Eyelid dermatitis: as common as it is misunderstood

What is eyelid dermatitis?

Eyelid dermatitis is a sudden, inflammatory reaction that causes redness, itching and flaking of both the upper and, more frequently, lower eyelids.

Who is affected by eyelid dermatitis?

Eyelid dermatitis occurs in individuals who suffer from atopic dermatitis, atopic conjunctivitis or who are otherwise atopic. It is frequently concomitant with nickel allergy and/or reactivity to pollen, household dust or animal dander.

What are the causes of eyelid dermatitis?

Repeated contact with water, soaps, detergents and/or shampoos is a common cause of eyelid dermatitis. The application of creams or make-up, humid environments, the change of seasons, and mental or physical stress can also be triggers.

Why is water the number one cause of eyelid dermatitis?

During sleep, the eyelids stretch out, but during the day, they open and fold into one or more creases that exist to prevent moisture from evaporating.

The arrows in the diagram show the main folds that are created when the eyes are open and that retain moisture. Additional moisture from water, mixed with traces of soap, cleansers or shampoos, causes irritation to the folds before spreading to the entire eyelid.

What not to do in cases of eyelid dermatitis

• Do not itch the eyelids
• Do not wet the eyelids in an attempt to cool inflammation
• Do not apply moisturizing/emollient creams
• Do not apply cosmetics
• Do not apply holistic remedies (aloe, arnica, etc.)
• Do not apply oils or ointments
• Do not apply creams with antihistamines
• Do not apply creams containing antibiotics
• Do not apply creams with cortisone

Why pharmaceuticals should be avoided when treating eyelid dermatitis

The use of antihistamines is not recommended, as eyelid dermatitis does not cause a urticaria-like reaction. Moreover, antibiotic creams should be avoided as there is no infection to treat. The application of either antihistamines or antibiotics can worsen eyelid dermatitis.
As in cases of atopic dermatitis, cortisone is not used to treat eyelid dermatitis because when it is suspended, it will eventually cause the dermatitis to return worse than before (rebound), as well as causing the premature aging of the eyelids and an increased danger of infection.

How to treat eyelid dermatitis

As soon as eyelid dermatitis appears, suspend washing the area immediately.
Take care to ensure soap, water and shampoos do not come into contact with the eyelids.
To do this, wash hair by tilting the head well back and wash the face with cotton soaked in water.

Why water must be avoided

Water must be avoided in cases of eyelid dermatitis so that the eyelid becomes completely dry and the skin begins to desquamate which will then renew eyelid skin cells. By avoiding water, eyelid dermatitis usually heals spontaneously within 15 to 20 days.

What to do in case of itching and swelling

In cases of intense itching and swelling, apply Soothing Cream with zinc oxide and magnesium. Apply a small amount of the cream in the evening and massage well.

How to clean the eyelids without getting them wet

To clean the eyelids without water, use potassium permanganate solution.
Wet a cotton ball with the solution and wring it out to remove any excess solution before gently running the moistened cotton over the eyelids.

How to prevent eyelid dermatitis

Particularly in those individuals who are predisposed to the condition, eyelid dermatitis tends to recur.
Prevention of eyelid dermatitis includes not using harsh cleansers or milks to wash the face and/or remove makeup.
As an alternative, use the non-foaming, SLS-free Eudermic Cleansing Base, and ensure that the eyelids are dried thoroughly after washing to remove any traces of moisture.

Conclusion

Eyelid dermatitis is usually the result of soap, cleanser or shampoo residue. To treat and prevent the condition, suspend the use of water and any products on the eyelids.