Associated symptoms
The classic symptom of eyelid eczema is a reddening of the skin of the eyelid (erythema), which is not always clearly defined and can itch to a greater or lesser extent. Depending on the severity of the eczema and the stage of the eczema, small nodules (papules), blisters (vesicles) and crusts (crustae) on the skin of the eyelid may also be noticeable. A slight oozing or even swelling of the eyelid in the context of lid edema can also occur.
If the eczema of the eyelid persists for a longer period of time, i.e. if it is a chronic eyelid eczema, it can also lead to a thickening of the eyelid skin, scaling (desquamation) and/or a coarsening of the skin structure (lichenification). Also a disturbed eyelid function, i.e. an aggravated or impaired eyelid blinking, can occur as well as increased tearing. Since eyelid eczema is an inflammation of the skin, it is often accompanied by more or less severe itching.
This can be of varying severity and sometimes also depends on the severity of the eczema. The itching can lead to the nodules and blisters of the eczema being scratched open, resulting in small, superficial wounds. These small scratch wounds are then potential entry points for bacteria, which can lead to an additional infection of the eczema (superinfection).
This can further aggravate the symptoms of eczema. If the eczema in the eye is prolonged or permanent, i.e. if 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 manifest itself as increased wrinkling around the eye. It can also lead to increased skin dryness and slight scaling of the skin around the eyes/eyelids.
Causes of eczema of the eye
Hay fever is an allergic reaction of the body to pollen from trees and grasses. It causes various symptoms, including those of the eye. An allergic eye irritation of the eye is very common in hay fever, it comes to a reddened eye with itching, swelling and burning.
The pollen usually causes allergic conjunctivitis. Eczema of the eye is also not uncommon in hay fever. The allergic reaction causes an allergic contact eczema with redness and swelling of the eyelids.
Blisters may form and usually there is severe itching.Scaling of the skin is also frequently observed in allergic eczema of the eye. The treatment of these allergic reactions in the eye consists primarily of avoiding the allergenic substance. In hay fever, pollen is responsible for the eye reaction, which is why on days with heavy pollen flight, care should be taken not to come into contact with the trigger substance, or to do so only slightly.
Eye rinsing can also be useful to remove pollen from the conjunctiva surface. In most cases, the eye complaints disappear on their own; in the case of very severe eczema, it may be advisable to apply an ointment containing cortisone. In addition, cooling and applying compresses with cold black tea relieve the complaints.
Under certain circumstances, eczema of the eye can be triggered by hygiene and cleaning products as well as cosmetic products and ointments. Harmful chemicals or allergic reactions to certain substances can cause eye eczema. For this reason, when the typical symptoms redness, swelling and itching of the eye appear, it should be checked whether an ointment or similar is the trigger for the complaints.
For this purpose, it may be helpful to initially omit all cosmetics and ointments and to clean the eye area with water only. If the eczema around the eye improves, products can be applied again gradually to find out which product is the cause. A basic basic care of the skin on the face is sensible and can prevent eczema.
Only ointments or creams should be used that are appropriate for the skin type, counteract drying of the skin and contain no fragrances if possible. In severe, acute cases of eczema of the eye, an ointment containing cortisone may be necessary to accelerate the healing process. After the acute phase has subsided, the cortisone should be removed and ointments containing dexpanthenol such as Bepanthen® eye ointment or eye vaseline should be used instead. As a rule, more than one ointment can help against itching.