There are times when we’ve all experienced that itch that we just can’t reach. However, it’s an entirely different battle when we’re constantly itching. In the U.S., a whopping 31 million people experience some form or another of eczema. The skin condition especially affects Black people. Due to health disparities and lack of access to effective treatments, Black patients are often put at a disadvantage.
Furthermore, the skin condition can pretty much show up on any part of the body, including our eyelids. Mayo Clinic reports that eyelid eczema or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that stems from a problem with the skin’s protective barrier. If patients have this skin disease, the top layer of their skin isn’t retaining enough moisture. Not only that, but it also doesn’t have a protective barrier that fights against irritants and allergens from pollen, our soaps, makeup, and even the laundry detergent we use. Making matters worse, those already living with eczema usually end up developing eyelid eczema. Unfortunately, the disease doesn’t stay in one place. Fortunately, there are ways to tell if we have the skin condition and the best way to treat it.
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Though, it can be difficult to tell apart just regular itchy eyes from Eyelid Eczema. There are three ways to tell if a person has atopic dermatitis on their eyelids.
Mainly, white patients experience dry, itchy or red skin. However, in darker skin, the symptoms appear a bit differently, such as in dark brown, purple, or gray patches.
The affected areas become swollen, warm, itchy, dry, or scaly. Once a flare-up passes, the affected skin could look darker or lighter than the surrounding area. Though, patients with eyelid eczema may experience inflamed or reddened skin around the eyelid.
Additionally, patients with this type of eczema usually experience a relatively itchy and inflamed scalp. However, this condition can often carry over to other parts of the body, such as the eyebrows and eyelids. People with seborrheic dermatitis will notice scaly patches, inflamed skin, and flaking.
According to the Mayo Clinic, health experts have linked the disease to an overgrowth of a yeast infection. Others believe that it may be caused by the result of a comprised immune system.
Another way patients will know if they have eyelid eczema is if they contracted contact dermatitis. Typically, this form of eczema occurs when the skin reacts to an irritant or an allergen that comes into contact with the eyes. Anything from skin products to detergents to makeup can trigger extreme eye irritation.
Treating a health problem sometimes takes a little trial and error. However, once a patient finds the right medication that works for them, they’ll be relieved. The same goes for patients with eyelid eczema. It’s no walk in the park to treat a skin condition that has transferred to our eyelids.
In fact, some treatments can lead to further complications, like glaucoma. That’s why it’s important that a healthcare physician ensures that a patient’s treatment is done correctly and safely.
Often, physicians will give patients topical corticosteroids to battle eczema. However, the Mayo Clinic reports that these creams can often be too strong for the delicate skin folds over our eyes.
Instead, your physician might only prescribe the medicated cream for short-term use. In more severe cases, doctors will recommend patients take nonsteroidal creams, such as Elidel and Protopic, which can calm an overactive immune system or even stop inflammation from occurring.
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Speaking of creams, physicians will suggest patients take over-the-counter medications. Experts often recommend that patients moisturize their eyelids regularly. Patients should use gentler options that won’t further irritate the skin. Products labeled “sensitive” and “fragrance-free” are usually a safe bet. Even just applying a thin layer of Petroleum Jelly can help gradually restore the skin’s protective barrier over the eyelid.
Another way to treat atopic dermatitis on the eyelids involves getting to the root cause of the problem. If the patient has tried everything from using different laundry detergents to applying medicated creams, then there’s a potential underlying issue. A healthcare physician may recommend that the patient do a patch test, especially if they suspect the skin condition derives from an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis. Furthermore, the patch stays on the patient’s skin for a duration of two days, allowing time for a delayed reaction to occur.
Clearly, there are several ways for patients to tell if they have eyelid eczema. It can become difficult to manage a disease we don’t have a name for. Being able to identify a health problem can help save us from months of stress and frustration. Even better, doctors will know how to best treat the disease once it occurs.
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