Eyelid dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction that causes redness, itching, and scaling of the eyelid skin. The symptoms of eyelid dermatitis may include swelling, flaking, and discomfort.
Several risk factors and external triggers contribute to eyelid dermatitis:
Many individuals develop eyelid dermatitis due to an adverse reaction to skincare products, including makeup, creams, and cleansers. Harsh ingredients or preservatives can cause irritant contact dermatitis, while an immune response to a specific allergen may lead to allergic contact dermatitis.
To determine if a product is causing the reaction, performing a patch test is recommended. Sometimes it can occur the first time you use it, but more commonly, the reaction comes gradually. In fact, an allergy can develop after several years of using a product. If you suspect an allergy to a skincare product, you can apply it to a small area of healthy skin, such as on your forearm, daily for one week. If you get no reaction, your skin most likely tolerates the cream. Such a test can be wise because if you are allergic to it in one area of the skin, you will also be allergic to it elsewhere.
You may have an irritative or allergic reaction to a skincare product, whether it's makeup or a cream. Chemical substances on the skin can trigger eczema. Sometimes, the reaction can occur the first time you use it, but more commonly, the reaction develops over time. In fact, an allergy can develop after several years of using a product. If you suspect an allergy to a skincare product, you can apply it to a small area of healthy skin, such as the forearm, daily for 1 week. If you have no reaction, your skin is most likely tolerant to the cream.
You might have atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema). This is also called childhood eczema, but it's actually a bit misleading since many teenagers and adults also have this condition. This form of eczema is associated with dry skin, mucous membrane allergies, and asthma. Although many individuals with atopic eczema also have allergies, such as pollen allergies, it is rare for allergies to be the underlying cause of the eczema. Atopic dermatitis on the eyelids usually occurs in people who have had eczema on their cheeks, elbows, and knees earlier in life.
You can read more about atopic dermatitis here.
Psoriasis is a common skin disease that can rarely appear on the eyelids. More common areas are the scalp, elbows, and knees. You can read more about psoriasis here.
Seborrheic eczema is most common on the scalp with itching and flaking, and on the face, it often appears along the nose, down towards the mouth, and on the eyebrows. In some cases, it can also occur on the eyelids, usually on the eyelid margin. You can read more about seborrheic eczema here.
Irritation from acne cream. Products that treat acne often dry out the skin, and even though they shouldn't be used too close to the eye, they can "spread" to the skin near the eye and cause irritation in some individuals.
An infection with staphylococci can cause a rash that resembles eczema, often with dry crusts and pus on the skin.
Rosacea can cause problems with the eyelids, making the eyes feel dry, and there can be red skin on the eyelids. Most people with rosacea have red skin and small pimples on the cheeks and nose. You can read more about rosacea here.
The treatment varies for different types of rashes, but it often involves using a moisturizer, a mild cortisone cream, or a cream for infection. Sometimes the use of cortisone cream can worsen the skin, so a doctor should usually be consulted before starting treatment for rashes on the eyelids.
