Contact dermatitis on eyelids is a condition which involves the skin of the eyelids. When a triggering substance comes in contact with the skin of the eyelids, it may cause inflammation and irritation. Contact dermatitis on eyelids can occur due to an allergy or due to an irritant coming in contact with the eyelids. This eyelid disorder can affect one or both the eyelids.
Eyelids are vulnerable to contact dermatitis as the skin over the eyelid is thin. The allergic or irritating substance immediately gets absorbed. Contact dermatitis on eyelids is more common because eyelids are rubbed and touched off and on by hands and fingers.
Patient suffering from contact dermatitis on eyelids complains of itching and burning pain accompanied with red rash and swelling. The symptoms may last for a few days and resolve without any treatment, but sometimes treatment may be necessary.
What Causes Contact Dermatitis On Eyelids?
Eyelid contact dermatitis can occur due to an irritant coming in contact with eyelids. Since the eyelid skin is thin and delicate, it can easily get injured by an irritant. Inflammatory changes lead to itching, tingling and burning sensation. Swelling, thickening of eyelid skin with itchy rash, bumps and scaling are few important symptoms.
A person having sensitive eyelid skin, or a person who has a history of asthma, atopic eczema is vulnerable to certain harsh triggers when they come in contact with the eyelids. It can be chemicals in soaps and detergents, acid and alkali, chlorine present in the swimming pool, eye cosmetics such as eyeliners, mascara, eye shadows etc. These substances can come in contact with eyelids either through direct contact or indirectly from the fingers. Extreme heat and cold, dry weather, or excessive rubbing may also lead to inflammatory changes on eyelids.
Allergic contact dermatitis on eyelids is different from irritant dermatitis as in this condition an allergen is involved. Body’s immune system reacts to the allergen when it comes in contact with it releasing chemicals that may lead to itching, swelling and redness and burning sensation of the eyelids.
The potential allergens may be present in cosmetics and makeup, eye drops, spectacle frame, contact lens solutions etc. Sometimes airborne substances such as dust mites or pollen can also cause allergic reaction of the eyelids when a person’s immune system is hypersensitive to such agents.
Natural Remedies For Contact Dermatitis On Eyelids
The first thing that needs to be done in the management of eyelids dermatitis is to identify the substance causing inflammatory symptoms. Contact dermatitis is usually sudden. Patient should recollect of substances that may have come in contact with the eyelids. For example, patient may have used eyeliner or mascara before the occurrence of rashes, itching and swelling. She should immediately stop its further contact with the eyelids. Avoid rubbing and scratching the area as this may aggravate the condition and increase the risk of infection.
- Place a small cloth dipped in cold water over the eyelids. It helps to alleviate itching and irritation produced by allergy or an irritant. Place a cloth dipped and moisturized in cold milk. It soothes the symptoms of burning and itching.
- Apply aloe vera gel. This natural soothing substance not only soothes itching and other symptoms but enhances healing process.
- Place a slice of cucumber. A clod slice from refrigerator is more soothing. It helps to reduce redness, itching and burning on eyelids.
- Many times doctors prescribe steroid creams to be applied locally on the eyelids to alleviate symptoms. They may also prescribe antihistamine tablets to be taken orally.