Guide for The Natural Treatment of Eyelid Dermatitis
By Laura Dolgy (bio below)
Do you ever experience itchy or swollen eyelids? Although eyelid eczema, also known as eyelid dermatitis, can be caused by a variety of external or internal factors, most cases are characterized by several common symptoms including itching, stinging, and/or burning. It is also quite common to experience red, swollen, or flaky skin.
If you’re suffering from eyelid dermatitis, we’re here to help you heal your eczema naturally and safely.
Please keep in mind that although these treatments can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like fever or an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.
Atopic Dermatitis vs. Atopic Contact Dermatitis vs. Irritant Contact Dermatitis
There are three types of eyelid dermatitis that are common in eczema patients, and we will discuss them in this post.
They are:
- Atopic dermatitis with eyelid involvement
- Allergic contact dermatitis and
- Irritant contact dermatitis.
However, there are many other causes of eyelid dermatitis including psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and other conditions. It is very important to see your doctor to get the right diagnosis before proceeding with treatment.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Most Common)
Allergic contact dermatitis is the most common cause of eyelid inflammation in atopic dermatitis patients.[1] Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a type IV delayed-hypersensitivity reaction, which means that your immune system comes into contact with a foreign particle (an allergen) that triggers the immune system to react. ACD requires a re-exposure to the allergen/offending agent before symptoms are noted. The symptoms typically manifest hours to days after re-exposure.
If you are experiencing red, itchy eyelid, flaky skin or skin irritation due to topical exposure to poison ivy/oak, metals (cobalt, nickel), chromates (leather products), adhesives, sunscreens, fragrances, personal hygiene products, or pet dander, then allergic contact dermatitis may be the cause of your eyelid inflammation.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis occurs due to DIRECT injury to the skin. This injury does not involve T-lymphocytes and antibody formation as is seen in allergic contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs directly (minutes to hours) after exposure). It is rare for patients with eczema to have solely irritant contact dermatitis (<1%) [1].
Common causes of ICD include irritants such as chemicals, solvents, some adhesives and very hot or cold temperatures. The irritant can enter the eye area, cause friction and damage leading to temporary discomfort and redness.
If you can determine that neither of the above types of contact dermatitis relate to your flare up, then you likely have atopic dermatitis. This is an internal reaction expressed through the skin and often triggered by things like stress, consuming certain foods, seasonal or environmental allergies, etc.
Atopic Dermatitis with Eyelid Involvement
Atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial skin condition that is characterized by a leaky skin barrier, sensitization to allergens, altered skin microbiome, and inflammation. The cause of atopic dermatitis is currently thought to be both poly-genetic and environmental, and research is underway to better pinpoint which genes (e.g. filaggrin) and environmental factors contribute to its development. One area that may be affected by atopic dermatitis are the eyelids.
Although these types of dermatitis may be triggered differently, their symptoms are quite similar.
It’s best to get a physician’s diagnosis to properly diagnosis your skin condition just to be sure. Your eye area is very sensitive, and we don’t recommend taking any chances.
Symptoms of Eyelid Dermatitis
If you already suffer from eyelid dermatitis, then you probably already know the uncomfortable and annoying symptoms associated with the condition.
These include:
- Changes in eye appearance (i.e. an extra fold of skin above or under the eye, eyelids darken)
- Inflamed, red eyelids
- Scaly or flaking skin
- Itching
Although rare, those suffering from atopic eyelid eczema can also experience complications such as cataracts, spontaneous retinal detachment and eczema scars.
To best avoid these complications, it is always best to seek medical attention immediately, once symptoms are difficult to handle. It’s also important to make sure not to rub or scratch the area in order to avoid skin infections and eye problems as mentioned above.
Common Triggers for Eyelid Eczema
If you are suffering from eyelid eczema due to irritants, then your first step is asking yourself what might be the main cause of your eczema:
- Do my eyes itch or swell after I pet my dog, cat, etc? Your nose could also itch and drip.
- Do my eyes tear and/or itch when I use a certain type of mascara, eye shadow or eyeliner?
- Do my eyes change in appearance based on temperature?
- Have I gotten an insect bite on or near my eyelid recently?
If you are able to answer at least one of these questions, the first step is simple: AVOID THE TRIGGER.
For patients with pets where avoidance is not an option, one strategy is to keep pet dander/saliva away from the face and eyelids. Another strategy is to wash the hands immediately after direct contact or avoid direct contact. Keeping pets off the bed or sofa and anywhere you may rest your head is a good idea as well.
As stated prior, it’s important to avoid scratching your eyelids and periorbital areas. Scratching can introduce bacteria to the irritated skin leading to a superimposed infection. This can affect both the skin and the eye.
If you cannot identify an obvious source of your eczema, then your condition might need a little more care.
Non-Prescription Treatments for Eyelid Eczema
Eyelid Creams
There are thousands of eyelid creams that can be found in stores; however, many are made with unsafe, harsh ingredients including heavy metals and dyes.
Eyelids are the thinnest skin on your body (only ~0.5mm!) and are thus very sensitive. It is important to be careful about putting products on the eyelids to avoid further irritation.
Our editor’s favorite product for the eyes or face or anywhere on the body is the Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream. Keep in mind this is a creamy balm, so it’s very thick and rich. A little goes a long way. Some people who are used to light facial lotions may find this product too heavy.
If gentle and natural is what you are looking for, we recommend Calendula Eczema Cream for Face. This cream is both gentle and cooling, as it contains both Organic Calendula flowers and Organic Aloe juice. It contains Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), a natural supplement that has been shown to have potential anti-inflammatory, firming, and anti-aging in in murine skin [2,3]
To gently cleanse the eyes and face, be sure to check out this natural Organic Calendula Face Wash. Similar to the ingredients in the cream mentioned above, this face wash is gentle with its blend of soothing herbs and will help calm red, inflamed skin. It’s also an excellent face wash for extremely sensitive skin. The wash and cream work really well together.
Wet or Dry Wrap Therapy
If you’re experiencing extremely itchy and inflamed eczema, then you can always try adapting wet or dry wrap therapy for eczema around the eyes.
Both wet and dry wrap therapy are common processes used among eczema sufferers and can be used as a short-term fix for moderate to severe eczema. To read more about these methods, make sure to check out both our blog posts: Our Eczema Trials – Wet Wrap Therapy And Our Eczema Trials: Dry Wrapping.
Instead of using body bands or clothing, feel free to use bandages or cut out strips of clothing to drape over the eyes.
A word of warning: DO NOT use corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors (Protopic is a common brand name) medication for this method unless instructed by a dermatologist. The eyelids are extremely sensitive, and you do not want to risk damaging your eyes.
NEXT check out Top 10 Home Remedies for Eczema.
Do you suffer from eyelid eczema? Let us know how you treat it in the comments below!
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12399770
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20095140
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25133239
Dr. Joanna "Asia" Jaros, MD
Dr. Joanna "Asia" Jaros is a current Dermatology resident at Cook County Hospitals and Health System (CCHHS). Dr. Jaros is committed to providing compassionate, equitable, and evidence-based care for all of her patients. Her special research interests include eczema, chronic urticaria, and diet and lifestyle modifications in dermatology.
FROM: Eczema
OMG- I woke up with an itchy eye, extra skin fold and redness.
It happens every couple of weeks. Usually overnight.
help!!!
Hi Maureen – Definitely give our tips a try and work with your health practitioner in looking into triggers.
I had eyelid eczema one winter. Swollen, itchy and flaking eyelid skin. I went to a dermatologist who prescribed a strong med. The med would help for a few days and then stop working. I was frustrated so I did research. I came up with apple cider vinegar. Use it with same amount of water. Place on cotton ball and dab on eyelids using one cotton ball for each eye. It will sting a little but that’s ok. When dry, moisturize with coconut oil. I did it a couple of times and it was gone! Haven’t had the problem since because my homemade eye makeup remover has witch hazel,water and baby oil mixed together. I feel that prevents it from coming back.
I use a roller ball that contains tea tree oil with a blend of essential oil. It’s brand is Nature Truth. I apply it high on my eyelid and smooth it across and down to my eyelid and lashes. It works for me. Dianne
WHat oils do you combine?? Fractionated coconut oil?
I have had a constant itch on the skin underneath my left eye for days. I’m not sure if it’s in my bottom eyelash as well but it’s driving me mad. It’s got really dry with me constantly scratching it. Anyone s as my ideas on how to get this bothersome problem stopped?
Same with me. Did you find something that worked? It keeps happening to me!!!
Good blog. Eyelid Eczema, not a disease that makes you worry. Nowadays Eyelid Eczemas, not an issue. Many people got complete cure from Eyelid Eczema and enjoying Normal life now.You can treat it through Ayurveda. Try Ayurveda medicines that completely cures Eyelid Eczema without any side effects.
Where can you buy Ayurveda medicines? Is that the name of the medicine for Eyelid Eczema? Thanks !
Hi Tessa! Ayurveda is a natural procedure that is done by a profesional who studied how to do it. It’s an ancient practice that involves, essentially, drowning the eye and the skin around the eye in natural oils that nourish the skin. This should only be done by someone who knows what they are doing so do your research!! I hope that helped.
Hi. Every night I wash my face with aveeno clear complexion foam wash, then apply eucerin cream to my eyelids and under my eyes and rub it in before bed. THEn a thin layer of Vaseline on top. This REDUCES THE URGE TO ITCH in my sleep. And keeps the area moist. In the morning after I wash my face I spray rosewater lightly over my entire face and eyelids. THEN apply palms moisturizer. It has helped me IMMENSELY and I want to share with everyone. Please try this method.
I have really bad eyelid eczema and i cant get rid of it , i just dont no what to do anymore its making me really depressed
Hi Nicky – Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear this. Eczema is tough, but that’s why we have a whole section dedicated to the Emotional Impact of Eczema. Have you looked into your diet? Or considered possible allergens?
I am having the same problem! I have been dealing with this for months now and have been to the dermatologist numoerous times with no success. I have used ointments and steriods which only temporarily fixed the problem. I too am getting depressed and it’s affecting my life daily.
I’ve been using Manuka honey on my 7 year old eye eczema for the past week. It cleared up a lot. Spread a thin layer all around her eye and on the lids. Left it on for 30 min and then washed it off. We used a Manuka honey brand rated UMF 15+. Highly recommend.
Will the wrinkles caused by the ezcema go away? Does anyone know if or how long this takes :(. Feeling really hopeless.
I am worried about if the wrinkles will go away too. I look like I’ve aged a good 10 years over a few weeks.
I have also looked live I’ve aged so much overnight. Have all these puffy wrinkly bits on my eye and its so dang itchy!
I believe they will!! ❤️ Skin is good at being able to bounce back. I would recommend a good vitamin e oil, Vaseline, Jojoba oil, Lavender oil… pretty much any good natural oil, a lite natural moisturizer or natural serum. Just make sure it stays out of your eyes. Make sure you’re staying hydrated, resting and taking a natural multiple vitamin to ensure you’re getting a enough antioxidants. Raw one multiple vitamin is good and well as Vitamin Code Vitamin C also get a natural collagen and gelatin supplement too. Seems like a lot but it’s really not ?
Did you ever get the wrinkles to go away? I am in this situation. The redness and flakiness is gone but now my skin under my eyes and on the sides of my nose is super wrinkled. 🙁
I apply cerave lotion to help smooth and the eyelids. Then a very thin layer of vaseline to protect the skin during the day. Wash your face twice a day. At night, I apply an oil to my lids ( grapeseed, castor, any oil) to
help heal the wrinkly/scaly skin over the next 60 days. Use clean hands or q- tips to apply product to your eyelids. Try at least washing your face several times day, if nothing else.
Oh yes, the wrinkles/scaly skin does heal after the condition gets better.
Hi, that was torturing me too. I’ve been going to the dermathologist for weeks now. Ten days ago I realized the only thing I’m always exposed to in large amounts is coffe (I usually drink about 5 big coffee mugs per day). I absolutely LOVE coffe but I will do anything it takes in order to feel better. Long story short I’ve been drinking less than a cup per day (to deal with the headache due to lack of caffeine) and my skin is nicer than ever! or at least I it’s the nicest it has looked in more than a year. It feels soft and healthy and the wrinkles have disappeared! I don’t know for sure if coffee is the reason why I’ve been feeling so miserable for so long, and I don’t know if I’ll have a flare up again for some reason, but all I know is that I’m feeling great and the eternal doubt of wether or not the wrinkles would be on my face for ever is gone.
Oh no!!! Coffee is my bff. I don’t drink much, but I kinda feel like I need it in my life. I’ve eliminated most everything else in my diet that I can think of as a possible culprit. Originally, I thought a certain soap was causing my itchy, burning and swollen under eyelid skin, but I just can’t get rid of it! It does make you feel miserable and look tired and aged. My GP said it’s not eczema, but really didn’t spend much time even looking. I may just have to try breaking up with coffee. ?
Try organic coffee , sometimes the pesticides can be what’s triggering the coffee . You can look up how much pesticide residue still lingers on coffee , and you’ll be shocked . So I’d suggest giving organic coffee a shot
Eyelid eczema is the worst! I had it for years, finally did a dermatologist allergy patch test, found out I’m allergic to CHROMIUM which is an ingredient in my favorite Origins Ginsing Mascara, which I stopped using and almost never get eyelid eczema any more! I wear little makeup, but thought Origins (being plant based) would naturally be non allergenic, then come to find out I’m allergic to a naturally occurring substance. Chromium is not necessarily harmful, it’s just harmful to me.
How many allergens did you get test in the patch test?
Apparently they are around 4000 allergens, hard to know.
Thanks
I too have had this condition for YEARS. Dermatologist kept saying it was an allergic reaction, but couldn’t say to what. I was on all safe and high quality face wash regimen. Finally, after numerous failed prescriptions (steroids, creams, etc), the dermatologist tested for 83 compound allergens this past January. I had 6 moderate to severe reactions, and multiple other sensitivities. I went through every product I use in my house and cut out anything containing an allergen. Six months later and there has been no change. So now they put me on Eucrisa, which burns like heck. If it doesn’t work in the next day or so, I don’t know what I’ll do.
Have you tried cutting out dairy completely? Also changing laundry soaps to a natural one without the harsh dyes and perfumes .
I have had eczema on my eyelids for about 10 years. Nothing works. I’ve tried everything. It sometimes goes away on the right side but never on the left. Its always there. I’ve tried diets, creams you name it. I’m so uncomfortable. I mostly don’t wear makeup anymore. Only on special occasions. I just got engaged and I would like to look normal when I get married.
I recently got married and have been dealing with eyelid eczema. Find a makeup artist and do a trail before the big day. Explain your concerns. Ask about what products they use and bring your own mascara and eyeliner.
I ended up getting a steroid from my dr that I used right before the wedding and stopped using it the day after. It tamed it enough so I looked ok on my big day. Good luck and congratulations.
My brother has a condition the last two months that gives him a watery eye with skin slightly scaly. The two doctors he saw don’t know what it is. They gave him drops that have had no effect. It is not pinkeye. The scaly skin on his lids has now begun on his cheek and his opposite side temple. Can you suggest where to look for answers? My net search hasn’t helped. Thank you.
Hi Wen –
Is it possible he’s reacting to something he is using on his face or on his eyes? I would look for more doctors to help with a proper diagnosis. Maybe an allergist too in case he’s reacting to something.
Hi … if it’s not eye eczema & doctors don’t know what it is – it could possibly be a stress response. I only know cuz I get something similar in & around my eyes & down my face when I’m extremely stressed out. & then it gets worse cuz I’m stressing in the eye pain & irritation etc. when I first started getting it I went to several emergency rooms & every doctor said they had never seen something like what I had before & blah blah blah … after who knows how long & how many possible remedies or Rx I’d tried but my friend pointed out the stress response thing to me cuz she said she gets a crazy red line across her face when she’s stressed out & the eyeball face rash pressure pain would get better & go away when I would focus on relaxing & doing my best not to stress. Idk hope that helped…???
Use organic castor oil rub lightly and gently the castor oil on lids only at night, and also it is safe to drop a drop of oil in each eye . Then in the morning wipe off the oil gently, that helped with those symptoms and hasn’t come back.
even in your eye?
Pay attention to his diet , has he started eating something new ? Any new colognes , soaps, lotions ? Skip dairy for a week . Switch laundry detergent.
Anyone have tips for getting the swelling down? It’s sooo bad. Just ordered the face cream for starters but decided I am not happy with Drs advice to “try” an antibacterial eye ointment. There is no infection. Just inflamed. And itchy.
Have you tried cold compresses to help with the swelling?
Yes I do this on and off as I am able to. Just ordered an eye mask I thought I could chill as well. Hoping this comes to an end soon.
Please if u find any solution for the swollen eyelids let me know i just deel depressing becouse of that
Cold cucumber slices , make sure they are organic .
Neosporin caused my allergic dermatitis!
I am allergic to neopsorin
I have been told by doctor i have dermatitis in eyelids , she gave me cortisone cream did not help now epaderm but no better wild the calendula or outs help ?
I’ve had eye eczema for about 7 yrs now. I have good days and bad, mostly because of the weather. I’ve had eczema all my life somewhere on my body….I’m 58. Like others, cortisone does not work.
If I find something that starts to work well, it doesn’t seem to last long. So far, Cerve cream and Vaseline keep it at bay. But stress makes my eyes itch and it’s hard to get them healed. I’ve been trying different probiotics hoping it will get the immune system in line …no luck so far. Anyone else try probiotics?
It’s depressing for sure! Sometimes they are so red and weepy I look like a devil.. But I still get out there and as long as I dont see myself in a mirror, I kind of forget about it. Remember, life is short and there are worse things to have…. 🙂
I’m new to the eyelid eczema game- mine just started about a month ago… it’s been a lot colder here than it usually is, and for much longer. I haven’t changed any of my facial products, or been exposed to different contaminants. No change in diet, either, so climate was the next logical solution. I was so worried what I had was fungal! I’m actually kind of relieved, as I’ve been treating my 6yo’s eczema (legs and arms) for a few years now. We will do a coconut oil spray on the really bad days (I think the brand is YES to… In this case, YES to coconut). He will NOT let me put cream on him since the last time we tried that with the Aveeno colloidal oatmeal, it ended up stinging really badly. The spray is cold, but I imagine that might feel nice on a facial dermatitis. Especially an itchy variety!
I use Cera Ve face wash, it’s very gentle and I haven’t had any side effects from it. I follow up with rose tonic and rose water spray from Pixi by Petra. All three products came from Target, and are under $15. I had samples of Clarins multi-active day cream and multi-active night cream. Those worked so well, my eyes looked fairly normal for a day or two! However, I couldn’t justify buying two lotions for $200. Yikes!
My regular skin care regime (see above) has worked fairly well, but I still have an insane amount of itching and dry, cracked skin. I have incorporated neosporin gel as a 3xdaily routine. I use it all around my eyes, and that has kept the worst at bay. I think I will try switching to a calendula or manuka based cream and see how well it goes. Thanks for all the info- very helpful and interesting!
Lauren, I have eyelid dermatitis, too, and I’m searching for relief and the healing of it. I’ve heard that you should never use Neosporin creams around your eyes because it can cause blindness! The best thing I have found for drying, flacking, and cracking of skin is to rub on a thin film of Reviva Labs Vitamin E Stick. It looks like a lipstick and it’s for lips and eye areas. I got it from The Vitamin Shoppe. It works great to lubricate and it’s the only thing that doesn’t irritate my eyes. I will wipe any excess off with a tissue . It helps with itching and burning, too. Hope this helps!
Hi,
My 5yr old daughter gets eczema on her lower eyelid. The skin gets red, itchy, dry and swollen. When I take her to the dr. they give me steroid creams which clear it up while we use it but the eczema comes back when we stop applying it. Any advice? She also gets the eczema on her neck and cheeks.
I’ve been using pure raw coconut oil to wash and moisturize my face. Decided to go to a dermatologist to see if there was more I could do since it seems to come and go with stress and such. They prescribed an ointment called Eucrisa. Be warned! I had an immediate reaction! My skin was burning and stinging. I washed it off in seconds and it’s still burning the next day. I put coconut oil on it right away but the damage is done. Now I’m waiting for it to calm down. As of right now coconut oil is all I trust. I may try pure aloe as well.
I was recently diagnosed with nickel, chrome, blue dye, fragrance I&II and so many other things along with textiles and preservatives. I gone through over 29 years of my eyes literally peeling, itching, scaling, red & swollen, blurry vision, leaking, and burning ( all which is so painful) I’ve woken up in the morning either with discharge, swollen shut and or black eyes from all the allergies I haves. I have asthma and get frequent bronchitis. I suffer with over seven skin diseases. Some of which have been contributed by my allergies. I get a lot of painful soars in my mouth and nostrils that are also caused by my many allergies. I get lots of migraines as well. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please see an allergist. They will determine if you need to have a special patch test done. I’m just so frustrated. I can’t barely eat anything. I don’t know what to do. I’m use to eating lots of fruits and vegetables. I don’t eat junk food or fried foods. But now what do I eat? I’m in desperate need of a good nutritionist that knows about the allergies that I have. I have Diabetes which has been maintained very well. I don’t want to mess my progress up because of this diet. I’m not able to use toothpaste, hair products, any kind of lip balm or lotions and or moisturizers. I can only use plain vaseline. I have bad flare ups. I tried to research what foods not to eat and what to eat but It’s so limited. Help I’m in need of advice!
Hi Maria Gonzalez-Adams,
Please see a rheumatologist and make sure that your endocrinologist (blood sugar specialist) collaborates your care with rheumatology. If you do not have an endocrinologist to manage your diabetes, get one as soon as possible.
Your immune system is malfunctioning.
Best wishes to you.
A concerned Registered nurse
I developed eyelid eczema while on vacation in the Bahamas almost 11 weeks ago. My right eyelid has only flared up maybe once or twice, but my left eyelid has consistently been flared up on a daily basis. When I say flared up, I mean I get the extra fold on my upper eyelid. It is so uncomfortable and is making my anxiety levels skyrocket! My eye doctor suggested using Alaway eye drops which seems to help a little, but not completely. Has anyone tried Lotemax? Another suggestion by my eye doctor, but I am skeptical since it is a steroid. Has anyone experience a flare up for this long? I am starting to get worried.
I just want to share my experience. I had no previous experience with eyelid dermatitis. Suddenly it appeared! It’s itchy, swollen and red so painful. I began the process of elimination to figure out the cause. Long story short it was of all things a new toothpaste I was using!! It contains stannous fluoride which I now know I am allergic to. Just to throw that out there for others it could be something you may not even realize..
Im new to this condition and was relieved that it was not Lupus. I know mine is environmental because I went from working midnights inside in the AC, to working outside during the day in the heat. So now it’s learning how to control the flare ups.
Hi please iam desprate for help it is been one year naw every week i wake up with swollen eyelids and itchy and red wyes i went to eye specialist he said it is allergies u have to go to allergon specilist i went and he said u dont have allergy only little bit to dust mite
Naw i had wnough iave been taking anti histamine every day plus patanol eye deops 2 rimes plus lubricant eye deops mothinh help iam asthmatic as well
Please help me if u know any remedy please
I have suffered dry itchy red skin on my eyelids for 8 months. Not only is it painful but looks terrible. Saw a GP and two eye drs that all diagnosed blepharitis. Eye drops and oral steroids. None of it worked. Started using Eucrisa and almost overnight it’s ALL gone! Burns terribly at first but hang in there, burning ceases after 3rd day. It’s all gone but will continue treatment for at least a month. My miracle cream!!
I was wondering how you are doing now? Is the blepharitis gone? Do you use the cream on your eyelids? Did you have dry, red, glassy looking eyes and did that get better?
I just recently (this year around April/May) started having eye issues. It first started as irritation around the eyes, then progressed to burning and leaking constantly. Following the burning and leaking I started to wake up with swollen eyes and with flakey patches all around the eyes. Then one day I woke up and my eyes were not only swollen shut but had cuts on the eye lids (I feel that the cuts were because my eyes swelled up so much that it stretched the skin enough to tear). I rarely use make-up and if I do its usually just mascara, I use Neutrogena Hypoallergenic brand, which I have been using since I started wearing make-up, and I have not changed any products that I have been using basically forever to clean my face.
Within the past two years I have started having issues with patches of blisters that turn into severe itchy dry patches with peeling skin on one of my legs and on the back of my hairline. The Dermatologist stated that I have Psoriasis and all the creams and lotions that he prescribed do not fix the issue. The only relief I get with Psoriasis is light therapy and it seemed like the light (sun) was making my eyes worse. Just after my eyes were getting worse by the day I heard there was a recall on eyedrops from Walmart and CVS, which I happened to get my eyedrops from Walmart and immediately returned the drops and talked to the pharmacist and showed him a picture of my eyes during the morning before I use a baby wipe to gently wash my eyes so I can open them. He said the eyedrops would not have caused the issues I was experiencing and should see a doctor immediately, which of course I did. Nothing they have advised me (which is basically every item listed here on this website) and nothing worked.
One day I was so fed up that I decided to try something that may or may not work but I was tired of going everywhere (even during the night) with sunglasses on to hide my eyes that looked like someone beat me up, I was tired of the burning, and I was starting to look at least ten years older than what I am. I use Blistex for my lips when they are dry and flaky so I thought I would try it (why not, everything else was failing), so I put the liquid on a Q-tip (not the stick type) on my eye lids and under my eyes. Yes, it does have menthol in it and so my eyes watered up and stung a little (nothing compared to the burning I experienced daily) and there was an improvement after a couple of uses, so I continued to use Blistex daily and nightly. My daughter commented on how much better my eyes looked and now if I do not use the Blistex it comes back with a vengeance. I know this is an unconventional method but it is the only thing I have found that helps. Hopefully, someone will come up with a product that will fix the issue without the burning I experience using Blistex
Yes! Blister medicated works!! I love it
Some skin & auto-immune conditions are directly gut-related. Cutting out common allergens, supplementing with a routine of HCL, digestive enzymes, super duper probiotics & vitamins over time has helped my skin, energy and lifestyle tremendously
I suffer from eyelid eczema. Vegan diet really helps cure it. Also found Instagram of a woman who started vegan diet on their children’s who had eczema it’s @ullenka_
She has before after pictures of her children. And other people who started doing it. She also posts recipes.
Maybe worth it checking out! 🙂
I suffer from really bad dermatitis on my eyelids and will randomly get flare ups where my under eye and eyelid will swell up tremendously and then get patchy, wrinkly, flakey and hard. I just had a flare up on Thursday night that was really bad and swollen. I did some research and tried something that for the first time worked and worked incredibly well!! I read that tea tree oil is really good—natural antibacterial, anti inflammatory, etc. and sunflower oil has similar calming effects. Tea tree oil is very strong so it’s important to only use a few drops and dilute it with the sunflower oil. I apply this once or twice a day and then immediately seal it in with aquaphor. I made sure that I had the aquaphor with me all weekend and anytime it felt dry, reapply to keep the skin moisturized and protected. I’m amazed—it’s now Sunday and my eye has healed faster than I’ve ever seen! I really skipped the red, hard, wrinkled skin phase with this technique, which for me usually lasts at least a week or week 1/2 after a flare up. Hope this helps other people!!
1 month ago I used a series of new skin care products, which I believe caused my really bad eyelid dermatitis. I had the red, patchy wrinkly, itchy skin. I accidentally came across the tea tree oil and the aquaphor combination and had amazing results. I had tea tree oil in my shower and decided to try it on my eyelids. I had nothing to lose, because anything else I tried didn’t work. I then coated my eyelids with aquaphor after my shower. The results were amazing. My eyes cleared up within a few days of this continuous treatment.
Just be careful not to go Vegan permanently. It’s a great way to detox and cleanse the body every once in a while, but it’s not healthy long- term. Unfortunately, the negative effects take a while to show up.
I have been vegan for 13.5 years and vegetarian since I was 9 years old. My energy and health improved tremendously on a plant based diet, it’s extremely healthy to cut out animal products (and much kinder to animals of course!).
This is so true I was vegan for 6 years and it messed me up so bad, I ended up with Anemia and bad hormone issues. Please be careful if you do a vegan diet.
I have psoriasis on my eyelids and use 100% Jojoba oil on my eyelids and it clears it up
Hi, I just had this problem severely and used Dr. Organic manuka honey cream as you said, and also their facial scrub very softly on the eyelid. Clearing up rapidly with this!!! Hope this helps. Before applying is use ice-cold dry eye pack “The Eye Doctor” which gave huge instant relief.
No chemicals in these products either.
Great advice, thanks.
Hi,
I used a retinol treatment (briefly) in January and I reacted. Ever since my left eyelid has been swollen and sometimes it looks normal for a short time but then swells again. It isn’t itchy as such but my eye feels very odd! It is very noticeable (worse for me) but must be as my hubby notices it all the time too. I have been to the dr so many times as well as eye specialists. I am getting no where. Dr doesn’t think this has anything to do with the retinol. The same weekend my eye started behaving like this my hands and feet swelled right up and were painful and swollen for weeks! My joints are all back to normal now though but not my eye. Please, does anyone have any ideas?? Thank you.
Did you eyes get better ? This happened to me after fake lashes.
Hi, I often experience eyelid eczema. I get extra folds in both eyelids, obvious swelling, red eyelids, and very dry cracking skin on the eyelid and underneath the eye. It has become worse recently and I have experienced cheek swelling. I have had this problem for around a year on and off but the worst-ever symptoms I’ve had was in the past few days. I do not wear makeup and I am struggling to find a link to a cause but if anyone has any advice that would be great as it is causing me extreme discomfort. Please help! I have an appointment with a dermatologogist but it is not for the next week.
Hi I’ve recently started dealing with Eyelid eczema too. My sister has had it for years and hers is at a all time high. She’s tried so many things. I’m looking into getting my diet in check with foods that don’t cause an inflammation response and eating less histamine foods. Which is a journey on to itself. This is not a easy fix. I feel everyones pain here. We must keep trying and find out what works best for us. I wish there was a cream that made it go away but I guess when dealing with internal triggers it’s a whole other ball game.
Hello everyone, I am new to Eczema. It is on my eyelids. Yes, the itching is so badly that I went and put some milk (yes, milk that you drink) in a little topper thing and put it on my eyes. OH WHAT A RELIEF it was. The cold milk just smoothed it. It stopped the itching that evening, but it came back the next day and I did the same thing again. I still have the itching but not as bad. I have been washing my face in “Cetaphil – Gentle Skin Cleanser” and then putting the “Cetaphil – Pro Restora Derm Eczema Soothing Moisturizer” on there and it has helped with the itching very much. My niece has Eczema really bad over her body and this is what she uses. Not sure how long I can use this on my eyelids because the skin is very thin in this area and I don’t want eye problems down the road with seeing. But it is helping me for now. Started using on 12/19/2020 I believe. I thing I always do too, is Pray to God that He would give me relief from the itching and heal it, if it is His will. It has gotten less with itching and redness. I still believing and trusting.
Luckily, it’s possible to treat eyelid eczema, but you have to make sure you know what you’re dealing with first.
This sounds like what I have! Red dry irritated skin first appeared around one eye (and the corners of my mouth) three years ago when I travelled from a very hot tropical country to a very cold winter climate, I used e45 cream in the beginning but I don’t think it was very effective, but it cleared up. Since then the skin around my eye gets drier every month, which I can control with weleda cream – but every summer one eyelid gets very red/pink and dry. It’s really annoying and I feel like I need to explain that it’s just my allergies when I go to work and see friends! Now Dr organic manuka honey cream is helping it heal faster, except it’s heavier and makes my eye look a little droopy and watery. Going to try out some of these remedies! Thank you!
I’ve been dealing with it for a few years now. It only ever bothered me in the winter. But now its not going away and its JUNE!! I am so sad. It hurts, itches burns, I get little paper cut type cuts that burn so badly! I look horrible!! I love to wear eye makeup and havent been for months now. bought one of the creams recommended. Will try anything!!
You should try Kiehl’s – Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. Seriously helped me a ton!!!
Has anyone tried a anti inflammatory diet or low histamine diet? I’m starting to look into this more. Going to start with what I can control internally. But this SUCKS !!! Topically I been trying black seed oil and also another eczema oil that helps with dryness and the itch but nothing topically seems to keep it at bay just ease the symptoms. GOOD LUCK TO US ALL !
I’m so glad I stumbled on this site! I’m fairly certain that “eyelid eczema” is what I’m suffering from . It’s nice to know I’m not alone with what I thought were just a collection of weird symptoms that pop up periodically and are difficult to clear up: red, itchy skin that tends to flake and/or crack, swollen, puffy eyelids and the skin of a 90 year old woman in the corner of my eye (I’m 50 so a few wrinkles are to be expected but seriously this makes it look like I’ve aged at least 20 years).
WHAT WORKS FOR ME: I think what seems to be working best for me is Waleda Skin Food (not their eye cream, just a the regular hand lotion)–a super intense lotion that is probably terrible use on my eyes but so far it’s the only thing that seems to clear up the irritation. I tried switching to straight up Vaseline but the next day all the headway I’d made was gone and I was back to a red, itch, wrinkly eyelid. One of the ingredients in Waleda is calendula extract which I noticed other people mentioned. Maybe that’s the magic ingredient?
THE GOOD NEWS: As far as I can tell, it seems like the wrinkles disappear as the condition clears up. At least I hope that’s the case.
I may have found my holy grail of eye cream that has helped tremendously!!! I get eczema on my eyelids (and on lower parts of my eyes) once winter hits and usually lasts on and off all winter. Makes me super self conscious because I look older with all the wrinkles/dry skin, makes my eyes red as well. I have gone through about 20 different eye creams but never really “healed” it as well as the Kiehl’s – Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. Comes in 2 different sizes. I have been using it for a couple days now and had immediate relief when I first put it on. I just have to share because upon reading reviews on this product, another lady stated it helped with her eczema as well!! Please just try it out and see if it works for you. You can purchase from Sephora, they are pretty good about returning a product even if it doesn’t work for you. It’s thick, very creamy, almost looks like it will spill out if you tilt it , but it doesn’t. It soaks right into your skin!! Hope this helps!!!! 🙂
Thank you! I just started with the eyelid itching scaling and swelling and its been driving me crazy. I just read your post on the Kiehls eye cream with avocado and never thought to put all around eyelid. I have that cream and used it on eyelid corners and under eye. Finally relief from itching and my eyes look better after one hour already and i can sleep since my eyelids dont itch.
I, too, am new to having Eyelid Eczema. Started with small flakes of skin under my left eye and then the extra fold of skin appeared under and above my eyes. Then, the scaly and itchy eyelids. It’s been awful. I’ve never been allergic to anything in my life and have no idea what’s causing this. I read that Gel nails can cause irritation, so I had mine removed and it has helped. The one product that I really feel has been healing my eyelids is Skinfix Dermatitis Eczema Face Balm. It’s a TINY tube that costs almost $30, but it’s helped tremendously. I put it on morning and nite and after 6 days, my skin is starting to heal. I will also be looking into hypoallergenic makeup from now on; Almay is a line that is completely hypoallergenic and budget friendly.
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I stopped my allergic reaction with nettle tea. My problem was histamine and the tea cleared it. Doctors did nothing for me. I tried this after reading an article on histamine.
Hi,
How did you figure out what the cause was.? And how much nettle tea did you drink.
Coconut oil (organic, unrefined, cosmetic grade) for the win!!! It is the ONLY thing that has treated and prevented my 4-year old daughter’s eyelid eczema (and eczema or rashes on her butt). We use Spectrum brand because it’s easy to find in stores. We use organic, unrefined shea butter for her body and face eczema. Coconut oil is naturally anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, super moisturizing, and it is gentle enough for the thin eyelid skin without eye irritation (even if it gets in the eye). We apply it first thing in the morning, in the middle of the day, and right before bed (and anytime after a shower). Just 1) wash your hands with soap, 2) scrape a little off on your fingernail (a little goes a long way), 3) rub it between your 2 pointer fingers until liquid, 4) hold both eyelids wide open while looking up, 5) apply generously to the rim of the bottom eyelid and corners, and 6) close the eye and apply the to top eyelid. Always apply to both eyes. Don’t be afraid to really rub it in to get those flakes loosened up, then gently scrape them away with your nail. Coat the eyelashes and get it right where the eyelid meets the eye (eye contact is perfectly fine). Additional applications may be necessary during winter or flare-ups. Wash the eyes only once a day during your shower with a clean washcloth, but be sure to only use a gentle soap with absolutely NO non-natural ingredients. We use Alaffia brand body wash because it’s easy to find in stores and is pretty much the only thing that doesn’t cause body/eye eczema. Additional washings and store bought eye-wipes and ointments cause irritation and dryness and worsen the problem. If an untreated flare-up has caused an eye infection, then get prescription antibiotic eyedrops. We saw 3 doctors and an opthamologist in 3 months who just thought my daughter was having recurring staph eye infections with blepharitis. They were WRONG and kept prescribing strong antibiotics with a washing regimen that only made it worse. It was a mother’s intuition that hinted that it may be just another type of eczema she has, and coconut oil would solve it. I was right. Trial and error.
My optometrist diagnosed my red, flaky, swollen eyelid as “Eczematous Dermatitis” and gave me a sample of Lotemax ointment to try in a very thin layer. It worked almost immediately. However, it keeps coming back sporadically. If I apply the Lotemax, it goes away but will return. At first it only effected the right eyelid. Now it also effects the left. My optometrist told me to be careful with the Lotemax because prolonged use can damage the eye, i.e. cataracts. So I know I have to fin a better, safer solution for maintenance. I’ve switched out makeup and face soaps and that does not seem to help. I saw my dermatologist yesterday and she did not give it a name and said it is hard/difficult to diagnose because it can be so many things. She suggested using Aquafore at night to keep the lids moist and have a protected barrier. Sometimes the tears from the eyes that roll out the ends of the eyes can be an irritant. Adding a protective barrier might help. She also gave me samples of a moisture ointment and a cleansing wash for sensitive skin by Vanicream. I am going to try both of them. She said to not wear makeup during a flare. It sounds to me like the solution is trial and error until one can find what works. My dermatologist also recommended to try a 1% hydrocortizone ointment, if needed. I am going to try the Vanicream for now and see if these 2 products being used together will work.