Treatment of eczema of the eyelid

Since eczema on the eyelid can be caused by a variety of different factors, individual treatment is necessary. In any case, an ophthalmologist should be consulted in good time in order to treat the eczema correctly and to prevent consequential damage. In any case of eczema of the eyelid, care and cosmetic products should first be reduced to a minimum until the cause of the eczema has been determined.

Furthermore, contact lenses should be avoided in the acute stage, as the use of contact lenses can also promote eyelid inflammation. Eyelid eczema may be caused by hygiene and cleaning products as well as cosmetic products and creams and the harmful chemicals they contain. Allergic reactions to certain substances can also be a cause.

For this reason, when the typical symptoms of redness, swelling and itching on the eyelid occur, it should be checked whether a cream or similar is the trigger for the complaints. For this purpose, it may be helpful to initially omit all cosmetics and creams and to cleanse the eye area with water only. If the eczema on the eyelid improves, products can gradually be tested again to find out the triggering product.

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 on the eyelid, a cream containing cortisone may be necessary to accelerate healing.

Once the acute phase has subsided, the cortisone should be gradually reduced and creams containing dexpanthenol such as Bepanthen® eye cream or eye vaseline should be used instead. To combat itching, cooling pads usually help more than one cream. Many moisturizing creams with different oils can already protect the skin from the development of eczema.

The oils can also have a calming effect on existing eczema and relieve inflammation. Pharmacies also sell ointments specially formulated for allergy sufferers, which soothe the skin and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Most ointments are fat-based and form a protective shield against dehydration.

If there is no improvement, the dermatologist can prescribe ointments containing cortisone, which combats inflammation and eczema by suppressing the body’s defense system. Those affected with psoriasis develop scaly, dry areas on the skin all over the body. Especially on the face and eyelids, mixed forms of eczema and psoriasis can develop, which are very itchy.

Cortisone ointment can also help here. It is important to make sure that the ointment does not get into the eyes. Since the affected persons have damage to the whole body, a systemic therapy with tablets can prove useful here. The dermatologist treating the patient should plan the therapy in detail.