermatitis. This condition occurs due to the body’s allergic response. In this form of eyelid dermatitis, skin doesn’t necessarily come into direct contact with the allergen. When eyelid dermatitis occurs after the skin around the eyes comes in contact with an environmental allergen, it’s referred to as irritant contact dermatitis.
Causes and Triggers of Eyelid Dermatitis
The thin skin around the eyes has many blood vessels and very few protective lipids. This makes eyelids sensitive and prone to allergic response. The general cause of eyelid dermatitis is skin irritation or allergic reaction. However, this skin response may be triggered by a variety of factors, making it important to identify triggers when managing eyelid dermatitis. Common triggers of eyelid eczema include:
- Skincare products
- Cosmetics
- Cleaning products
- Foods
- Medications
- Seasonal allergies
- Dust
- Bug bites
- Weather
- Environmental irritants and allergens
- Stress
Symptoms of Eyelid Dermatitis
Describing symptoms of eyelid dermatitis, Dr. Nesbitt says, “the side effects of dermatitis on other areas of the skin are very similar to those symptoms of eyelid eczema. These conditions lead to an allergic skin response. This can include redness, swelling, itching, peeling or flaking of skin, and general irritation and inflammation around the eyes. Rashes and warmth may develop on the skin around the eyes.”
Effective Treatment Options for Eyelid Dermatitis
When it comes to treating eyelid dermatitis, Dr. Nesbitt says, “Because the area around the eyes is so sensitive, it’s important to work with a dermatologist to develop a plan to address symptoms, clear the flareup, and prevent future flares in this condition. They can help you ensure you use the right products and don’t unintentionally worsen an atopic dermatitis flareup.” Some commonly recommended eyelid dermatitis treatments include:
- Cold compresses – applying cold to irritated skin alleviates allergic reactions, including itching and swelling.
- Antihistamines – like cold compresses applied to skin, antihistamines help to soothe allergic response from the inside out.
- Topical steroids and anti-inflammatory creams – in many cases, topical steroids or anti-inflammatory creams will be recommended to address skin irritation. It’s important to apply these products carefully as directed by your dermatologist to prevent any damage to the sensitive area around the eyes and especially to the eyes themselves.
- Oral corticosteroids – like topical creams, these oral medications diminish the skin’s allergic reaction and overactive immune response to allergens and irritants.
- Moisturizers – eczema can cause skin dryness that leads to increased irritation, making it more difficult to heal. Using a moisturizer restores the protective lipid barrier on skin around the eyes.
Tips for Managing and Preventing Flareups
Once your eczema flareup has cleared, you can keep the following eyelid eczema remedies and tips in mind to prevent future flares:
- Identifying and avoiding triggers – one of the most important ways to prevent and manage eyelid eczema flareups is to carefully identify and avoid exposure to triggers. A dermatologist can help you do this.
- Improve your skincare routine – use gentle products and avoid applying too many products, especially those with harsh ingredients, to the area around the eyes. Avoid ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, retinols, and exfoliants. You should also avoid perfumes and dyes that often cause allergic response. You may also want to invest in products that are specifically formulated for eczema-prone skin and/or to treat skin around the eyes.
- Limit makeup use – select products made with fewer ingredients or designed for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. During a flareup, you should forego makeup use until skin is healed. You should also make sure to get rid of expired makeup and use clean cosmetic brushes and sponges.
- Treat eyes gently – avoid rubbing or tugging at skin or using harsh, abrasive application tools for makeup and cosmetics.
- Watch your diet – certain foods may trigger eczema flareups for some people. Any foods that you have an allergy or sensitivity toward (like gluten or lactose intolerance) may be more likely to cause flareups, but everyone is different. Pay attention to any changes in your skin health and avoid foods that are frequently consumed shortly before a flareup.
- Manage stress – stress causes the release of a hormone called cortisol that leads to inflammation. It can result in flareups of chronic skin conditions, including eyelid eczema.
- Wear eye protection – make sure to use goggles and avoid touching eyes if you are working with chemicals, allergens, or other environmental aggressors that may cause a flare in eyelid dermatitis symptoms.
- Consult with a dermatologist – working with a dermatologist is the best way to clear eyelid eczema flareups and keep skin healthy.
Keep Eyelid Dermatitis in Check
When it comes to keeping eyelid dermatitis symptoms at bay, Dr. Nesbitt says, “Talk to a dermatologist, especially if you’re dealing with prolonged or frequently recurring eyelid eczema flareups. This can be painful, itchy, and uncomfortable in the short term, but damage to skin around the eyes has long-term repercussions as well. It can lead to scarring, increased appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, limited eyelid mobility, and other more serious concerns. It’s important to develop and maintain an effective plan to manage symptoms and keep symptoms to a minimum.”
Schedule a Dermatologic Consultation
Eczema on the eyelids and other parts of the body is best managed in partnership with a dermatologist. If you’re interested in getting tips and product recommendations for managing eczema symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to U.S. Dermatology Partners to schedule a consultation. It’s easy to get started working with us by filling out our online scheduling request form. Once we hear from you, we’ll be in touch to finalize the details of your upcoming visit.
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