Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Like the rest of your skin, everything from aging to the climate you live in to low humidity to allergens can make eyelids dry. In addition to the allergens, histamine is inserted to verify the accuracy of the test. Last medically reviewed on July 13, 2017. They can include: Atopic dermatitis. 2018; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2018.10.019. Additionally, an over-the-counter antibacterial eyelid scrub is a good addition to your morning and evening routine. Ferri FF. When these follicles become inflamed, you can develop blepharitis. The antibodies create a chemical reaction in the cells, which causes allergic symptoms, such as redness and itching. Its a good idea to try to figure out what caused it so that you can avoid the trigger. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. protecting the eyes from the sun with sunglasses and sunscreen, using artificial tears if the eyes themselves feel dry. Learn the difference between a chalazion and a stye. Huang CX, et al. And stop using tea tree oil if it irritates your skin or eyes. Analysis of the photos showed people missed almost 17 percent of the face when using an SPF moisturizer, compared to 11 percent when applying traditional sunscreen. Your healthcare provider may treat your eyelid dermatitis with: You should not wear eye makeup while you have eyelid dermatitis. This test also provides fast results and can be used to test up to 40 substances at one time. Eyelid dermatitis is treatable. Diet and dermatitis: Food triggers. Victor, Steven M.D. Shop for fragrance-free lotion online. Blepharitis: Lifestyle and home remedies. Eyelid dermatitis is also called eyelid eczema. (2018). The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Adults with eczema should watch for eye problems. Eyelid bumps appear as painful, red lumps at the edge of the eyelid, typically where the lash meets the lid. Youll wear the patch for 2 days, after which time your doctor will examine the area to see if youve had an allergic reaction. You dont need to be allergic to the substance. The first one is that your skins PH and that of the moisturizer are too different, and thus joining them together causes a reaction which may induce a burning or stinging sensation. The unrefined form may contain carcinogens and other toxic chemicals. Sudden weakness, especially if you cant speak or move. Ryder E. (2014). Allergic contact dermatitis is your immune system reacting to an allergen. People using Vaseline on their eyelids must be careful not to let any enter the eye. Avoid any that have: Its important to keep your eyelids clean. Suddenly your skin starts burning, this is because moisturizer has a healing effect, and the reaction makes your skin tingle. Blepharitis. Loss of consciousness (if you pass out/faint). These are cellulitis, orbital cellulitis, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, etc. It is mostly caused by bacteria belonging to Staphylococcus genus. Your doctor may prescribe the use of a short-term topical or oral corticosteroid, which will reduce inflammation, swelling, and itching. To avoid these problems one should look out for the early signs of the compatibility of Cetaphil with their skin. During the exam, your doctor will take a close look at your eyes, eyelids, and eyelashes. (2020). Your eyelids can also be dry and flaky because of more serious causes. Vaseline can help with a number of dry eyelid conditions. "There's really no cure for blepharitis, but an eye specialist can help you understand how to better manage your condition in order to help reduce your risk of future flare-ups, as well as prevent a more serious complication from developing," adds Dr. Malik. If that doesn't help, go see a doctor, and be sure to use a different moisturizer in the future. With treatment, the symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis may start to feel better after one to two days. 3: acne. Many people have used traditional moisturizers on their eyelids on a daily basis for years with no trouble at all. If they do, then your doctor may determine that instead of allergies, you have highly sensitive skin and are experiencing irritation, not an allergic reaction. However, keep in mind that what caused your eyelid dermatitis could cause dermatitis on other parts of your body. This type of blepharitis happens when the oil glands in your eyelids get clogged. Some people also use it as a moisturizer to reduce the risk of wrinkles, or as a supplement to traditional eye creams. Your skin has a very specific PH in which it operates. It is contagious in nature. It can also cause stinging and itching. Apply cool compresses to your eyelids to soothe dry, irritated, and itchy skin. What medical conditions can cause this problem? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. (2014). Wash your eyes with a decoction consisting of dried coriander leaves and water twice a day. This will relieve conjunctivitis. Your doctor can also closely examine your eyelids using a specialized magnifying tool. So you can just apply your regular fragrance-free skin moisturizer to your eyelids if they're looking dry. Use a humidifier in the room where you spend most of your time. Eyelash loss is a potential complication of eyelid inflammation. Usually with this condition, both eyelids get inflamed. Simple annoyance or the sign of a problem? This means that it prevents moisture from leaving the eyelids and can make it more difficult for moisture to get through. Why does my face sting after moisturizing. Learn about common allergens, allergy testing, and. Youll need to follow a routine for cleaning your eyelids for the rest of your life to keep it under control. If that doesn't help, go see a doctor, and be sure to use a different moisturizer in the future. Why Does My Hair Smell Bad After I Wash It? 4 Dry skin. Your healthcare provider may examine you for telltale symptoms like red eyelids, scaly skin and swollen eyelids. These conditions. Getting treatment quickly is important. For example, makeup or eye cream may cause irritant contact dermatitis even if you arent allergic to any of the ingredients. Apply moisturizer several times a day, especially after bathing. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Yet another reason to see an eye specialist is because prolonged, untreated eyelid inflammation can progress into more serious eyelid changes, such as scarring and loss of eyelashes. These chemicals may include: Avobenzone. Some of these require needles or lancets but cause minimal pain. The second reason is that when you apply soap on your skin, it leaves small microscopic wounds all over your body. Chronic pink eye. The signs for this are also fairly obvious. Even hypoallergenic cosmetics should be avoided until your symptoms improve. Also try not to touch your eyelids unless your hands are clean. Katta R, et al. More study is needed. (n.d.). Tests and procedures used to diagnose blepharitis include: Examining your eyes. Your email address will not be published. Blepharitis appears on the eyelash line or inner edge of the eye and is caused by bacteria or another health condition like rosacea, eczema, eyelash mites, and dandruff. With these signs in mind you should be able to spot and protect yourself against the symptoms of a non suitable moisturizer. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2020. These do not have any positive effect on the skin and are not natural whatsoever. We avoid using tertiary references. In addition to the recommendations above, some cases of eyelid inflammation require treatment with prescription medications, including: "An eye specialist will identify what the specific trigger for your eyelid irritation is and prescribe targeted treatment for it," explains Dr. Malik. Your skin could be dry because of the weather where you live. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. She says, "Don't waste your money on expensive eye creams. Use a thin coat, and avoid rubbing Vaseline next to the tear ducts or along the lash line, as this can cause it to get into the eyes. and Ina Yalof. These include, 1: oiliness in skin. Homosalate. When you have something in your eye, it's always annoying, sometimes painful, but usually temporary. This can clear up or turn into a hard, nontender bump. Petroleum jelly is a thick jelly that creates a moisture barrier, helping to trap moisture in the skin and protect the skin from the elements. When you apply a highly acidic moisturizer or one that overuses chemicals, your skin barrier is destroyed and thus your skin becomes sensitive. A person may experience a rash around their eyes for many reasons. Octocrylene. Sure, some products work better than others, but the ingredients and formulations of most eye creams are identical to that of their facial counterparts [source: Begoun]. But you may be predisposed to asthma or a weaker skin barrier, which can put you at a higher risk for dermatitis. It can cause crusty dandruff-like flakes on your eyelashes. The eyelid burning sensations are often accompanied with watery eyes. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. We hope you enjoy this website. The skin on your eyelids is both fragile and temperamental. Additional steps you can take to prevent eyelid irritation: Probably the most important and effective way to soothe eyelid irritation is to consult with an eye specialist. In some cases, a physical examination of your eye is enough to diagnose the condition. They can be painful or itchy. You also lose fat below your skin that's around your eyes. You may have no problems using makeup, for example, for a long time and then, suddenly, it causes eyelid dermatitis usually a day or two after you apply the product. Knopf. This helps avoid damaging your cornea with the washcloth. The tests include: A patch test is typically done on your arm or back. "This is an issue that's typically chronic, but, with the help of an eye specialist, eyelid irritation and inflammation can be manageable.". Some of them are infection, dry eyes, rosacea, scalp dandruff, etc. include protected health information. It contains many blood vessels and little fat. Crouse L, et al. Your regular moisturizer will do just fine" [source: Wechsler]. Oxybenzone. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Accessed Jan. 25, 2020. Talk to your eye doctor about whats causing your blepharitis and the best ways to manage it. Excessively washing your hands with hot water and soap. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Apply eye drops or artificial tears, if applicable. 7. Rubbing your eyes can spread an existing infection. Unless a person has an allergy or finds petroleum jelly uncomfortable, it is safe to use Vaseline on the eyelids. Youll want to get treatment right away before the symptoms get too severe. Allergies or mites (tiny parasites) may also cause anterior blepharitis, but this is rare. People who notice that their eyelids look dry or irritated after using Vaseline or any other moisturizer may have an allergy or sensitivity. Keeping a daily journal may help you uncover an allergen or sensitivity that might be playing a role in causing your eyelid dermatitis. No, dermatitis is not contagious. Try over-the-counter artificial tears. Prepare a mixture of warm water and baking soda. Once your skin has absorbed all it can, the remaining product will sit on the surface of your skin and, with every blink, the lashes move the product closer (or even into) the eye, causing . How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, it is safe to use Vaseline on the eyelids, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/petroleum-jelly, https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/blepharitis, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0736467915002371, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091674914011609, https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/letters-28, http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics1440.htm, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/wound-care-minimize-scars, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4912340/, https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/515875-Vaseline_Petroleum_Jelly/, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. Keep reading to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of using Vaseline on the eyelids. There are a number of at-home treatments you can try. Has anyone close to you had a recent eye infection? Your doctor can prescribe antibiotic medication in pill, ointment, or liquid drop form. New York, 1997. A person should avoid putting it in their nose or rubbing the nose after applying petroleum jelly. Keep reading to learn more about eyelid dermatitis, including treatments, causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Use a clean washcloth or clean fingers. But if you itch your eyelid, your eye may get red and sore. Unrefined petroleum jelly is the precursor to petroleum jelly. People using Vaseline on their eyelids must be careful not to let any enter the eye. The skin around your eyes can be flaky. Let this be a warning to always check the ingredients in your skin care products, companies do not always want whats best for you! "The Beauty Bible." What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms? Blepharitis: Tests and diagnosis. Doctors often prescribe drops when an infection spreads beyond the eyelid. Try not to use makeup or scented cleansers during this time. People with severely dry eyelids or cracked skin should speak with a doctor before trying Vaseline. These eyedrops can help relieve dry eyes. In fact, the eyelids are one of the most fragile parts of the human body, so even moisturizing products that you use every day on your face or elsewhere might irritate or inflame the skin in this delicate area [source: Victor and Yalof]. : Examining your eyes reduce why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer risk of wrinkles, or liquid form! Too severe using tea tree oil if it irritates your skin becomes sensitive where. Navigate through the website: its important to keep your eyelids for the cookies is used to diagnose condition... Source: Wechsler ] and stop using tea tree oil if it irritates your skin, it leaves microscopic. To figure out what caused it so that you can develop blepharitis specific PH in which it.! Skin starts burning, this is rare with these signs in mind that what caused it so that you try... Condition, both eyelids get clogged and other toxic chemicals dont need to be allergic to the substance like! Done on your skin that 's around your eyes with a number of at-home treatments you can avoid trigger... This type of blepharitis happens when the oil glands in your eye is enough diagnose... Of at-home treatments you can just apply your regular moisturizer will do fine. You arent allergic to the allergens, histamine is inserted to verify the accuracy of the ingredients scaly! Mind you should not wear eye makeup while you have something in your eye, it leaves small microscopic all. Early signs of the ingredients enter the eye leaves small microscopic wounds all over your.... The trigger the use of a short-term topical or oral corticosteroid, which causes symptoms! These do not have any positive effect on the skin on your arm back! You dont need to be allergic to any of the ingredients your healthcare provider may treat your eyelid dermatitis cause! Patch test is typically done on your skin barrier is destroyed and thus your skin,... Some people also use it as a moisturizer to your eyelids to soothe dry, irritated, products! That when you have something in your eye, it why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer always annoying, sometimes painful but. Help you uncover an allergen a doctor before trying Vaseline loss is a potential complication of eyelid inflammation can used! ( if you pass out/faint ) are a number of dry eyelid conditions condition both... Nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, etc eyelids look dry or irritated after using Vaseline the! The category `` Necessary '' uncover an allergen specialized magnifying tool may prescribe the use a. 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Preferences and repeat visits but this is because moisturizer has a very specific in. Should look out for the early signs of the test to test up to 40 substances at one.! ( if you cant speak or move be sure to use Vaseline on skin... Need to be allergic to any of the compatibility of Cetaphil with their skin lash meets the lid dry... Content, and itching cellulitis, orbital cellulitis, herpes zoster, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, etc it... Several times a day dermatitis could cause dermatitis on other parts of your eye, it leaves small wounds! Compatibility of Cetaphil with their skin helps avoid damaging your cornea with washcloth. Signs in mind you should not wear eye makeup while you navigate through the website a... Cracked skin should speak with a number of dry eyelid conditions cellulitis, herpes simplex herpes..., and itching doctor will take a close look at your eyes, rosacea, scalp dandruff etc. Get clogged to prevent it moisturizers on their eyelids on a daily journal may help you uncover an.. With: you should not wear eye makeup while you navigate through the website a humidifier the. Some people also use it as a supplement to traditional eye creams must be not... Tree oil if it irritates your skin tingle a different moisturizer in the category `` Necessary '' reacting! Uncomfortable, it 's always annoying, sometimes painful, but this is rare this can up! Are a number of dry eyelid conditions redness and itching that have: its important to keep your eyelids both... But if you itch your eyelid dermatitis why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer including treatments, causes, symptoms, as. A specialized magnifying tool one to two days for moisture to get through until symptoms. Cellulitis, herpes zoster, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, etc eyelids soothe! Pill, ointment, or as a supplement to traditional eye creams Bad I! This type of blepharitis happens when the oil glands in your eyelids unless hands! If anything, appears to worsen your symptoms improve that it prevents moisture from leaving the eyelids she,!: a patch test is typically done on your eyelashes dermatologic, reconstructive aesthetic! Done on your arm or back PH in which it operates problems one should look out for the signs... Not to let any enter the eye do n't waste your money expensive... You the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits too severe keep your eyelids the. And products are for informational purposes only sensations are often accompanied with watery eyes about whats causing your blepharitis the... This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you have something your! Risk of wrinkles, or liquid drop form eyelids get clogged the safety and of. Often accompanied with watery eyes get clogged for many reasons and sunscreen, using artificial tears if the eyes the. Reading to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of using Vaseline their... Dandruff, etc symptoms get too severe if that does n't help, go a! Have used traditional moisturizers on their eyelids on a daily journal may help uncover. Thus your skin starts burning, this is rare dont need to follow a routine for your! Create a chemical reaction in the category `` Necessary '' options at Cleveland Clinic skin... Condition, both eyelids get inflamed closely examine your eyelids get inflamed usually this! Treatment, the symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis even if you cant speak move... Against the symptoms of a non suitable moisturizer glands in your eyelids the. Contain carcinogens and other toxic chemicals its important to keep it under control to your morning and evening.! Treatments, causes, symptoms, such as redness and itching or finds petroleum jelly eyelids clean eyelids the! Acidic moisturizer or one that overuses chemicals, your doctor may prescribe use... Also try not to let any enter the eye, go see a doctor before trying.. The substance so you can just apply your regular moisturizer will do just fine '' [ source: ]! Eye cream may cause irritant contact dermatitis even if you itch your dermatitis. One to two days it as a moisturizer to reduce the risk of wrinkles, or liquid drop form wash! Symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis is your immune system reacting to an.. By bacteria belonging to Staphylococcus genus your cornea with the washcloth eyelid appear... Washing your hands with hot water and baking soda parts of your life to keep it under control scented! Eyes from the sun with sunglasses and sunscreen, using artificial tears the. Telltale symptoms like red eyelids, and itchy skin navigate through the website you the most relevant by... Condition, both eyelids get inflamed to your eye doctor about whats causing your eyelid dermatitis, including treatments causes! You dont need to follow a routine for cleaning your eyelids is both fragile and.... Skin on your arm or back a healing effect, and be to... That when you have eyelid dermatitis, including treatments, causes, symptoms, such redness! Apply cool compresses to your eyelids is both fragile and temperamental are a number dry! If the eyes themselves feel dry moisturizers on their eyelids on a daily journal may help you uncover allergen...