Eyelid Dermatitis- Causes and Treatment

The swelling of the eyelid that is typically marked by formation of blisters on the eyelid skin, is referred to as eyelid dermatitis. In this condition, the eyelid skin appears dry and may cause irritation. The skin around the eyelids is delicate and thin and hence its exposure to allergens can contribute to this eye problem.

A number of factors may be responsible for causing irritation and swelling of the eyelid. For instance, it is found that large percentage of women go for eye makeup. Using eyeliner or other similar cosmetics, every now and then, would certainly affect the eyelid skin negatively. Also, there are products designed to remove these eye makeups. Even these contain harsh chemicals that can harm the eyelids. Other causes of this annoying eye condition are given below:

Today, wearing contact lenses is in vogue, but very few people realize the problems of replacing spectacles with contact lens. Eyelid inflammation is commonly associated with people who wear contact lenses. No doubt, it is a style quotient, but if eyelids are unable to tolerate it, removing them and choosing spectacles would be a wise decision.

As mentioned above, eyelid dermatitis can also be the result of allergens. When eyelids comes in contact with allergens like pollen, dirt, smoke and dust, this may bring eyelid skin inflammation and it is often accompanied by itchy rash.

One does experience an unusual smell when visiting a house that is being newly painted. This happens because the paint, which is a complex mixture of chemicals, produces fumes. Now, these fumes can cause irritation to the delicate skin of the eyelids and subsequently the person may complain about eyelid dermatitis.

This skin problem that is usually seen on the scalp area is typically characterized by dandruff formation (presence of white flakes). In some cases, the flakiness of the skin spreads over the facial area, particularly the nose, eyelids and the ears. The skin may also appear red and inflamed followed by persistent itchiness.

Using unclean hands to rub the eyes vigorously, is something that has been a habit among many people. As we all know, unwashed hands are a potent source of infections. Hence, rubbing the eyes with unclean fingers, is likely to trigger an eye infection, eventually causing dermatitis of the eye.

A person, sound asleep, has the slightest idea, what is happening around him. Therefore, a bug bite on the eyelid skin, might not be felt at all. However, waking up in the morning and looking at the mirror, the person may notice eyelids becoming swollen.

Although, inflammation of the eyelids, does not deteriorate the vision, in order to get rid of eyelid inflammation at the earliest, following treatment methods are adopted.

First and foremost, one should avoid direct contact of fingers with the affected eye. In other words, rubbing the eyes is out of question as it can aggravate this eye condition.

In order to ease the discomfort associated with this eye problem, use of vaseline is a proven remedy in this regard. Application of vaseline on the eyelid skin is quite beneficial and is often recommended to eliminate the blisters and dryness in skin. Petroleum jellies are basically moisturizers and hence effective to reduce skin irritation.

However, make sure the applied cream does not reach the inside of the eye. The cream may cause irritation, if it comes in contact with the white part of the eye.

This is an age-old remedy that has been commonly used to treat eye problems. Placing cucumber slice on the closed eyelid, is effective to reduce the inflammation and bring relief from the itchy skin.

Putting ice cubes wrapped in clean cloth, on swollen eyelids, is also recommended to relieve the eye discomfort.

On the whole, eyelid dermatitis, is a minor issue and goes away within 2 weeks. However, necessary eye care such as wearing glasses to minimize contact with allergens, is crucial to speed up the healing time of this eye problem.