Eczema on the eye
introduction
Eczema is a chronic or acute skin disorder that is associated with an inflammatory-allergic course. As a rule, it is a suddenly occurring skin condition.
Eczema can appear anywhere on the body. While eczema of the hand and the upper or lower arms or trunk occurs relatively frequently, it is relatively rare for the development of eye eczema or eczema on the eyelid. As with the other eczema, a distinction is made between an acute and a chronic form. In the acute form, the skin on and around the eye reacts with substances that the body sees as foreign. These include above all creams or lotions, as well as various cosmetics such as eyeliner or mascara.
When used for the first time, the body produces antibodies and memory cells. There is no ocular eczema yet. But as soon as the substance hits the skin a second time, the previously formed memory cells are activated and can stimulate the immune system to an excessive degree.
This is where an acute immunological reaction occurs, which takes place on the skin around the eye as follows: First of all, there is reddening at the point where the substance hit the skin. Afterwards it comes to a sometimes very severe itching, skin flaking can also follow. Sometimes the skin remains in this reddened and itchy state. If it is more pronounced, however, bubbles also form, which can then open up as the disease progresses.
12% of all eczema on the eyelid develop due to a contact allergy or hypersensitivity reaction to cosmetics.
Read more on the topic: Rash on the eyelid, rash on the corner of the eye
The so-called chronic skin eczema must be distinguished from this. It is also created by substances that are in the area of the Eye on the skin meet, but this is more of a toxic reaction than a purely immunological one.
Substances that irritate the skin in particular are among the substances that trigger chronic eye eczema.
In contrast to acute eye eczema, the sequence of symptoms is somewhat different. The symptoms, redness, itching, blistering and possible blister opening do not appear one after the other, but rather together on.
Please see the main article for more information Eczema.
Concomitant symptoms
The classic symptom of eczema on the eyelid is not always very clearly defined Reddening of the eyelid skin (Erythema) that may itch to a greater or lesser extent. Depending on the severity of the eczema and depending on the eczema stage, small nodules (Papules), Vesicles (Vesicle) and crusts (Crustae) on the eyelid skin. Also an easy one Oozing or even swelling of the eyelid in the context of eyelid edema can occur. If the eyelid eczema persists, i.e. chronic eyelid eczema, it can also lead to thickening of the eyelid skin, scaling (desquamation) and / or coarsening of the skin structure (lichenification). Disturbed eyelid function, i.e. difficult or handicapped blinking, can also occur, as well as increased tearing.
Read more about the topic here: Eczema on the eyelid
Eczema with itching
Since eczema of the eyelid is an inflammation of the skin, this is often accompanied by more or less severe itching. This can be different and sometimes also depend on the severity of the eczema. The itching can cause the nodules and blisters of the eczema to be scratched open, causing small, superficial sores. These small scratches are then potential entry points for bacteria, which can lead to an additional infection of the eyelid eczema (superinfection). This can make the symptoms of eczema worse.
Wrinkling in eczema
If the eczema on the eye persists longer or permanently, it is chronic, the constant inflammation and irritation of the skin can lead to typical skin changes. This can lead to thickening and coarsening of the skin structures. This Coarsening can sometimes appear as stronger or increased wrinkles around the eye. This can also lead to increased dryness of the skin and slight flaking of the skin around the eyes / eyelids.
Figure eczema on the eye
Eye eczema
(allergic-inflammatory
related skin irritation)
- Redness and swelling
of the skin - Blistering
- Flaking
- Dermis -
Sclera - Iris -
iris - Pupil -
Pupilla - Upper lid plate -
Superior tarsus - Lower lid plate -
Inferior tarsus
Causes:
A - hay fever -
allergic reaction from
Body on pollen from
Trees and larger
(Conjunctivitis possible)
B - Cosmetics -
Eyeliner, mascara,
Creams, lotions,
Hygiene and cleaning products
C - Herpes zoster ophthalmicus -
dangerous
Infectious disease
D - dehydration eczema
(Desiccation Eczema) -
Tears in the epidermis
(especially in the elderly)
Alternative treatment:
E - Creams containing cortisone
or lotions
(Application -
extremely short time,
very low-dose creams!)
F - moisturizing treatment,
Natural remedies -
Envelopes,
Products containing chamomile,
Black tea (tea bag)
You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations
Causes of Eczema on the Eye
Hay fever and eczema on the eye
Under hay fever means an allergic reaction of the body to pollen from trees and grasses.
This leads to various symptoms, including those affecting the eyes. An allergic eye irritation to the eye is very common with hay fever, it does reddened eye with itching, swelling and burning.
The pollen usually makes it allergic Conjunctivitis triggered.
Eczema on the eye is also not uncommon with hay fever. The allergic reaction leads to allergic contact eczema with reddening and swelling of the eyelids. Blistering can occur and there is usually severe itching.
Skin flaking is also often observed in allergic eczema on the eye. Treatment of these allergic reactions to the eye consists primarily in avoiding the allergy-causing substance.
In the case of hay fever, pollen is responsible for the eye reaction, which is why care should be taken on days with a high pollen count not to come into contact with the trigger, or only little.
An eye wash can also be useful to remove pollen from the surface of the conjunctiva. The eye complaints usually go away on their own; in the case of very pronounced eczema, it can make sense to use an ointment containing cortisone.
Cooling and applying compresses with cold black tea also alleviate the symptoms.
The ointment as a trigger for eczema on the eye
A Eczema on the eye can be triggered under certain circumstances by hygiene and cleaning agents as well as cosmetic products and ointments. Harmful chemicals or allergic reactions to certain substances can cause eye eczema.
For this reason, redness, swelling and swelling should occur when the typical symptoms occur Itching of the eye Check whether an ointment or something similar is causing the symptoms.
It can be helpful to omit all cosmetics and ointments for the time being and only clean the eye area with water. When the eczema on the eye improves, products can gradually be used again in order to find out the triggering product.
A fundamental basic care of the skin on the face makes sense and can be eczema counteract preventively. Only ointments or creams should be used that correspond to the skin type, counteract drying out of the skin and, if possible, contain no fragrances.
In severe, acute cases of eczema on the eye, a cortisone ointment become necessary to speed healing. After the acute phase has subsided, the cortisone should be tapered off and instead Dexpanthenol-containing ointments such as Bepanthen® Eye ointment or petroleum jelly can be applied.
Cooling pads are usually more effective against itching than an ointment.
diagnosis
The diagnosis of eczema on the eye is usually one Eye diagnosis, because the typical reddened and itchy skin area is usually very impressive in the skin area around the eye.
Especially if blisters have already formed, the suspicion of advanced skin eczema on the eye quickly becomes clear. Can be seen in the skin area of the eye that typical crack-shaped courses recognize, then the dehydration eczema of the eye comes into the shortlist of possibilities.
Especially in the case of blistering around the eye, there should always be the possibility of one Herpes zoster be considered. This is a dangerous infectious disease in the eye area that needs to be treated quickly.
The person concerned should be asked by the practitioner whether they have changed a care product or a cosmetic product in the area of the eye and whether the skin change may have occurred as a result.
The dehydration eczema
The so-called dehydration eczema or desiccation eczema must be differentiated from chronic and acute skin eczema of the eye.
It is characterized by regular tears in the epidermis.
In its appearance it is morphologically reminiscent of the image of a dried up river bed.
In contrast to the acute and chronic forms of eczema that occur after contact with various foreign substances, the cause of dehydration eczema in the area of the eyes is usually caused by insufficient fluid that can penetrate the skin.
Since the skin is an organ with a very high moisture density throughout the body, the regular supply of moisture is extremely important in order to be able to maintain the supply of the skin and the corresponding skin condition.
If the skin does not get enough moisture, the so-called dehydration eczema often occurs.
In many cases, the elderly in particular are affected by dehydration eczema.
There are several reasons for this. On the one hand, the skin becomes thinner with age and needs more moisture anyway; on the other hand, the fatty layers of the skin and the number of collagen and elastic fibers in the skin decrease.
In addition to the declining number of sweat glands, older skin also has less blood flow than younger skin.
All of these are factors that make the skin more hydrated in old age and which make dehydration eczema particularly common in old age.
In contrast to the skin eczema of the eye, which is stimulated by the immune system, the dehydration eczema usually does not proceed in the stages described.
Most of the time, there is no blistering, but only severe dehydration, then reddening and severe itching.
Treating eczema on the eye
The therapy or treatment depends on the type of eczema and depends on whether it is chronic or acute eczema.
It is also important to note what stage the eczema is at. So the itchy, dry and flaky eczema should be treated differently than the weeping.
Dry eczema should be treated with moisturizing pads and lotions. Sometimes cortisone creams or lotions are used. In the case of preparations containing cortisone, the application time is particularly important.
In general, cortisone-containing preparations should not be used over a longer period of time, as the skin can otherwise be irreparably damaged.
Above all, this includes thinning of the skin, which is also known as skin atrophy. If the cortisone treatment is too long and too intensive, bleeding in the skin area can also occur.
Especially around the eye, no or only very low-dose cortisone creams should be used therapeutically for an extremely short time.
There are two reasons for this: on the one hand, cortisone is also absorbed through the skin and reaches the eye itself; on the other hand, the skin around the eye is particularly fine and thin. It does not tolerate the doses of cortisone like other "more stable" areas of skin.
For more information, please also read our page When does a rash need cortisone?
The most important rule in treating eczema on the eye is to turn off the triggering substance.
Any eczema treatment would come to nothing if the triggering source could continue to act on the skin.
If you are not sure what led to the eczema, cosmetic and care products should be exchanged and changed piece by piece and then checked whether the eczema has already receded.
A moisturizing treatment is especially useful for dehydration eczema but also for all other eczema.
So either envelopes with moisturizing, non-perfumed covers can be placed on the skin around the eye or certain gentle and moisturizing ingredients can be applied to the skin around the eye.
First and foremost, products containing chamomile should be mentioned, which are available in non-perfumed dosage form in the form of an ointment or cream.
Black tea, which can be placed around the eye in the form of a tea bag in the area of the affected skin, is also described as relieving symptoms.
The application should be repeated accordingly until there is an improvement in the eye.
In the case of dehydration eczema of the eyes, it is particularly important not to wash the face or the skin area under the eye too often.
When cleaning the areas of skin around the eye, clear water should be used and liquids containing soap should be avoided.
Homeopathy for eczema on the eye
Homeopathic remedies and methods can be used for eczema on the eye. However, a doctor should be consulted immediately if infants or young children are affected, if weeping or purulent pustules form, or if symptoms such as fever occur.
The recommended homeopathic remedies differ depending on the stage at which the eczema on the eye is.
- In the early stages there is usually one Redness and swelling of the skin, even small bubbles can appear.
- In the further course it usually comes to one severe itching. If the itching can be relieved by cooling, for example by applying cold compresses, homeopathy recommends taking 5 globules of Apis mellifica 15C as often as necessary. If the itching is unbearable should rather 5 globules of Croton tiglium C15 should be taken and if the itching worsens from scratching 5 globules Urtica urens C5 be used. The rule is that the 5 globules should be taken a maximum of four times a day.
Eczema on the face can generally also use Antimonium crudum be treated. In the case of eczema on the eye, however, a visit to the doctor should not be replaced by homeopathy, as there may be serious long-term consequences such as blindness.
Schüssler salts against eczema on the eye
The following Schüssler salts are most commonly used for eczema of the eye:
- No. 2 (Calcium phosphoricum)
- No. 6 (Kalium sulfuricum)
- No. 12 (Calcium sulfuricum)
- No. 13 (Kalium arsenicosum)
- No. 16 (Lithium chloratum)
- No.17 (Manganum sulfuricum)
- No. 20 (Kalium aluminum sulfuricum)
- No. 22 (Calcium carbonicum),
- No. 23 (Sodium bicarbonicum)
- No. 24 (Arsenum jodatum).
The salts are used 3-6 times a day, 1-3 tablets each, which should slowly dissolve in the mouth and or as ointments that are applied directly to the eczema and massaged in several times a day.
Home remedies for eczema on the eye
The common home remedies for eczema - also on the eyes / eyelids - include the use of creams / ointments containing aloe vera, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. In the same way, creams / ointments / lotions that contain marigold extract can be used, which relieves irritation and can be pain reliever.
Chamomile compresses can also be applied to the skin areas affected by the eczema, as they can also have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect. You can also try using coconut oil or almond oil. In addition, envelopes or tea bags with unperfumed black tea can be placed on the eyelids, whereby the tannins contained in them lead to the pores of the skin closing and bonding with the proteins of the skin and forming a protective layer. This means that less moisture is lost and the itching and inflammation can subside and the eczema symptoms decrease.
