Definition
A rash on the eyelid describes a spotted redness over the eyelid, which can be accompanied by small pustules or wheals, as well as itching, burning or pain. The eyelid is often affected because it is a very stressed area of the face, which comes into daily contact with a variety of potential pathogens through rubbing the eyes and constant environmental contact. In case of contact and danger to the eye itself, the eyelid slides protectively in front of the eyeball and intercepts irritating or infectious substances.
Symptoms
In addition to reddening of the eyelid, accompanying symptoms occur in many cases, depending on the cause. This can lead to a burning or itching sensation. The eyelid can also swell and become hot, painful and limited in its function when touched.
These are typical signs of inflammation. While a simple skin rash on the eyelid is called “exanthema” in technical jargon, an inflammation on the eyelid is called “eczema“. Under certain circumstances, the rash can develop in such a way that whitish discoloration, scales, crusts, pustules, wheals and weeping rashes occur.
Very dry skin is also typical for a rash. A common cause of an itchy rash on the eyelid is neurodermatitis. This inflammatory skin disease, also known as atopic eczema, affects up to 15% of children.
However, it is also found in adults and is accompanied by dry skin and very itchy eczema. These primarily affect the skin on the flexion sides of the arms and legs, but can also be found in other regions. In the face, the eyelids are very often affected, as the skin is very sensitive here anyway.
Typical is a reddening of the eyelids, reminiscent of a “weeping” facial expression. Another cause of an itchy rash on the eyelids is an allergic reaction. Cosmetics, care products or cosmetic treatments, such as eyelash extensions, eyelash tinting or permanent make-up can cause severe irritation in this case.
If itchy skin rashes, pain or other abnormalities occur after the application of a product or treatment, a doctor must be consulted immediately. Allergies to pollen, essential oils, plants or other allergens can also cause itchy skin rashes on the eyelids. A rash on the eyelids can have various causes.
A typical cause of a rash on the eyelid, which is characterized by the formation of blisters, is herpes zoster. This disease is known to most people under the term “shingles“. The virus that usually causes chickenpox in childhood, namely the Varziella zoster virus, remains dormant in the nerve nodes for a lifetime after an infection.
From there, it can be reactivated, for example, in the course of an infection, a very stressful phase of life or a disease that puts a strain on the immune system. Then it typically leads to painful shingles, which can also affect the eye. Typically, only one eye is affected.
The segmental attack of the eye and the adjacent forehead skin is also called zoster ophtalmicus. In the initial stage of shingles, redness and small blisters with clear contents appear, which burn and hurt strongly. In addition, accompanying symptoms such as fever and fatigue occur.
When the eye is affected in this way, the bridge of the nose, the forehead and the tip of the nose usually also hurt. This disease must be treated immediately, as severe inflammation of the eye can lead to permanent damage and impaired vision. Another possible cause of a rash on the eye, which is accompanied by blistering, is impetigo contagiosa.
The typical children’s disease, which can also affect adults, is characterized by blistering of varying sizes on the face, neck and ears and the characteristic appearance of honey-yellow crusts. Swollen eyelids are usually an expression of inflammation. In combination with a skin rash, they are often found in allergies.
A typical cause of such an allergy is the annual pollen count. Reddened and watery eyes plague the affected persons mostly seasonally. House dust mites also typically cause such symptoms in allergy sufferers.
or rashes caused by pollen Swelling of the eyes can also be caused by the storage of water in the tissue.This is called edema. Such edema can occur in the context of other underlying diseases, such as heart failure. Although a rash is rather untypical, in the case of long-term oedema, the skin at the affected area can be conspicuous.
Slightly scaly and dry skin on the eyelids may be present. Swelling of the eyes otherwise occurs as part of other diseases, such as conjunctivitis, but is not associated with a rash on the eyelids. A scaly rash of the eyelids is typical of atopic eczema (neurodermatitis).
Typically, the affected persons suffer from dry skin all over the body and eczema on different parts of the body. Especially the flexion sides of the arms and legs, but also the face, eyelids, hands and other regions can be affected. The reddened, dry eyelids convey a “weeping” facial expression and are very itchy.
The skin appears very brittle and looks scaly. These are delicate scales that easily come off and fall from the eyes when the eyes are rubbed. Incorrect care of the eyes, for example with incompatible ointments or drying cleaning products, can also lead to a flaky skin rash.
Especially women who frequently use soaps or other cleansing products to remove make-up residue dry out their facial skin severely as a result. In this case it is important to use gentle products and a moisturizing cream. Incorrect care of the eyes, for example with incompatible ointments or drying cleansing products, can also lead to a flaky skin rash. Especially women who frequently use soaps or other cleansing products to remove make-up residue dry out their facial skin severely as a result. In this case it is important to use gentle products and a moisturizing cream.
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