Contact dermatitis on the eyelid is a condition that affects the skin of the eyelids. Certain substance that comes in contact with skin of the eyelids can cause irritation and inflammation. Contact dermatitis on eyelids occurs due to allergy or some irritants that come in contact with the eyelids. This skin condition can affect one or both eyelids.
The eyelids are susceptible to contact dermatitis since the skin on the eyelid is thin and exposure to ay irritating substances are immediately absorbed by the skin. The eyelids are susceptible to contact dermatitis because they are rubbed and constantly touched by the hands and fingers.
Individuals who are suffering from contact dermatitis on the eyelid can experience burning pain, itching with red-colored rash and swelling that can last for a few days and simply heal without any requiring any form of treatment, but sometimes the condition requires medical care.
What are the symptoms?
- The skin becomes dry along with cracks on the skin, development of blisters, itchy and reddened skin.
- The individual finds it difficult to sleep with an itchy rash.
- There is pain when the skin becomes dry and cracks are visible.
- There is difficulty with the vision and the area becomes painful when the individual blinks his/her eyes.
Causes
- A sensitive eyelid skin
- An individual with history of asthma and atopic eczema is susceptible to the condition upon exposure to harsh elements when in contact such as chemicals found in soaps and detergents, acids and alkali as well as cosmetics for the eye such as eyeliners, mascara and eye shadows.
- Chlorine present in the swimming pool can cause contact dermatitis on the eyelids.
- Intense heat and cold, dry weather and excessive rubbing can cause inflammation of the eyelids.
- Allergens that are present in cosmetics and makeup, spectacle frame, eye drops, and contact lens solutions can cause contact dermatitis on the eyelids.
- Airborne elements such as dust mites and pollen can also cause an allergic reaction on the eyelids.
Treatment of contact dermatitis on the eyelid
- Immerse a small cloth in cold water and place it over affected eyelid. This helps lessen the itchiness and irritation caused by an allergy and exposure to other irritants.
- Place a cloth immersed and moisturized in cold milk over the affected eyelids since it relieves symptoms such as itching and burning.
- Place a cold slice of cucumber on the eyelids in order to help minimize itching, redness and burning sensation on the eyelids.
- Apply an aloe vera gel on the affected eyelids since it helps improve the healing process.
- Apply the prescribed steroid cream given by the doctor on the eyelids in order to reduce the severity of the symptoms.
- The individual should take the prescribed antihistamine medications orally in to help minimizing the itchiness.
FACT CHECK
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contact-dermatitis/
https://www.healthline.com/health/contact-dermatitis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352742