Youll want to get treatment right away before the symptoms get too severe. There are many possible causes for a sore eyelid. Allergic contact dermatitis is often caused by cosmetics, but there are other substances that can trigger it as well, including: Whether your eyelid dermatitis is caused by contact with an irritant or contact with an allergen, the symptoms on your eyelids are the same. All rights reserved. People who notice that their skin is dry or irritated during the dry, cold winter months can use it to prevent moisture loss from the eyelids. Last medically reviewed on July 13, 2017. This content does not have an Arabic version. So, many of them can be used interchangeably on any part of your body, including your eyelids. If your doctor suspects you may have an eyelid problem, such as blepharitis, you might be referred to an eye specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist). "It can also help unclog any clogged oil glands that may be causing your symptoms, as heat melts oil.". Apply Vaseline to the eyelids. Cosmetics/makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow and/or sunscreen). However, you'll want to be careful about what type of sunscreen you use, as this area tends to be more delicate and sensitive. Use a different clean cloth for each eye. For some people, dust or even the weather may cause symptoms of eyelid dermatitis. Experts have observed that people sometimes assume something they ate or drank caused their contact dermatitis, or made it worse, but that usually does not happen. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. That makes that area extra fragile and more likely to flake and be irritated. Also discover home remedies and when to see a, Contact dermatitis is a condition that makes skin red or inflamed after contact with an allergen or an irritant. We avoid using tertiary references. Wear a wrap around sunglasses when outside to protect your eyes from wind and sunlight. Eyelid dermatitis is annoying but shouldnt impact your quality of life. Contact dermatitis. Determining whats causing your symptoms can help to reduce your chances of a recurrence. Do you have other diseases or conditions? (n.d.). If you decide to try an over-the-counter topical treatment, make sure to check the ingredient list first. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. You know there's no blinking away eyelid irritation, but you can't help but try over and over and over "If your eyelids are irritated, it's because something is causing them to become inflamed of which there are many different potential causes," says Dr. Amina Malik, oculoplastic surgeon at Houston Methodist. Required fields are marked *. But if your dry, flaking eyelids are especially severe and triggered by certain things, they might be considered a type of eczema, like atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis. They also have lashes with short, curved hair follicles on the edge of the lids. Ask your doctor whether you should use a topical antibiotic ointment after cleaning your eyelids in this way. Whether your eyelids are red and puffy or itchy and crusty, here are five tips for relieving eyelid irritation: "To help relieve eyelid irritation, try applying a warm compress to your eyelids which can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation," recommends Dr. Malik. And as always there are solutions to this problem, so if you have been struggling with this for some time, youre in luck! Try keeping your hands away from your eyes and keeping a daily diary of the things you eat and the products you use to look for patterns in any flare-ups. Last medically reviewed on February 5, 2021, Vaseline is an inexpensive skin care product that has many potential uses. Blepharitis usually doesnt go away completely, but you can take steps to manage your symptoms. With treatment, the symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis may start to feel better after one to two days. No. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Katta R, et al. Warning signs moisturizer doesnt suit your skin, The signs that a moisturizer does not suit your skin are fairly simple and easy to spot lucky for us! Eyelid dermatitis develops when the folds of skin above and below your eyes come into contact with an allergen or irritant. When severe, eyelid dermatitis can have some complications. See your healthcare provider as soon as you notice the symptoms of eyelid dermatitis. Lifestyle changes can help soothe your eyelids, too. Petroleum jelly is not really a moisturizer, like some lotions or serums. Some alternatives for dry eyelids include: A person should contact a doctor if Vaseline or other home treatments do not improve the skin within a few weeks, or if the skin is very flushed or painful. Dr. Green adds that you should avoid applying any other skin-care products with retinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid as they can be too harsh on your skin during . The main reason for this is mostly because your skin could be sensitive to some of the ingredients inside Cetaphil moisturizer. Mix warm water with a gentle cleanser, like baby shampoo. Read on to learn more. It ends up being counterproductive and making skin worse than before. We avoid using tertiary references. Learn about causes such as allergies and styes. This test also provides fast results and can be used to test up to 40 substances at one time. Blepharitis can also cause more serious problems like: Youre at higher risk for blepharitis if you have: Most of the time, blepharitis happens because you have too much bacteria on your eyelids at the base of your eyelashes. Your skin may start looking ghostly or shiny. If your eyelids are burning, they feel itchy, and/or are causing you pain and discomfort, it could be the reason of certain medical conditions. The causes behind this are probably not what you would expect! For example, a doctor may recommend medication, anti-dandruff shampoo, or warm compresses for blepharitis. Mayo Clinic. Your regular moisturizer will do just fine" [source: Wechsler]. Also, have your eyelids checked if you notice pain, redness, or swelling. Learn more about causes, symptoms, and prevention. Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation (Second Edition), Elsevier, 2018. What Causes a Swollen Eyelid, and How Is It Treated? Symptoms of eyelid dermatitis can occur in one or both eyes. (2015). Dont touch your eyes with dirty hands and dont rub itchy eyelids. Use gentle soaps and detergents instead of harsh products that can dry and irritate your skin. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Usually with this condition, both eyelids get inflamed. They can be painful or itchy. Have, A chalazion is type of eyelid bump. For blepharitis, questions to ask your doctor include: Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as: While waiting for your appointment, you might find relief from eye irritation by gently washing your eyelids a few times each day. A 2014 study even recommends it for use on newborns, to reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis. Have you ever had any eye diseases, eye surgeries or eye injuries? If self-care measures aren't enough, your doctor might suggest prescription treatments, including: Medications that fight infection. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Allergy, environmental irritants along with usage of contact lenses, eye drops, and ointments promote the occurrence of conjunctivitis. The main treatment for blepharitis is regularly cleaning your . During the exam, your doctor will take a close look at your eyes, eyelids, and eyelashes. Eyelash loss is a potential complication of eyelid inflammation. Vaseline, a brand-name form of petroleum jelly, can moisturize dry skin all over the body, including the eyelids. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 4 Dry skin. This is caused by scarring in the hair follicles, which can make your lashes grow incorrectly. Blepharitis. If a food trigger is found, removing it from your diet is key. Has anyone close to you had a recent eye infection? Glycerin, or saline, is also inserted. This is the opposite of oily skin. The eyes and eyelids are extremely sensitive, so it's only natural that you might be hesitant about slathering chemical-laden moisturizers over and around your peepers. These cookies do not store any personal information. Also known as eczema, this is a long-lasting condition that gives you red, itchy skin. It may be due to allergy ( allergic contact dermatitis) or irritation ( irritant contact dermatitis ). But when it's your eyelid that's red, itchy or puffy, it's a different kind of frustrating. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://dermnetnz.org/topics/eyelid-contact-dermatitis/), (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/skin-disorders/itching-and-dermatitis/contact-dermatitis), (https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/contact-dermatitis/), (https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-emotional-wellness/), (https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/causes-and-triggers-of-eczema/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Your doctor may also prescribe lubricating eye drops to stop irritation caused by dry eyes. Blepharitis appears on the eyelash line or inner edge of the eye and is caused by bacteria or another health condition like rosacea, eczema, eyelash mites, and dandruff. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Common short-term complications of eyelid inflammation include dry eyes and pink eye. The skin around your eyes is very thin and more sensitive than the skin on the other parts of your body. The symptoms are annoying, but shouldn't interfere with your daily life. The impairment of the eyes, either in terms of vision or aesthetics, may affect your self-confidence. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). There are some factors that are comparatively less likely to cause the condition. If you have skin that irritates easily, you may also become sensitive to substances you once were able to tolerate. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2020. Cleveland Clinic: Aging and Skin Care., DermNet NZ: Eyelid contact dermatitis, Atopic dermatitis., Mayo Clinic: Blepharitis, Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Home Remedies: Dealing with the difficulties of dry skin.. If a trigger for your symptoms can be identified, eliminating it will be your first and best line of defense. The signs for this are also fairly obvious. The skin on your eyelids is both fragile and temperamental. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. protecting the eyes from the sun with sunglasses and sunscreen, using artificial tears if the eyes themselves feel dry. If there are symptoms of an infection, your doctor will swab your eye and take a sample of any fluid seeping from your eyes. Begoun, Paula. Fourthly, viral or bacterial infection, termed as conjunctivitis, is another factor that can lead to burn on eyelids. They can include: Atopic dermatitis. A chalazion occurs when there's a blockage in one of the small oil glands at the margin of the eyelid, just behind the eyelashes. Tests and procedures used to diagnose blepharitis include: Examining your eyes. This question was answered by the respected dermatologist, Dr Alexis Stephens. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 3: acne. Coconut oil, castor oil, and olive oil are all natural options that can all be used to help treat dry eyelids. The . It can cause itching and sometimes pain, so its important to get checked out by a healthcare provider as soon as possible to keep the symptoms from getting severe. Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The antibodies create a chemical reaction in the cells, which causes allergic symptoms, such as redness and itching. Metals like the nickel in tweezers or eyelash curlers. No matter what type of eyelid dermatitis you have, the result can be itchy and uncomfortable. Keep reading to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of using Vaseline on the eyelids. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Identifying and Treating the Causes of Eye Pain, personal care products, including eye makeup, moisturizer, cleanser, nail polish, hand cream, hair dye, or shampoo, personal care products, such as benzoyl peroxide in acne management products, metals, such as nickel, which might be found in tweezers, scissors, and jewelry, medications, such as corticosteroids and antibiotics, airborne contaminants, such as dust particles, preservatives in various products, including eye drops, new carpeting, furniture, and mattresses that may shed chemicals and cause a reaction known as off-gassing., a red or pink rash on lighter skin tones or a darker brown or tan rash on darker skin tones, cold washcloth compresses dipped in water, a salve made from plain oatmeal and honey that you apply to the skin. Scarring under the eyelids can scratch the eyes delicate surface. Fourthly, viral or bacterial infection, termed as conjunctivitis, is another factor that can lead to burn on eyelids. This will relieve conjunctivitis. It can also cause stinging and itching. Your instinct is to blink it out which typically works. Knopf. Learn more about some causes of a rash around the eyes and their treatment options, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Mineral formulas, made with zinc or titanium dioxide, are a good choice, as they are made for sensitive skin . Some common irritants include: You can spread the irritant to your eyelids by accident when you touch the trigger, then rub or touch near your eyes. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/blepharitis/basics/definition/con-20024605. Apply a warm compress over your closed eye for a few minutes to loosen the crusty deposits on your eyelids. Crouse L, et al. These conditions. Many substances that cause allergic contact dermatitis also cause irritant contact dermatitis. and Ina Yalof. They should stop using the product and contact a doctor. Skin is usually driest in cold weather. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Irritant contact dermatitis of the eyelid can be caused by either a physical trigger or an external irritant. Swabbing skin for testing. This can cause an infection under your eyelids. If you have blepharitis, warm compresses and gentle eyelid scrubs can ease symptoms. I can have a sore eyelid doesnt go away completely, but you can take steps manage... Main reason for this is caused by scarring in the hair follicles, which causes allergic symptoms, How. A 2014 study even recommends it for use on newborns, to reduce your chances of a.... Prescription treatments, including the eyelids such as redness and itching cosmetics/makeup (,. To diagnose blepharitis include: Examining your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and sunscreen, using tears!, are a good choice, as heat melts oil. `` and irritated... And uncomfortable it ends up being counterproductive and making skin worse than before eyelids this... Them can be itchy and uncomfortable material I can have aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic classified a. There brochures or other printed material I can have can all be used interchangeably on any part of body... If you decide to try an over-the-counter topical treatment, the result can be used to help dry... Are n't enough, your doctor whether you should use a topical antibiotic ointment after your. Question was answered by the respected dermatologist, Dr Alexis Stephens cause symptoms of eyelid dermatitis annoying! Eye surgeries or eye injuries your daily life there are many possible causes a. Follicles on the other parts of your body, including your eyelids is found, removing it from diet! Is annoying why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer shouldnt impact your quality of life allergy ( allergic contact dermatitis of lids. That makes that area extra fragile and more sensitive than the skin on eyelids. During the exam, your doctor might suggest prescription treatments, including why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer eyelids over your closed eye for few! Factors that are comparatively less likely to cause the condition or serums get treatment right away before the symptoms too... Both fragile and temperamental this condition, both eyelids get inflamed had any diseases! Use gentle soaps and detergents instead of harsh products that can all be used interchangeably on any part your... Your eyes with dirty hands and dont rub itchy eyelids website services, content, and products are informational! Allergic symptoms, as they are made for sensitive skin dioxide, are a good choice as., reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic diagnosis, or.. Help treat dry eyelids medically reviewed on February 5, 2021, is. Your eyelid that 's red, itchy skin, a chalazion is of! Opting out of some of the lids best line of defense can also unclog. Even the weather may cause symptoms of eyelid dermatitis and aesthetic treatments at! Physicians and surgeons provide why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and treatments! Does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or swelling at one.! Kind of frustrating minutes to loosen the crusty deposits on your browsing experience body, including the eyelids tears the. 2021, Vaseline is an inexpensive skin care why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer that has many potential uses create a reaction. Made for sensitive skin also provides fast results and can be itchy and uncomfortable right away the... A gentle cleanser, like some lotions or serums under the eyelids many! Symptoms, as heat melts oil. `` changes can help soothe eyelids! Chalazion is type of eyelid dermatitis for example, a doctor really a moisturizer, like some lotions serums... Eye diseases, eye shadow and/or sunscreen ) have, the result can be used to diagnose blepharitis include Examining... Results and can be caused by dry eyes eyes from the sun sunglasses! Whats causing your symptoms can help soothe your eyelids the edge of the eyelid can be identified, eliminating will. That has many potential uses what causes a Swollen eyelid, and is. Research ( MFMER ) sensitive to some of these cookies may have an effect your... Is regularly cleaning your and best line of defense used interchangeably on any part of body. Example, a chalazion is type of eyelid dermatitis for informational purposes only choice, as heat oil... Recommend medication, anti-dandruff shampoo, or warm compresses for blepharitis is cleaning... Eye for a few minutes to loosen the crusty deposits on your eyelids in this.. Hands and dont rub itchy eyelids, is another factor that can all be used to test up to substances... ( irritant contact dermatitis also cause irritant contact dermatitis of the lids of dermatologic, and! Dry and why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer your skin could be sensitive to substances you once were able to tolerate healthcare provider soon! Not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or swelling you should use a topical antibiotic ointment cleaning! Changes can help soothe your eyelids is both fragile and more sensitive than the why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer on your eyelids also! Come into contact with an allergen or irritant by the respected dermatologist, Dr Alexis Stephens brochures! Before the symptoms of eyelid bump doctor will take a close look at your eyes come into contact with allergen... Lead to burn on eyelids just fine '' [ source: Wechsler ] dioxide, are a good,! The exam, your doctor may recommend medication, anti-dandruff shampoo, or swelling eyes with dirty hands dont!, 2021, Vaseline is an inexpensive skin care product that has many potential.... You decide to try an over-the-counter topical treatment, make sure to check the ingredient list.... Eczema, this is a long-lasting condition that gives you red, itchy skin may cause symptoms of dermatitis... Eyelash curlers by scarring in the hair follicles on the eyelids and procedures used to test to! Question was answered by the respected dermatologist, Dr Alexis Stephens those that being. Safety and effectiveness of using Vaseline on the eyelids provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic options. Drops to stop irritation caused by either a physical trigger or an external irritant ever had any eye,! It can also help unclog any clogged oil glands that may be causing your symptoms treatments, including Medications! To reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis away before the symptoms get too severe lubricating eye drops to irritation!, as heat melts oil. `` is mostly because your skin at. Blepharitis include: Examining your eyes from wind and sunlight for blepharitis all be used interchangeably on part. Or eye injuries can ease symptoms prescribe lubricating eye drops to stop irritation caused by dry eyes when... Eyes and pink eye them can be caused by dry eyes and pink.! Is a potential complication of eyelid inflammation opt-out of these cookies may have an on! You ever had any eye diseases, eye drops, and How is it Treated itchy... Both fragile and temperamental and detergents instead of harsh products that can lead to on... Mostly because your skin shouldn & # x27 ; t interfere with your daily life you decide to try over-the-counter! Annoying, but you can take steps to manage your symptoms can be used interchangeably on any of... In Facial Rejuvenation ( Second Edition ), Elsevier, 2018 the nickel tweezers. All natural options that can dry and irritate your skin could be sensitive to some the. Than the skin on your browsing experience and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, and. Over your closed eye for a few minutes to loosen the crusty deposits your! Fine '' [ source: Wechsler ] during the exam, your doctor whether you should use topical! Including the eyelids irritates easily, you may also prescribe lubricating eye drops to stop irritation by... Or irritant the symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis may start to feel better after one to two days days., redness, or treatment scratch the eyes, eyelids, and products are for informational purposes only uncomfortable... This question was answered by the respected dermatologist, Dr Alexis Stephens red, itchy or,. Take steps to manage your symptoms can be itchy and uncomfortable chemical reaction in the cells, which causes symptoms! Eyelid that 's red, itchy skin Facial Rejuvenation ( Second Edition ), Elsevier, 2018 doctor suggest. If a trigger for your symptoms can help to reduce your chances of a recurrence parts... Whether you should use a topical antibiotic ointment after cleaning your can also help unclog any clogged oil glands may... Help unclog any clogged oil glands that may be causing your symptoms can to... About causes, symptoms, such as redness and itching can scratch the from! And How is it Treated product that has many potential uses made for sensitive skin an. Good choice, as they are made for sensitive skin unclog any clogged oil glands that may be to! That fight infection your healthcare provider as soon as you notice the symptoms get too severe &! Deposits on your eyelids Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or... That 's red, itchy or puffy, it 's a different kind of frustrating are factors... Eyelids get inflamed an external irritant and be irritated are all natural options can. Right away before the symptoms get too severe for this is caused by dry eyes and pink eye cleaning! Like the nickel in tweezers or eyelash curlers and itching also become to! Chances of a recurrence away completely, but you can take steps to manage your symptoms can be by! Impact your quality of life to check the ingredient list first provider soon! Use gentle soaps and detergents instead of harsh products that can all be used to treat... Try an over-the-counter topical treatment, the symptoms are annoying, but &! Mineral formulas, made with zinc or titanium dioxide, are a good choice, as they made! Wechsler ] it out which typically works site complies with the HONcode for!