You wake up rubbing your eyes, a building itch making it hard to resist doing so. When you look in the mirror, you notice your skin is patchy and puffy.
The eyelids and skin around the eyes are common problem areas for those with eczema. If you deal with flares here, you want to be very gentle and careful with the kinds of products you apply. Because they're so sensitive, it also may take longer for them to calm down and for the barrier to repair.
Before applying a new cream or trying out a compress, make sure you're not doing anything that could irritate your flare further.
If your eyelids are feeling dry, flaky, and extra delicate, your skin may be in Active Flare. Take the Flare Quiz to check your stage in 60 seconds.
Why Eczema Flares Around the Eyes
According to the National Eczema Association, eczema around the eyes is very common, affecting 15-20% of people at some point in their lives. There are a few types in particular that are more susceptible: contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Talk to your dermatologist to determine which kind you're dealing with, so you can better understand what aggravates your skin.
For most, eyelid flares are triggered by skincare and makeup products with irritating ingredients (like alcohol and fragrance), harsh rubbing, allergens, stress, and environmental factors. Hair products and nail polish are also sneaky culprits, as they can transfer to the eye area without you realizing.
How to Support the Skin Around the Eyes
Make sure your skincare and makeup routine is gentle and simple, as the barrier load around the eyes is easily overwhelmed. You can spot test certain products on other, less sensitive areas before trying them on your eyes, but also remember to stick to using only a gentle cleanser and moisturizer.
Patches also offer support around the eyes and on the eyelids, as they provide a breathable, physical shield from external triggers and friction caused by rubbing. They're steroid-free and contain ingredients like centella asiatica, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to help calm itch and keep the skin hydrated. You can trim them to fit the area.
Surge protects and soothes your eye area during Active Flare, helping the skin calm down sooner—minus the thinning effects of topical steroids.
FAQs
How do you calm eczema around the eyes?
Calm a flare around the eyes by using gentle skincare and makeup products, keeping your routine simple. You can also protect the area from allergens and rubbing while keeping it hydrated by using a patch.
Why is the skin around the eyes so prone to eczema?
The eyelids and area around the eyes are extra sensitive because the skin is thinner and constantly exposed to external triggers. You're also more prone to rub and touch your eyes, which can irritate flares.
Is it eczema or an allergic reaction around your eyes?
While allergic reactions and eczema flares can look similar, allergens are typically the culprit when redness and swelling develop quickly and in the exact shape of where the allergen came into contact with your skin. Contact dermatitis is caused by products without allergens, and atopic dermatitis is caused by an overactive immune system. Eczema will also be itchier and cause dryness and flaking.
Is it safe to use steroid cream on your eyelids?
Always follow your dermatologist's instructions when using a prescription. However, you should be careful of using steroids on your face, as it can thin the skin.