Eczema around the eyes is a common skin problem many people deal with. It causes dry, itchy, red patches on the delicate skin in that area.
There are several potential causes. It could come from a condition like atopic dermatitis, often tied to allergies. Irritants like certain makeup, soaps or creams can also trigger it. Even things in your environment, like cold weather or stress, could be the cause.
The good news is there are ways to manage eczema in this sensitive area of your face. Using gentle moisturisers helps keep the skin hydrated and less itchy. In some cases, doctors may recommend mild steroid creams or a combination steroid and antifungal treatment to reduce swelling and redness.
Identifying the triggers and avoiding them is key to controlling eczema flares around the eyes. With proper skin care and treatment, if needed, it can usually be kept under control.
Key takeaways:
- The delicate skin around your eyes can develop eczema flares from allergic reactions, contact with things that bother your skin, or even when you’re stressed.
- Applying gentle moisturisers to your skin daily can help keep it healthy, hydrated and less itchy.
- If your eczema is really bad, a doctor might give you stronger creams to make it better.
What is eczema around the eyes?
Imagine your skin as a protective barrier. When you have eczema, this barrier doesn’t work as well as it should. Around your eyes, where the skin is very delicate, eczema can be particularly troublesome.
If you’re dealing with this, you’re not alone. According to the NHS, eczema affects approximately 1 in 5 children and up to 1 in 10 adults in the UK.
Eczema around the eyes often affects the eyelids and the skin just below or around the eyes. It can make these areas red, puffy, and itchy.
It’s important to know that you can’t catch eczema from someone else or pass it on to others. Even the National Eczema Association confirms that it’s not contagious - it’s just your skin reacting in a certain way.
What causes eczema around the eyes?
Atopic dermatitis
The NHS guidance on atopic eczema confirms that atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It’s like your skin’s alarm system is too sensitive. If you have allergies like hay fever or asthma, you’re more likely to get atopic dermatitis. It often runs in families, too.
When atopic dermatitis affects the skin around your eyes, it can make your eyelids flaky, puffy or red. Your skin might feel dry and rough, like sandpaper. The itching can be intense, making it hard not to rub your eyes.
Contact dermatitis
Sometimes, your skin reacts badly to things it touches. This is called contact dermatitis. It’s your skin’s way of saying, “I don’t like this” when it comes into contact with certain substances.
For the skin around your eyes, a 2021 study mentions these causes:
- Makeup, especially eye shadows and mascaras
- Face creams or moisturisers
- Soaps or cleansers
- Pollen floating in the air
When your skin touches these things, it might get red, itchy, and swollen quickly. It’s your skin’s way of telling you it’s unhappy with something you’ve put on it or something in your environment.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is another type of eczema that likes to appear where your skin is oily. It’s often seen on the scalp, where it causes dandruff, but it can also affect your face, including the area around your eyes - more specifically around your eyebrows. A 2024 study even discovered that seborrheic dermatitis appeared on the face in 88% of cases.
If you have seborrheic dermatitis near your eyes, you might notice:
- Skin that looks a bit greasy
- Flaky patches that might be yellowish or white
- Redness and mild swelling
It can feel like your skin is producing too much oil, but at the same time, it’s getting irritated and flaky.
Environmental and lifestyle factors
Your surroundings and daily habits can play a big role in eczema flare-ups around your eyes, when your skin is being extra sensitive to the world around it.
Cold weather can dry out your skin, making it more likely to get irritated and cold weather can worsen any existing eczema, as confirmed in a 2023 study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Dermatology.
Stress can be another eczema trigger for many people. In fact, the NES 2020 patient survey Eczema Unmasked uncovered that 57% of women and 41% of men experience stress-induced flareups. When you’re stressed, your body releases chemicals that can make your skin more sensitive and prone to eczema, as if your skin can feel your stress too.
A 2020 study found that sleep disturbances are connected to atopic eczema for 33-90% of adults. Not getting enough sleep or being run down can also make your skin more vulnerable. And if you have allergies, they can team up with eczema to make your symptoms worse.
How to treat eczema around the eyes
Moisturising the skin
According to the National Eczema Society, emollients (moisturising skincare products) are the first line of treatment for eczema.
Keeping your skin well-hydrated is key to managing eczema. Moisturisers like the Daily Moisturising Creamy Oil from Aveeno or CeraVe Moisturising Cream not only hydrate your skin but also work to repair the damaged skin barrier. When you have damaged skin, it’s more likely to get irritated and itchy.
Look for creams or lotions that don’t have fragrances or other ingredients that might irritate your skin. Products labelled “hypoallergenic” are less likely to cause a reaction.
Never use exfoliants like scrubs on acids on eczema.
When you apply moisturiser, be gentle. Pat it on softly, don’t rub. And while you can apply these products (and the ones in the following sections) to your skin, make sure that they don’t get into your eyes.
Using mild steroid creams
Sometimes, when eczema flares up and gets really red and itchy, healthcare providers might recommend a mild steroid cream. These creams for eczema, like Hydrocortisone, work by calming down the inflammation in your skin. Inflammation happens when your body reacts to something irritating it. This makes the area turn red and puffy.
Steroid creams for eczema help calm flare-ups. Use them when you really need relief, but be careful. They are strong medicines - helpful when you need it, but not something you should use all the time. Always follow your doctor’s instructions about how much to use and for how long.
Based on the NHS guidance for topical corticosteroids, it’s also important to know that using too much steroid cream or using it for too long can thin your skin. This makes it even more delicate and prone to irritation. That’s why you must only use these creams as directed by a healthcare professional.
Trying non-steroid treatments
There are also non-steroid treatments available that can help manage eczema. One example is Protopic Ointment, which contains a medicine called tacrolimus. It works by calming down your skin’s overactive immune response, which is what causes the redness and itching in eczema.
Protopic is especially useful for delicate areas like your eyelids because it doesn’t thin the skin like topical steroid creams can.
However, like all medicines, even Protopic has its side effects. It’s very common (may appear in more than 1 in 10 people) that patients experience burning or itchy skin when they apply the product.
Protopic needs to be used under our medical team’s guidance. They’ll help you figure out if it’s the right choice for your skin and how to use it safely.
Soothing your skin
One simple trick to soothe your skin is using a cold compress. Wet a clean, soft cloth with cool water and place it gently over your eyes.
When you wash your face, use products that are gentle and don’t strip away your skin’s natural oils. Look for cleansers that say they’re for sensitive skin.
It’s really important not to rub or scratch the skin around your eyes, even when it’s itchy. Scratching can further damage your skin and even cause infections. Instead of scratching, try lightly tapping the itchy spot. It’s tough, but being extra gentle with your skin will help it heal quicker.
For eczema that has developed a fungal infection, you can wash this skin with an antifungal shampoo or wash to help clear the skin.
Tips for managing eczema long-term
Living with eczema around the eyes can be challenging, but you can build some habits to keep your skin as healthy as possible.
- Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser daily. Your skin needs this consistent care.
- Shield your skin from rough weather. When it’s sunny, wear sunglasses to protect the sensitive skin around your eyes. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic sunscreen on your face, avoiding contact with your eyes.
- As seasons change, you may need to switch skincare products. In winter, use a richer moisturiser for dry air. In summer, go for a lighter lotion. Listen to your skin and adjust accordingly.
Managing eczema is a journey with good and bad days. The key is sticking to your skin care routine every day and being patient with your skin. With the right plan for your needs, you can keep eczema around your eyes under control.
How Oxford Online Pharmacy can help
Take the first step towards managing your eczema - start your consultation with Oxford Online Pharmacy today.
Having eczema around your eyes is no fun, but Oxford Online Pharmacy can make getting help easier. Here’s what to do:
- Fill out a short health survey on our website.
- Indicate your preferred treatment, if you know.
- Our doctors look at your answers and approve or suggest the right medicine for you.
- We’ll ship your order right to your door.
Not sure about the different treatments? Our pharmacists can help over the phone or email.
Take charge of your eczema - get in touch with Oxford Online Pharmacy today. Your skin will thank you.
FAQs
Why is my eczema flaring up around my eyes?
Eczema flare-ups can happen for lots of reasons. Your skin might touch something that irritates it, like a new face cream or pollen. Stress, poor sleep, or weather changes can also cause flare-ups. Your skin is behaving extra sensitive and reacting to changes in your daily life or environment.
What cream should I use for eczema around my eyes?
The best cream for you depends on your specific situation. Gentle moisturisers like Cetraben or Epaderm are often good choices. For more severe eczema, a doctor might recommend a mild steroid cream or a non-steroid treatment. The skin around your eyes is sensitive, so always use gentle products meant for that area.
Never use a medicine or prescription-strength treatment on or around your eyes without discussing with a healthcare professional first.
Is eye eczema caused by stress?
Stress itself doesn’t cause eczema, but it can make eczema worse. When you feel stressed, your body releases chemicals that can increase swelling and irritation in your skin. It’s like stress turns up the volume on your eczema symptoms. Doing things to manage stress, like taking slow deep breaths or talking to a friend, can also help your skin feel better.
Sources:
- National Eczema Association (2024). Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Causes and Treatment
- National Eczema Society (2024). Eczema Around the Eyes
- NHS (2023). Atopic eczema
- NHS Cheshire and Merseyside (2024). Eczema