Eyelid dermatitis: Symptoms, causes and treatment
Eyelid dermatitis or eyelid eczema is an inflammatory reaction that manifests itself suddenly through the following symptoms: reddening, itching, wrinkling and scaling of both the upper (most frequent) and lower eyelids, and in some cases the appearance of blisters or small vesicles under the eyes. The eyelids become cracked and red.
It develops in individuals who suffer from Atopic Dermatitis, Atopic Conjunctivitis or are otherwise atopic. Being a dermatitis of the skin, this condition does not imply the need to consult an ophthalmic specialist.
What causes Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic Dermatitis is caused by a strong genetic predisposition due to familiarity combined with multiple concomitant causes that can worsen the symptoms (change of season, lack of exposure to the sun, too frequent washing, contact with certain substances, fatigue, stress).
- Allergic dermatitis, that can be caused by the chemical reaction a person may have once they come into contact with a certain substance. The symptoms that occur in case of an allergy around the eyes are mainly itching, swelling and redness.
- Blepharitis, a common inflammation of the eyelid that can be caused by various factors, including bacterial infections or previous seborrhoeic dermatitis. It gives rise to symptoms such as excessive tearing, swelling of the eyelid edges, itching, burning, dryness and, in some cases, the appearance of scabs on the eyelashes.
Eyelid dermatitis, what are the causes?
The main trigger for eyelid dermatitis is repeated contact with water, soaps, cleansing milk, make-up removers, micellar water and shampoos. Moisture from water mixed with traces of soap, detergent or shampoo causes irritation of the eyelid crease first, and then of the entire eyelid. Repeated application of cosmetics, such as creams, serums, eye shadows, mascara, pencils, and eyeliner, tends to adversely affect eyelid health.
The change of season and psycho-physical stress are also considered to be contributory factors.
How do you treat Eyelid Dermatitis?
At the first symptoms, washing must be stopped immediately, and the eyelids must not come into contact with soap and water, detergent and shampoo or other cosmetic products.
The aim is to completely dry out the eyelids, initiating desquamation and cell renewal. In this way, the dermatitis heals spontaneously, usually over the course of 15 to 20 days.
- In the case of eyelid itching and swelling, Lenitive Cream can be applied to soothe the symptoms. It should be applied in the evening using only a little product and massaging well.
How can Eyelid Dermatitis be prevented?
Eyelid dermatitis tends to recur and flare up, at least in predisposed individuals. To prevent dermatitis and recurrences, certain precautions must be taken.
How to moisturize the eyelid?
It is important to wash your face and remove make-up, avoiding aggressive cleansers. Both for washing as and as a make-up remover, it is advisable to use Eudermic Cleansing Base, gentle, nonfoaming and Lauryl sulfate-free. After each wash, the eyelids must be dried carefully to remove all traces of moisture.
