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Today in this article, we will be discussing Eczema and, more specifically, if you can get Eczema on eyelids. We will discuss types of Eczema, eyelid Eczema, Eczema symptoms, and cure. So what exactly is Eczema, and can you have Eczema on eyelid?
Eczema is quite common, with around 10 percent of the US population being affected by it. Around 3.16 million people in the US alone are dealing with different types and stages of Eczema.
1. What is Eczema
Eczema is also known as Atopic dermatitis. In this condition, your skin becomes red, and itchy with inflamed, rough, and cracked patches of skin. This condition is sometimes accompanied by asthma and hay fever.
This is a chronic skin condition that flares up now and then. It is mainly caused because your top layer of skin is unable to retain an adequate amount of moisture or is a weak barrier and isn’t able to protect you against allergens.
So, can an individual get Eczema on eyelids?
Yes, they can.
Eyelid Eczema
Eczema on eyelid is also known as Eyelid dermatitis. This type of contact dermatitis happens due to coming in contact with a trigger that causes an allergic reaction or irritates your skin. Your eyelids are prone to dermatitis as the skin around your eyelids is thin and sensitive.
Eczema is found in kids under five years of age and is a chronic condition. There is no cure for this condition, but it can be prevented by making some lifestyle adjustments.
2. Types of Eczema on Eyelid
Eczema on eyelid is divided into two categories: Allergic contact dermatitis and Irritant contact dermatitis. Both of these fall under contact dermatitis, and the names suggest the reasons why you might end up with Eczema on your eyelids.
2.1. Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is caused due to an allergic reaction. In this condition, your immune system reacts to an allergen 1and ends up causing allergic reactions.
This can be caused by any substance you are allergic to, like eye creams, eye make-up, eye shadow, false eyelashes, eye drops, hair dye, or eyelash curlers.
It can also be caused by pollen, contact lens solution, and nail polish. It can become worse due to food allergies.
2.2. Irritant contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis is caused due to external irritants or physical triggers. The trigger substance includes humidity, heat, cold, scratching, or rubbing.
Other irritating substances may include eye makeup, skincare products, dust, soaps, detergents, and chemicals—plants like peppers and pointless can cause you to develop eyelid dermatitis.
Allergic contact dermatitis can develop immediately or can also take a few days to show. It can also develop over time. Even if you have been using a product for a long time, you can develop Eczema on eyelid due to it.
2.3. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Another type of dermatitis is Seborrheic dermatitis which mainly affects the scalp but can spread to your eyebrows and eyelids.
3. Symptoms of Eyelid Dermatitis
The symptoms of Allergic contact dermatitis and Irritant contact dermatitis are the same for both. Atopic dermatitis symptoms include a red rash, dry skin, swollen skin, pain, itching, and scaly skin.
Eyelid skin will also be sensitive and swollen from scratching. The skin might grow thick and scaly, forming scabs. You might also see bumps that might leak fluid if scratched.
The affected patch of skin might turn red, brown, or grey, with the skin becoming itchier at night. This might lead to skin inflammation.
4. When to Contact Your Doctor
You should contact a healthcare professional if Eczema on eyelid is persistent despite home remedies. It is extremely painful and itchy with scabbing and bumps with yellow puss. Eczema can cause eye infections and sores.
If you feel any of these symptoms, you are advised to visit your doctor. Contact your doctor asap if your eyelids have swollen up and caused pain and irritation.
5. Diagnosis
No lab test is required for Atopic Eczema. Your doctor will examine your skin and might conduct a patch test to check for any other skin conditions.
He might also ask for history, such as if you have sensitive skin or if you have had Eczema flare-ups before, and so on. You can also discuss various reasons as to what might have triggered for you to develop Eczema on the eyelid.
This discussion is required so that you can find the trigger substance and avoid future episodes of atopic dermatitis and not just on the eyelids but the likes of seborrheic dermatitis.
6. Treatment
Eczema on the eyelid can take time to heal and to bring under control. You might have to try various treatments to bring it under control, but this does not guarantee that it won’t occur in the future. Some of the treatments include the following:
6.1. Creams/ Lotions for Eczema on Eyelid
Moisturize the affected area with creams and lotions to help with itching and repair your skin. You can use corticosteroid cream to help with the inflammation.
Though it is advisable for you to contact your doctor before using any kind of over-the-counter creams around your eye area as the skin around your eye is sensitive. Apart from the delicate eyelid skin, these creams can also affect your eyes.
6.2. Drugs
Your doctor might prescribe antibiotic cream or antibiotic pills to help with bacterial infections, sores, or cracks. The doctor might also prescribe you prednisone which is quite effective for short-term use.
6.3. Wet dressings and Phototherapy
The wet dressing is a therapy used in severe cases of Eczema and involves wrapping affected areas with corticosteroids 2or wet bandages. The other therapy is Light therapy or Phototherapy, in which the skin is exposed to a controlled amount of natural sunlight or UV light.
Phototherapy is not a long-term treatment option, and you should ask your doctor to provide medical advice whenever needed.
6.4. Home Remedies
Please do not try anything on your own and first take approval from your doctor. But here are some common home remedies prescribed for Eczema on eyelid:
- Use creams and moisturizers twice a day to moisturize your skin.
- Try to find products that work for you and do not cause further irritation or immune reaction.
- You can use a hydrocortisone cream to help with itchiness after moisturizing your skin. Use it only once, though.
- Other options to help with itchiness include Allegra, cetirizine, or Benadryl.
- Avoid scratching the affected area and instead, press on it. Cover it if you can’t resist the urge.
- Covering it up also helps with protecting the affected area from triggers and scratches.
- Avoid harsh soaps and perfumes, and use warm water with baking soda or oatmeal to feel better.
- Avoid wearing rough-textured clothes and wear smooth and soft clothing.
- Cool compress and antihistamine drops can also help with itchiness.
7. Risk Factors for Eczema on Eyelid:
Eczema on eyelid is a non-curable condition, or to specify; there is no permanent remedy.
It is also not contagious, so it won’t affect anyone who comes in direct contact with dermatitis. Eyelid contact dermatitis does not spread to other body parts, but the infection that caused dermatitis on your eyelid can spread.
Anyone can get dermatitis, but you are more prone to it if you have Asthma, a history of hay fever, a weak skin barrier, or sensitive skin.
The genetic components can also play a role in you acquiring Atopic dermatitis hence getting Eczema on eyelid. A person with a family member with Asthma, dermatitis, or a history of hay fever is at higher risk of getting Eczema.
Eczema on eyelids is not a sign of skin cancer but can cause skin and eye infections such as Conjunctivitis or pink eye. It can also cause Cataracts that might lead to cloudy or blurry vision. It can also cause Keratitis or inflammation of the cornea. You are also at risk of getting Keratoconus which leads to the cornea bulging outwards.
If your vision is being compromised, make sure to contact an eye doctor to keep a check.
8. Prevention for Eczema on Eyelid
It is said that patients with Atopic dermatitis have specific triggers that cause Eczema to flare up, and avoiding these triggers might help with it.
Some suggestions are using hypoallergenic ointment around the eye regularly. Try to find creams specifically catering to the eye region as these are made, keeping in mind the area it would be applied to.
Wearing sunglasses or any kind of protection over your eyes if you might be exposed to dust, heat, or wind. Use products made for sensitive skin.
Keep your skin clean and avoid chemicals or make-up that are known triggers for your condition. Clean your skin around the eyelids with hydrating cleansers.
Stress can also cause Eczema to flare up; hence, you need to take care of your mental health as well.
Eczema 3on the eyelid is a manageable and preventable condition that should not affect your day-to-day life and cause too many problems. Contact your doctor if it is too painful or irritating. I hope you found this article helpful and found all the knowledge r guidance you were seeking regarding this condition.
9. The Bottom Line
To sum up, eczema on the eyelid is a possibility. A persistent skin ailment marked by inflammation, itching, and redness is known as eczema, sometimes known as atopic dermatitis4. Eczema can appear on the sensitive skin of the eyelids, although most often affects the arms, legs, and torso.
Numerous things, including allergies, irritants, heredity, and immune system irregularities, can cause eyelid eczema. Identifying and avoiding triggers, maintaining excellent eyelid cleanliness, using mild skin care products, and using prescribed topical treatments or medications as instructed by a healthcare expert is all part of the management of eyelid eczema. It’s crucial to seek medical guidance to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for controlling eczema on the eyelid.
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- Cano, Edison J., et al. “Impact of corticosteroids in coronavirus disease 2019 outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis.” Chest 159.3 (2021): 1019-1040. ↩︎
- Thyssen, Jacob P., et al. “Guidelines for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of hand eczema.” Contact Dermatitis 86.5 (2022): 357-378. ↩︎
- Puar, Neha, Raj Chovatiya, and Amy S. Paller. “New treatments in atopic dermatitis.” Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 126.1 (2021): 21-31. ↩︎
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
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