Dermatitis under the eyes and on the eyelids

Types and symptoms

There are several types of ocular dermatitis.

Atopic

In this case, both eyelids are affected - lower and upper. Its development can be provoked by multiple reasons, both internal and external. As pathology manifests itself, the skin begins to roughen and crack.

Chronic

This species is characterized by a slow development of the inflammatory process. If, in the case of an acute lesion, only one eye is exposed to suffering, then here the location of the lesion falls on both visual organs.

There is redness of the eyelids, peeling of the skin and severe itching. This form is also accompanied by swelling and rashes.

Drug

Its occurrence is facilitated by taking a certain group of medications or electrophoresis. In case of damage to large corners of the eyes, we can say that the cause of the disease was the use of eye drops. If the entire surface and conjunctiva are affected, use ointments.

Eczematous

It is extremely rare. It may occur due to the use of ointments containing sulfonamide components. It can also be caused by taking certain antibiotics. The main symptoms are itching, redness, and pain in the eyes.

Seborrheic

This type is characterized by signs such as redness of the skin, decreased vision, itching, a feeling of sand in the eyes, and loss of eyelashes. Only this type of disease is distinguished by the formation of a yellow crust on the eyes that has scales.

Spicy

Its difference lies in the abrupt onset of the course, which is accompanied by an increase in body temperature and rapid swelling of the eyelids. In some cases, dizziness and chills may occur.

Whatever the form of inflammation, you must immediately seek help from a specialist.

Dermatitis around the eyes: division into types and symptoms

Sharp form. It is distinguished by the speed of formation and intensity of symptoms. There is severe hyperemia of the skin on the eyelids and around the eyelids, a feeling of itching, and dryness of the skin. Coarsening of the skin is also noted. Areas of weeping are less likely to form. Swelling of the eyelids occurs, which in severe cases leads to complete closure of the eyelids. The skin may become covered with rashes or blisters. Pain and tearing are also noted. The disease can also affect general well-being: headaches, dizziness, chills and weakness are observed.
Chronic form. It has a long course and affects two eyes at the same time. In the initial stages, there is pain in the eyes, itching and burning sensations. Next, thickening and roughening of the skin occurs, dryness and flaking are noted. Mild redness and slight swelling are also noted. This form of dermatitis is accompanied by small rashes or conjunctivitis.

The atopic form of dermatitis is classified as a chronic recurrent pathology. External causes of its formation are allergic reactions (to food, medications, cosmetics, household chemicals, pollen) or infections against the background of a violation of the integrity of the epithelial layer. Atopic dermatitis also occurs against the background of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, helminthic infestations and metabolic disorders. This type of dermatitis manifests itself as redness of the skin layer, constant debilitating itching and burning. Manifestations of dermatitis can affect both eyes, or one eye, or even one eyelid (upper or lower) or part of it. The epithelium is covered with small blisters filled with clear liquid. After the blisters rupture, areas of weeping and open wound surfaces appear. Over time, the wounds dry out, become crusty and crack. Open wounds increase the likelihood of secondary infection and the addition of suppuration.
Allergic dermatitis of the eyelids. The formation of contact or allergic dermatitis occurs after the interaction of thin and delicate tissues on the eyelid with an allergen. Allergens can include: decorative cosmetics (mascara, eye shadow, foundation), medications (ointments or potassium for the eyes), household chemicals (soap, laundry detergent, fabric softener, face wash), plant pollen , household dust, animal hair, insect bites. During allergic dermatitis of the eyelids, severe hyperemia and swelling of the tissues are observed, the intensification of which is caused by mechanical scratching. The pathology is accompanied by intense itching and burning, tearing, the formation of a rash and blisters filled with clear liquid. Often accompanied by other allergic symptoms, allergic rhinitis or allergic conjunctivitis.
The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are similar to those of blepharitis. The ciliary edge of the eyelids is covered with multiple yellow crusts and white scales. The skin becomes red and very itchy, covered with small rashes in the form of pimples. There is a feeling of dryness of the eyes and a feeling of “sand” in the eye, a feeling of stinging. Eyelashes fall out and grow incorrectly. In severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis of the eyelids, vision deterioration and an inflammatory process in the cornea of the eye occur.
Drug-induced or drug-induced dermatitis on the eyelid is formed due to the use of eye medications in the form of drops or ointments, as well as after administration of the drug into the conjunctival sacs. The symptoms of the pathology are acute. The use of eye drops leads to intensification of inflammatory processes in the area of the inner corner of the eye. The use of ointment leads to inflammation of the conjunctiva, upper and lower eyelids.
The eczematous type of eyelid dermatitis is a fairly rare pathology. Its appearance is facilitated by the use of eye ointments with an antibiotic or sulfanilamide, antiviral agents or electrophoresis over a long period of time. The causes of its occurrence can also be disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract and helminth infestations. Hyperemia and swelling occur on the skin, rashes and small blisters appear. The epithelium becomes painful, very itchy and itchy.

Causes

The appearance of drug dermatitis can be facilitated by taking various medications that have high allergic activity. Such drugs can be Penicillin, Streptomycin and other drugs.

For allergic forms of the disease, provocateurs are mainly cosmetics. Due to the fact that when using cosmetics there is an extremely small proportion of allergen penetration into the body, the symptoms of the disease may appear only after a few days.

Thus, among the main pathogens that contribute to the manifestation of ocular dermatitis, the following are distinguished:

a variety of food products ;
medications ;
products intended for performing cosmetic and cosmetic procedures;
pollen ;
infectious diseases ;
presence of pets ;
disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract;
bites ;
household chemicals.

In addition, conjunctivitis is isolated, which can also trigger a systemic allergic reaction.

Symptoms and causes

Dermatological disease of the eyelids can be found in adults and children. Children suffer it in an acute form, adults - in a chronic form.

Characterized by redness of the skin around the eyes, causing discomfort. Patients note the appearance of capsules with watery contents, which completely disappear after 10–14 days. There is pain, swelling, and wrinkles.

The main factors provoking the development of dermatitis on the eyelids:

allergic reactions;
viral infections;
problems of the digestive system;
disruption of the sebaceous glands;
decreased immunity.

Treatment methods depend on the characteristics of the patient (age, weight), concomitant ailments (causes, area of damage, symptoms).
When dermatitis on the eyelids becomes chronic, complications are possible with a further impact on visual acuity.

Diagnostics

To diagnose eye dermatitis, the specialist first conducts a visual examination and interviews the patient. During the conversation, he should identify the following important aspects:

whether there were any contacts that preceded the illness;
whether the patient has a tendency to seasonal allergic reactions;
hereditary predisposition - are there any relatives who have similar problems;
the presence of concomitant pathological conditions;
degree of frequency of relapses.

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To make a correct diagnosis, it is important to exclude the presence of other ophthalmological problems. To ensure that the results are as accurate as possible, the specialist also prescribes the following:

general blood test;
skin tests that help determine the type of allergen;
blood test for the presence of eosinophils.

Only after receiving all the necessary results and confirming the existing pathology, the attending physician can begin to select effective treatment methods.

How is diagnosis carried out?

Diagnosis of pathology is usually carried out in several stages:

First, the specialist examines the problem area visually. Often this is enough to determine the type of pathology, to suggest which allergens were the root cause of the problem, this can even be determined from the patient’s photo. Taking an anamnesis allows you to find out whether the patient has a genetic predisposition to the disease, as well as draw conclusions about the frequency of relapses.
Next, you may need to donate blood to conduct a general analysis and an analysis for eosinophils.
After this, other dermatological and ophthalmological diseases are excluded. The set of analyzes will be individual in each case.
Laboratory skin tests may be performed to determine which allergens are present in the body.

Therapeutic measures

Treatment of any form of dermatitis in the eyes must begin with the elimination of provoking factors that contributed to the manifestation of the disease.

For this purpose, it is important to completely stop using cosmetics, detergents and cleaning products, and avoid contact with animals. Such restrictions must be adhered to throughout the entire period of therapeutic measures. Otherwise, the desired result will not be achieved.

In most cases, to eliminate signs of dermatitis, experts prescribe special corticosteroid ointments.

They are intended for local use and promote rapid and effective relief from the pathological condition. They contain a steroid hormone, due to which a positive result is noticeable within a short period of treatment.

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Most often, they try not to use ointments with antibiotics, but if necessary, they also resort to them.

The duration of therapy in this way is usually about seven to fourteen days. The medicine is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas in the morning and evening.

It is ointments rather than creams that are more popular, since the latter often add additional substances that can act as allergens and will only worsen the patient’s condition.

Ointments such as:

zinc;
prednisolone;
hydrocortisone;
Mometasone;
Triderm and others.

In addition to treatment with ointments, the doctor may also prescribe eye drops - Prednisolone solution, Dexamethasone or Hydrocortisone emulsion. Extreme care must be taken when using them.

In some cases, medications are prescribed that are intended for oral administration. This could be Suprastin, Claritin and other antihistamines. All of them contribute to a decrease in sensitivity. The course of treatment lasts ten days.

Plain Vaseline is no less important. They are advised to lubricate the skin around the eyes to eliminate dryness and blisters. Its composition has an effective moisturizing effect on the skin. However, if it gets into the eye, it can cause irritation.

When diagnosing the seborrheic form of the disease, it is necessary to clean the edges of the eyelids every day before using ointments. In this case, chamomile infusion, boiled water or Furacilin solution are suitable.

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To prepare the composition, you need to boil a glass of water, then dissolve the crushed tablet in it and bring to a boil. Before use, the resulting solution is pre-filtered.

It is important to remember that such a product cannot be stored. Therefore, it must be prepared immediately before the procedure.

After cleansing, the skin is lubricated with Triderm ointment.

For atopic dermatitis, the following treatment regimen is used:

Detoxification. Prescribed drugs that help cleanse and remove allergens from the body (activated carbon, Sodium Thiosulfate, Enterosgel).
Antihistamines with a sedative effect (Suprastin, Diphenhydramine, Diazolin).
Sedatives (Glycine, Persen, tincture of valerian or peony). Their use is necessary in case of severe itching.
Topical corticosteroids (Elocom, Advantan, Celestoderm). They should be used with caution and only with the prescription of the attending physician. Their use is necessary if itching and inflammation cannot be eliminated with other medications. The most popular are creams that are applied once a day in a fairly small amount to the affected area. Taking hormonal medications should not last more than five days. If the disease is quite severe, tablets are used. The course of therapy and the required dosage must be agreed upon with a specialist.
In some cases - Tetracycline ointment together with hydrocortisone.
If re-infection is observed, then use Skin-cap cream.

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Compliance with a special diet also plays an equally important role in atopic dermatitis. I definitely remove the following foods from my diet:

citrus;
spicy;
smoked;
nuts;
natural cow's milk;
chocolate;
alcohol and carbonated drinks;
mushrooms;
sweet.

At the acute stage, it is necessary to fast for two days. During this period, only large quantities of liquid are allowed.

If, after proper treatment, the symptoms of the pathology do not disappear within a week, a repeat visit to the ophthalmologist, as well as a dermatologist and allergist is required.

Treatment of eyelid dermatitis

How to treat atopic dermatitis

to eliminate acute skin inflammation, lotions with antiseptic drugs are prescribed: Fucorcinum, silver nitrate, Liquor Burovi, potassium permanganate, zinc sulfate;
To treat microbial lesions and weeping rashes, solutions of antiseptic drugs are used:

Ethacridine lactate (Aethacridini Iactas);
Resorcinol;
Furacilina;
potassium permanganate.

anti-inflammatory and keratoplastic ointments for the treatment of rashes: ichthyol, sulfur, tar;
To treat severe eyelid skin lesions, inflammation and reduce itching, keratoplasty and corticosteroid ointments are used: Methylprednisolone, Fluocinolone acetonide, Apulein, Fluorocort, Advantan, Mometasone. The most effective ointments of this group with antibiotics are Gioxyson, Celestoderm, Geocorton;
for the treatment of allergic inflammation, antihistamines are prescribed: Cetirizine, Loratadinum, Fexofenadine, Erius, etc.;
when neurotic disorders are detected, angistamines with a sedative effect are prescribed, which also help relieve severe itching: Fenkarol, Chloropyramine, Suprastin, Clemastinum;
To relieve inflammatory and allergic reactions, salicylates are taken: Indomethacinum, Naprosil, Ortophenum and others.

Fenkarol is an antihistamine with a sedative effect, prescribed for neurotic disorders and severe itching.

How to treat herpetic dermatitis

How to treat herpes simplex on the eyelids:

smear wet areas with 1% brilliant green;

lubricate the crusts with Oxolinic florenal ointments or ointments containing components of the sulfonamide and antibiotic groups;
take multivitamin complexes, for example, Complevit, Vitrum and others.

How to treat shingles on the eyelids:

Lubricate the rash with one of the suggested medications:

ointments Acyclovir, Bonafton, Oxolin, Tebrofen;
1% brilliant green.

To relieve inflammatory and allergic reactions take:

sodium salicylate or aspirin;
analgin;
rheopirin.

In case of severe pain, a 25% or 50% analgin solution is prescribed intramuscularly.
Gamma globulins are prescribed intramuscularly as an immunostimulant. After the course of treatment, a break of 4-5 days.
The doctor may prescribe periorbital novocaine blockades.

If another infection occurs, a course of antibiotics is prescribed: Ampicillin, Gentamicin, Ampiox.

Acyclovir is prescribed to treat rashes.

Treatment of eczematous dermatitis of the eyelids

zinc paste is prescribed when eczema begins to form;
when the eczema begins to get wet, you should apply a lotion of cold, strong black or green tea without any additives;

to treat affected areas, glucocorticoid sprays (Oxycyzol, Polcortolone), fucorcin, boric tar, lincomycin, gentamicin ointment are prescribed;
when the surface of the eczema dries, it is lubricated with hydrocortisone cream (the use of ointment is unacceptable);

Be sure to take a course of desensitizing drugs;
intestinal cleansing is carried out.

Treatment of allergic dermatitis of the eyelids and other forms and types

Drug therapy is as follows:

use of ointments Mometasone, Flumethasone, Mazipredon and others;
stopping the use of cosmetic, chemical, household products;
prescription of desensitizing drugs orally - Zyrtec, Loratal, Tavegil, Suprastin.

Suprastin is prescribed to treat an allergic reaction.

Additional drug therapy

Based on the individual characteristics of the patient, the attending physician:

necessarily prescribes immunostimulants;
patients who have reduced T-cell immunity are prescribed immunomodulators such as Levamisole, Tactivin;
in order to restore the central nervous system and autonomic nervous system, prescribes sedatives in mild cases - motherwort, peony or valerian tincture, and in severe cases - Oxazepam, Trimetozin or Diazepam;
for eczematous or atopic dermatitis of the eyelids, he may prescribe antibacterial drugs for the development of impetigo. Selected based on the results of the antibiogram;
to eliminate intestinal dysbiosis, he prescribes probiotics: Sporobacterin, Enterol, Linex, Lactobacterin, etc.;
in order to cleanse the body, he prescribes enterosorbents (which we previously wrote about), for example, Polysorb;
to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, he prescribes Pepsidilum, Festal, Enzistal, Normoenzyme, Biofestal, Ferestal, Panzinorm and others;
prescribes a hypoallergenic diet.

Linex and its analogues are prescribed to eliminate intestinal dysbiosis and speed up treatment.

Physiotherapy for eyelid dermatitis

Physiotherapy helps improve the patient's condition. For eyelid dermatitis the following is prescribed:

Ultraviolet irradiation of affected areas to improve the clinical picture.
Phonophoresis with drugs of the glucocorticoid group to enhance the effectiveness of these medications.
Magnetic therapy for the purpose of dilating blood vessels, which helps improve microcirculation in tissues, therefore, due to improved metabolism, swelling and pain go away.
Massage to reduce the intensity of itching. It is performed around the rash.
Reflexology to reduce inflammation and itching.
Applications with paraffin or ozokerite to eliminate infiltrates and relieve pain.
Therapeutic baths with decoctions of medicinal herbs (chamomile, sage, valerian or motherwort, birch buds and celandine sap or herb) to heal the epidermis and restore the nervous system.
Laser therapy to eliminate swelling, hyperemia and rapid healing of the skin.

Treatment of eyelid dermatitis in a child

If redness of the skin of the eyelids, swelling or rash appears, the child should be shown to a doctor urgently. Based on the examination and tests, the doctor prescribes treatment.

Allergic dermatitis occurs most often in children. If the patient is an infant, you should not attribute the onset of the disease to the mother’s poor diet. It can be caused by incorrectly selected washing powder or detergent for children's dishes, poor hygiene and other factors. Treatment in this case involves avoiding contact with the allergen. In case of food allergies, food is removed from the diet; in case of animal allergies, the pet is isolated, hypoallergenic detergents are used, and so on.

In addition, treatment of eyelid dermatitis involves the use of antihistamine ointments and creams or taking antiallergic drops orally.

The most common allergic dermatitis in children is

Homeopathy for eyelid dermatitis

An adult or child can use homeopathic medicines to treat dermatitis on the skin of the eyelids only after consulting with their doctor.

List of medications:

Aconitum, Lycopodium, and Pulsatilla pigricans help with skin redness and spots.
Sulfur C6 is used to treat allergic rashes.
If the skin begins to peel and/or itch, you can use Alumina at dilution 6 or 12.
At the beginning of the formation of bubbles with a clear liquid, doctors can prescribe Petroleum, Dulcamara, Calcarea, Cantaris, and in the case of a blistering process - Eubiforum compositum, Sepia, Sulfur.
If the patient has eczematous dermatitis and gastrointestinal diseases, you can take Iris 3.6.
Arsenicum album, Acedum C, Calcarea can be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis.
For the formation of crusts of dry epidermis, Calcium carbonicum, Arsenicum album are prescribed, and for cracks - Graphites.
To treat the herpetic type of disease with the formation of scar tissue, doctors can prescribe calcium fluoride (Calcarea fluorica), Lachesis.

Calcarea is a homeopathic medicine prescribed at different stages of the disease.

ethnoscience

Traditional medicine can relieve the symptoms of eyelid dermatitis and speed up recovery. However, before using the methods below, you should consult your doctor:

Compresses and lotions with a decoction of string and hops. Pour 1 teaspoon of hops and 1 teaspoon of string into an enamel bowl. Pour 150 ml of boiling water over all this. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Strain the broth. Fold the gauze several times. Soak it in the broth and apply to sore spots. Leave for 20 minutes.
Rinse eyes with chamomile decoction. Pour 10 g of chamomile flowers into an enamel bowl. Pour 200 ml of water over all this and boil for five minutes over low heat. Let stand for 1-2 hours and strain. Use twice daily. The homemade decoction should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.
Wound healing mask with aloe. In a glass bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of aloe juice and 1 teaspoon of eucalyptus oil. To stir thoroughly. The mask should be applied to the skin around the eyes. Leave for 20 minutes. Remove the mask with a paper napkin or cotton pad.
Tea tree oil mask. This product has antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial effects. It is especially effective in the treatment of chronic dermatitis or the addition of a secondary disease. To make a mask, dilute 5 drops of natural tea tree essential oil in 5 milliliters of olive oil (preferably unrefined) and mix. The mask is stored in the refrigerator. You need to apply the oil to your eyelids with a cotton swab 2 times a day until the signs disappear completely. Using tea tree oil may cause an allergic reaction, so you should test it on the crook of your elbow .
Infusion of celandine. Celandine juice and vodka are mixed in a glass container in a one to one ratio. Place in a dark place for 2 days. The resulting infusion is used to wipe the eyelids 2-3 times a day.
To relieve redness and accelerate healing, lotions with decoctions of marshmallow, plantain leaves, chamomile and coltsfoot flowers are used. You can use a decoction of each herb separately or make a collection. We described how to make a decoction from one type of herb in paragraph 2. To prepare a decoction from 4 types of medicinal herbs, you need to take 0.5 teaspoon of each herb and pour it into an enamel bowl. Mix. Pour a glass of boiling water (150-200ml) and close the lid, cover with a towel. Let cool, strain. Use in the same way as described in point 1.

Possible complications

In order not to provoke an increase in the symptoms of the disease, experts do not recommend masking the affected areas with cosmetics. In addition, such manipulations can provoke secondary infection, which is quite difficult to treat.

If ocular dermatitis is left untreated, the risk of developing some serious complications increases. These include an inflammatory process in the cornea of the eye, which contributes to a significant deterioration of vision.

Kinds

Seborrheic dermatitis of the eyelids

It is characterized by unpleasant sensations in the eyes in the form of itching and burning, a decrease in the level of visual acuity, increased redness of the surface, and the formation of dry crusts on the eyelids of a yellowish color.

Atopic dermatitis

This type is manifested by peeling and thickening of the surface of the affected eyelid; in addition, if left untreated, the skin begins to crack, scales form between the eyelashes, which causes pain.

Allergic dermatitis

The allergic form makes itself felt within 30 minutes after contact with the allergen. Manifested by redness of the eyelid and itching. After eliminating contact with the allergen, the discomfort goes away within 2-3 hours. Does not require treatment as such.

Drug or drug-induced dermatitis

Develops due to long-term use of strong medications. The disease occurs after several courses of electrophoresis. Also, some medicinal ophthalmic drops can cause similar irritation in the eyes, but the damage is observed only on the inner corners of the eyes.

Eczematous dermatitis

This type of pathology is extremely rare. It manifests itself against the background of the use of local products, which are based on antibacterial components and sulfonamides. The disease is accompanied by severe pain in the eyes.

Herpetic dermatitis

Many people believe that the herpes virus forms only on the lips, but it also occurs on the mucous membranes and surface of the skin of the eyelids.

The disease is characterized by the development of small blisters on the eyelids with purulent or watery contents. With treatment, after 2 days the dropsy dries out, resulting in the formation of crusts that cannot be touched, they must fall off on their own, otherwise there is a risk of relapse within 5 days after the initial infection.

Prevention

To prevent the appearance of dermatitis in the eyes, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations intended for preventive purposes:

It is important to remember personal hygiene and practice it every day throughout your life. There is no need to touch your eyes with unwashed hands, and it is especially not recommended to rub them. If you have poor vision, you should always remove your lenses at night. This will prevent infection from entering.
The choice of cosmetics must be approached carefully. Always study the composition and conduct an allergy test, regardless of whether it is decorative or caring cosmetics. All products, namely eye creams, shadows and mascara, must be used individually and promptly replaced with new ones.
It is necessary to do wet cleaning in the room every day , especially during the flowering period of plants. Such activities will help eliminate irritating factors and improve overall well-being.
emollients for washing . In this case, it is recommended to exclude soap, since its composition can cause dry skin.
When working with substances of chemical origin or paints and varnishes , you must use special glasses that serve as eye protection.
You should never use someone else's cosmetics for personal purposes.

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By following these simple recommendations, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing a disease such as dermatitis in the eyes. If, nevertheless, it was not possible to avoid the pathology, and the first symptoms make themselves felt, then you should immediately seek medical help.

Only an experienced specialist will correctly diagnose and prescribe effective treatment methods. It should also be remembered that it is absolutely forbidden to deal with the elimination of pathology on your own, since such an approach can only aggravate the situation and further harm your health.