eczema on eyes?

[lyricallyspeaking]

i have severe food allergies and a few weeks ago, after a food scare, i started taking benadryl for a week.  i noticed that i was getting patches of red, itchy skin on my eye lids and at the corners of my eyes.  i initially thought it was dry skin because of the benadryl, but ive noticed that it looks more like eczema than dry skin.

i don't want to put topical steroids on my eyelids because they're so thin i don't want them getting into my eyes.  does anyone have any suggestions?

[mishlove]

I went to my doctor  with red and itchy flacky skin all over my left eye. Right away she said it was shingles because it was only on one side. I took the meds she gave me and it still didn't all clear up. Last week I had a real bad cold and I was stuffy, well my eye has been swollen, so red and itchy and all I want to do is cry. I went to the dermatologist today and she said it was eczema and gave me a hydrocortisone cream to put on my eye for 2 weeks. If that does not work she said then it is a fungus and I will have to take pills. I hope that this cream works, Valentines day is in 2 days me and my hubby are going to Disney. I will keep you all posted on the out come.

[Mickilyn]

So this was caused/agravated by your eyes getting watery?

Although I've had eczema all my life, I never had it on my eyelids or in the corner of my eyes before. Since an eye injury a few months ago resulted in my eye not producing sufficient moisture, I have to use eyedrops every 1/2 hr depending on conditions (eg, windy or forced air). Several days ago I had a swollen puffy eye like I've never seen on me before in my life (I'm 47 w/ allergies, so I've had puffy & swollen before, but not like this), and last night it was starting to feel thick (weird explanation, but how eczema often feels at the start for me), & by this morning it was a full blown red, scaley & flakey patch in the inner corner of my eye.  This is the eye I have to use drops all the time in, & it seems like the extra moisture from the eye drops might be a factor, as it often pools in the corner briefly before I get the extra wiped away.

I'm also hoping this is in part a stress reaction (if it is, it should go away or lessen with time) - after my dad passed away 14 yrs ago, I developed severe psoriasis for over a yr. I had it mild for yrs before and since, but only severe time was stress from his death. My mom passed away recently, & eczema on other parts of me that are usually under control are flaring up like crazy right now too, so I think it's likely at least partially a stress reaction for me.

But I'm trying to find out what I can as I've never had eye eczema before, & your post was the first mention I saw of eye moisture affecting it. So I'm wondering if the eye drops are causing or exacerbating this situation for me, as I'm sure the stress is.

[KCW888]

I found something that finally worked for me! I had been dealing with this same issue for almost a year and did a ton of research, experimented with a lot of different options and products. I still don't really know what caused my eyelids to look the way they did (even after cutting out make-up products, eating differently and not rubbing or touching my eyes/eyelids). A few months ago, I finally found something that worked and I am trying to put it out there on all of the blogs/websites I used to read.

-First-off, I started using EYELID WIPES every morning and evening to get rid of any bacteria that was lingering on my lids (sometimes it hurt to use these because my skin was either red and swollen or scaly and itchy but I still used the eyelid wipes). Any brand seemed to work for me, even the generic from CVS, RiteAid, etc. but there are also specific brands I tried like Sunmark Eyelid Wipes and Systane Lid Wipes.

-Secondly, after using the eyelid wipes, I would apply a gel called DRY SKIN EYE GEL from the Skin Shop (a UK-based website). Here's the link to the product: Dry Skin Eye Gel. The gel worked better than anything I tried. It took about one week before I noticed that things weren't getting worse, although they still weren't perfect. After about 2 weeks, I noticed everything starting to clear up. By the end of the first month, the eyelid condition was gone. I was ECSTATIC! I was even able to start wearing make-up again but I take it off as soon as I need to. I waited awhile to post my results because I wanted to make sure my combination of the products above actually worked -- they really do. I have been rash-free, pain-free, embarrassment-free for the past 5 months. I really hope that this helps you as well as your readers!

[cyn873]

I have had eczema around the eyes off and on for several years.  I have tried different eye creams/gels nothing seemed to work.  Finally I changed my skin care to Simple skin care and also applied Aveeno Eczema Therapy moisturizing lotion.  And it worked!!  My eczema was better and almost gone within a week and a half.  The Aveeno is very gentle does not burn or make my eyes itch.  I use it day & night after washing with the Simple moisturizing face wash.  

[DiannaK]

I've had this same problem for quite some time, I tried a million things, and then went to the allergist.  He said 95% of the time when women have rashes on their eye lids it's from nail polish.  He instructed me to stop wearing nail polish for a month and see what happens.  Took off my nail polish, and a day later it was all cleared up.  I'm on day 4 with no problems :)

[san7000]

I am 35 years old and I never had problems with my skin until a little less than 2 years ago when I had scaly scalp mostly in the hairline and had an embarrassing red patchy, itchy and burning rash just between my hairline and the back of my ears. I went to the dermatologist and she said I probably have an eczema. I never had eczema. I had the perfect skin before this happened. I never experience dryness, pimples, rash whatsoever. This is very depressing. Doctor prescribed tons of medicines. She  prescribed fluocinolone acetone Topical oil, one brand name for this is Derma-Smoothe, hydrocortisone mixed with ketoconizole cream, nizoral prescription strength shampoo and protopic for my eye. My symptoms cleared up in a week but I stopped the nizoral shampoo since I suddenly had terrible hair loss. After 3 weeks since my symptoms began, I experienced puffiness, dry eyes and flaking around my eyes. When I put eye make up on and it would get so red, bloodshot red and very puffy eyelids. I changed brands but still didn't resolve it. I went to an eye doctor who diagnosed me with dry eyes!! I asked him if it was blepharitis, he said it was not. Instead, he recommended to do surgery which he claimed he is the innovator of this kind of surgery and will be launching this in 2 months time in California. He did not even have the name for the surgery yet. What it will do is to open my tear ducts. He prescribed an antibiotic,  tobradex ointment, an anti-inflammatory eye drops, and eye lubricant. It resolved after 6 days but it has been recurrent for the past 2 years. Just now I have it again. It is such a relief after going to this site knowing that I am not alone. I get depressed since I used to be really admired with my skin and never would have imagined I would have this kind of problem. I was asthmatic as a child and my dermatologist told me they are correlated. I have two daughters and I pray that they will not go through this when they grow up. It's stressful and depressing. Thank you for all your posts. Reading them makes me feel better.

[san7000]

I am 35 years old and I never had problems with my skin until a little less than 2 years ago when I had scaly scalp mostly in the hairline and had an embarrassing ten patchy itchy and burning rash just between my hairline and back of my ears. I went to the dermatologist and she said I probably have an eczema. I never had eczema. I had the perfect skin before this happened. I never experience dryness, pimples, rash whatsoever. This is very depressing. Doctor prescribed tons of medicines. She  prescribed fluocinolone acetone Topical oil, some brand name fro this is Derma-Smoothe, hydrocortisone mixed with ketoconizole cream, nizoral prescription strength shampoo and protopic for my eye. My symptoms cleared up in a week but I stopped the nizoral shampoo since I suddenly had terrible hair loss. After 3 weeks of since my symptoms began, I experienced puffiness, dry eyes and flaking around my eyes. I put eye make up and it will get so red, bloodsot red and very puffy eyelids. I changed brands but still didn't resolve it. I went to an eye doctor who diagnosed me with dry eyes!! he recommend to do surgery and open my tear ducts. He of course prescribed an antibiotic  tobradex ointment, anti-inflammatory, and eye lubricant. It resolved after 6 days but it was recurrent for the past 2 years, now I have it again. It is such a relief after going to this site knowing that I am not alone. I get depressed since I used to be really admired with my skin and never imagined I would have this kind of problem. I was asthmatic as child and my dermatologist told me they are correlated. I have two daughters and I pray that they will not go through this when they grow up. It's stressful and depressing. Thank you for all your posts. Reading them makes me feel better.

[eyeopener]

I just bought organic coconut oil yesterday for cooking and immediately jumped up and tried it on my eyes. Oh heaven! Thank you so much for your detailed information. I have had the run-around with so many doctors but nothing was working. I dring a lot of water but will bump it up immediately. I have played detective with the soap and high end, gluten free make up. Iate gluten free for almost a year to try to clear my system with no avail. I am at my wits end here! Thank you for some natural suggestions!  It is so discouraging and you do want to stay in and hide. Thank you for you encouragement and suggestions.

[c0901]

I have never suffered from allergies before but was told as one gets older, ones body cannot tolerate things they used to in the past. For 6months I have been trying to figure out my new sudden "eczema" on my eyelids diagnosis. Unfortunately today's doctors are in such a rush to get to next pt very little time is spent explaining things rather they just tell you what they think and prescribe you medicine.
The internet and blogs from others is where I found my answers. So I want to share my nightmare w my face in case it helps anyone.
At first it started w a small red spot under one eyelid; gradually it moved to my upper eyelid; then my other eyelid began to have dry itchy spots. Finally one day my eyes got swollen and completely red- this is where the craziness began.
Using OTC 1%cortisone around the eyes is dangerous. Which I mistakenly had been!
Eczema around eyelids like others have said is caused by an allergen. This is where you have to become a detective and slowly change products until you find the culprit.
I stopped all makeup around eyes and elsewhere. After swelling and redness went down (took a few days) I slowly reintroduced new makeup. (By the way do this on friday evenings so if you get an allergic reaction hopefully you do not work saturday/sunday and you can heal before work monday). Surprisingly Neutrogena/Almay, which are hypoallergenic, still gave me an allergic reaction. I found Origins makeup to work w no reaction!.
I also changed my laundry detergent to Seventh Generation natural detergent free and clear.
Cetaphil(soap recommended by dermatologist still irritated my skin) so I  purchased Dr.Bronner’s magic soap from Organic food store-I use it to wash my face as well.
I changed my shampoos/conditioners hairsprays/hair creams etc. to all natural products- no chemicals.
To heal the dry skin around my eyelids caused by the eczema I used Organic coconut oil.
I also have altered my diet a bit. I cannot afford to buy everything organic but the main things that I eat the most I do. I’ve been drinking about 60oz of water a day(I read somewhere to take your body weight divide it in half and that is how much water in oz you should drink a day).And I have added these supplements to my diets- fish oil(from wild caught fish); milk thistle; Hair Nail Skin Multivitamin(it contains the vitamin B complex-which is great for your skin) and Garden of Life supplement called Super Food(it's for those who cannot eat enough green foods plus it contains 10 Pro-biotic strains).

In addition I do 25 min cardio 3x's a week and two days of weight lifting.

Also very important- do not let this problem overtake you. It is very depressing because it is on your face. Just continue to be determined to figure out what is going on.

Best of Luck!

[SargeSingapore]

Hi there,

I have all the same symptoms everyone is talking about, but it seems to be climate related for me.  I live in Singapore which is on the equator, so super hot and humid all year round.  This means you basically live in airconditioning.  I've just been on holidays in Europe for two weeks and my eyes where fine.  Now that I'm back in Singapore, my eyes are flaring up again.  I can't decide whether it's my pillows, laundry detergent, aircon, or perhaps the stress of being back at work?!  Or perhaps it's just plain exema.  But found it odd that while in the fresh air of Ireland and not living in an aircon bubble it was totally fine for two weeks.

I have steroidal cream, which works but like others, don't want to have to apply that all the time.

Wondering if anyone out there has linked it to aircon, pillows, stress or laundy detergent.

[iitchalot]

I get eczema around my eyes because i am allergic to nickel. So every time my skin comes into contact with the metal, my eyes become instantly irritated and begin to itch and swell up. As long as i keep away from things like non gold jewelry and metal belt buckles, the problem goes away.

[shinbag]

I posted this on another eye eczema board but want to post it here as well . . . eye eczema was difficult for me and then i finally solved my problem so i want to share my experience:

I struggled with eczema underneath my eye and on my eyelid. I hesitantly used 1% hydrocortizone ointment which totally cleared things up but would return within a week once i stopped applying the ointment. I was unprepared to keep applying it because it supposedly can damage/then the skin and skin around the eye is very thin and sensitive.

WHAT SOLVED THE PROBLEM:

I first applied some hydrocortizone (sparingly) morning and night (3-4 days) to clear things up. Once it cleared up, i would wet the area around my eyes and apply simple Vaseline intensive care lotion/moisturizer. It seemed to hold in the moisture and it kept the eczema from returning.

I now do this every morning and evening. Also if my eyes begin to water (sometimes my contact lenses causes this) I apply the water/vaseline intensive care treatment as well so that the skin does not dry up. After trying tons of things, this was my savior.

Good luck!

[healthjourney]

I suffered from symptoms similar to what you described for the past year. I was finally diagnosed with Demodex - a mite that lives at the base of the hair follicle and can cause all of those symptoms you have described. I have eczema on other parts of my body so I assumed I was dealing with eczema on my eyes and face and accepted that diagnosis for a year, and not one thing helped clear it up (including steroids). Finally after hours and hours of research online I realized it was demodex and actually had to diagnose myself (I scraped my skin and bought a microscope to look at it) because a doctor refused to test me for it. He said there are no known cases of demodex infection in the US. Well I can tell you that he was wrong.

I have dealt with this rash on my face since December 2008 and in the past 6 weeks I started using products specifically made to clear up demodex and my face is almost totally healed now. I have some wrinkles left (and I'm too young for wrinkles!) but I hope that in time my skin will heal and the skin texture on my face will get back to the way it used to be.  I was so desperate so I know how you feel.

There is a website that will give you a lot of information - google "Demodex Solutions." I bought all of my products from there, too.  I don't understand why doctors refuse to accept that this is an issue with people in this country. I've been going around to message boards trying to give my experience to people because it seems like there are so many people suffering in the same way I did for over a year.

If you do go to a doctor and are diagnosed, make sure you get medication for demodex and not for scabies. This is what a doctor gave me at first and it didn't help. The prodcuts on that website are what have helped me. I will be happy to give you my email if you'd like to email me any questions you have. My goal is to help people find the answers that I had to dig for myself because the medical community couldn't (and wouldn't!) help me.

Wishing you a lifetime of health!

[babygirl08005]

and yess before my exzema diagnosis i had sever eye lid swelling! i thought i was the only one...its so tramatizing to me it lookd like i got punched in the eyes...ugh...now i just have these wrinkles that i guess is caused by some allergy..im only 21 though...anybody else have this problem???

[babygirl08005]

i was recently diagnosed with exzema as well,and unfortunetly i have it on my eyes too :(  
after my shower  i on clean skin& before bed i use ponds dry skin cream,its rich hydration really makes a diffrance...i also swear by aveeno products because theyre all natural &  they make products soap&dye free,and also products for us exzema sufferers..good luck!

[mianjen]

hi,
i have the same problem and it goes thru cycles..itchy, swelling and redness , then flacky..i have an ointment from eye dr..since my dermo and allergy dr cannot treat me! one pattern i noticed, i get these flare ups during certain times of the month..for all you women out there..does this happen to you?

[taralg]

I have been having this also but have a question... Do yall have swelling prior to the scally stuff showing up?  Mine swell the first day then the next day the swelling starts to go down but then the rough skin shows up and it looks like eczema.

[minx3]

i just got back from doctor all 3 of my sons have had ezema since they were babys old ones are teens now.  my youngest sons started have ezema around his eye which i tried treating with a ointement that i had for my teens that the eye doctor had given me it could be used directly in the eye it was a antibotic so i did not have to worry about it geting in his eye i just out it one the rash.  it helped but the rash kept coming back.  My doctor told me to use a cotton ball and baby shampoo and clean the eye area everyday.  and use the antibotic ointment for a couple of days  because his eyes are really nasty looking.  i did that and the baby shampoo really seemed to help.   just thought i would jot this down seems like a pretty easy fix   good luck

[Halonet]

Hi,

I've been suffering with eye eczema/blepahritis/meibomitis for over 5 years with no relief from medications the doctors gave me. I restrategized and came up with a plan based on all of the information and research I did on the subject.

My daily routine works and keeps it at bay. I am off medications (steroids almost ate a hole in my eyelid and can cause blindness) After it cleared up, the only effort is washing my face twice a day and applying Aveeno extra dry moisturizing on my whole face.

For more information I authored two articles on www.associatedcontent.com. One article is entitled "Eye Eczema" and the other is "Blepharitis". Please search for it if these links doesn't work:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2049165/blepharitis_eyelid_irritation.html?cat=5
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1995980/eye_eczema.html?cat=71

The eye eczema article has been very popular. If you can give me some feedback, I'd appreciate it. If you have any questions, please contact me. If I can help ease the suffering of one person it was worth the effort and time.

:-)

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It appears that you have Sebohrreic dermatitis. The treatment requires use of certain medication and appplications. This may involve steroids only in intense cases and not for all cases.

I think you should go back to your doctor and tell him about the recurrence of this condition so soon after treatment.

Keep us posted on your condition and let us know what the doctor says.

Best regards

[fantanman]

I had many of the symptoms described here: Bad flaking of the scalp, along the hairline on  my neck and forehead, behind the ears, and around my eyes. It was embarrassing to go out in public the flaking was so bad. My doctor diagnosed the condition as eczema and prescribed a 10-day program of prednisone, starting with 60 Mb/day reducing to 20 Mg/day plus cortisone-valerate 2 percent creme.

By the end of the prednisone routine last week my problem had cleared up and I was home free -- I thought. Then yesterday the problem around the eyes came back, so I've resumed the prednisone and cortisone, but I'll go back and see the doctor. Eyes aren't something to be messed with, I learned. I got some of the cortisone in one eye and it was severely bloodshot for a week (though painless).

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

What did your doctor say about the diagnosis in your son's case? Was any medication prescribed?

Let us know about how he is doing and also if you have any doubts.

Regards.

[gemini71]

Awesome! My son is having this very system. The rash around one eye. Eczema runs ramped in my fam, so I just thought it was that but since searching and finding this link, I also see that it is prob in fact Seborrheic Dermatitis. We'll be at his doctor tomorrow. ALSO thx for the tip about the ointment's. That's normally what I use and I most certainly did not want to put it on his eye.
Peace...

[lyricallyspeaking]

yes, now that you mention it, i get scaly patches at random places like my upper arms and the nape f my neck.  thanks for you help!