Have itchy eyes? 8 effective ways to soothe your eyelid irritation

It is true that an itchy eyelid can be both uncomfortable and irritating, but it is rarely a serious health concern. Although a foreign particle is usually temporary and typically goes away just by blinking or a simple eye wash, there is no blinking away from eyelid irritation. It happens when the eye becomes inflamed and this could be due to various reasons such as dryness, seasonal allergies, bacterial infection, eczema, gland dysfunction, etc. In most of the cases, the irritation is either felt at the edge of the eyelid or on the inner surface of it.

The gland in the eyelids provides components to our tear film, which protects the eye structure. Once inflammation sets in, this component is disrupted, causing an inflammatory cascade and leading to several symptoms, like a gritty feeling in the eye, burning sensation, swollen eyelids, redness, excessive blinking, itching and more. Additionally, itchy eyes in young people are further prone to a weakened cornea, causing refractive error and keratoconus (alteration in corneal curvature).

Apart from the visual effects, the quality of life is also hampered, in moderate to severe cases. However, one will only experience the symptoms that coincide with the specific cause of their inflammation, and not all at once. Hence, better management can be provided if the cause is known. While younger people are more likely to have an allergic component, the elderly are more prone to dry eyes and clogged glands (meibomian gland dysfunction). If you are noticing the redness of eyes and irritation prominently after bath, it may be due to the dryness component aggravated by the surrounding steam.

Also, read: Summer eye care: Protect your eyes from the harsh heat wave

1. Eye drops

Eye drops are one of the most effective ways to cure eyelid irritation. While some of them are designed for allergies and redness, others work like artificial tears for dryness. However, it is important to note that even after using eye drops, if the symptoms persist, get in touch with an eye doctor.

2. Use of warm compress

To relieve eyelid irritation associated with stye or clogged glands, applying a warm compress improves circulation and reduces inflammation over a period of time. It helps unclog any clogged oil glands; these are usually a fatty acid component. An easy way to do that is to soak a clean cloth in warm water and apply it on the closed eye. Hold it there for as long as you need to improve the symptom and provide comfort. This should be done for 10 minutes once or twice daily.

It’s important to take care of your eyes if they are itchy. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Use of cold compresses

In allergic cases, itching is usually severe and is aggravated further in the course. To avoid permanent effects on the cornea, it is important to avoid rubbing eyes in the first place. In mild cases, a splash of cold water may help while in moderate to severe, ice cubes wrapped in a cloth may be applied intermittently to eyelids to decrease the itching.

4.

Lid Massage

In case you have clogged pores (Meibomian gland dysfunction), a light vertical lid massage after warm compresses can help express the clogged material. It can be done 2-3 times a day and must be done for a few weeks for the effect to settle in.

5. Wash your eyelids properly

It is always necessary to maintain eyelid hygiene. After washing your hands, moisten a washcloth with a mild cleaning solution, like a 50/50 mixed solution of baby shampoo and warm water, and carefully wipe your eyelashes and eyelids. It is recommended to use a new clean swab for each eyelid. This will ensure you don’t spread any bacteria from one eyelid to the other.

6. Eat a healthy diet

Food rich in vitamin A, C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids are advised for ocular health. This includes green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds (like chia and flax seeds), peanuts, and fish.

It’s best not to touch your eyes if you have an infection. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

7.

Avoid potential irritants

Contact lenses and eye makeup can be a source of eyelid inflammation and one must avoid them while experiencing eyelid irritation. It is always recommended to wait until your symptoms have cleared up. Also, while using contact lenses, one must maintain proper hygiene. In cases with dry eyes, one should avoid working directly under airflow, keep the environment humid and avoid working in high heat conditions for a long time. The use of protective glasses under such conditions may also help to some extent.

8. See an eye specialist

Though most cases of itchy eyes do not last very long, and they might even go away on their own, in case they persist and develop further to cause pain or make your vision worse, visit your doctor. The doctor will identify the specific cause for the eyelid irritation and prescribe a targeted treatment. Another reason to visit your doctor is that prolonged, untreated eyelid inflammation can evolve into a more serious issue such as scarring, loss of eyelashes, or weakened cornea.

Eyelid dermatitis: Treatment, symptoms, and causes

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Eyelid dermatitis causes the skin on or around the eyelid to become dry, itchy, and irritated. Moisturizing the skin, avoiding allergens, and applying topical medication are some ways of managing it.

The term may refer to eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis on the eyelids. When the cause is an allergen or irritant, the condition is called eyelid contact dermatitis.

This article discusses how to manage eyelid dermatitis, using treatments and home remedies. It also looks at the symptoms and causes of the condition.

Share on PinterestThe skin on and around the eyelid can become irritated and dry with eyelid dermatitis.

For all kinds of eyelid dermatitis, people should keep the eye area clean and avoid touching it or scratching. This helps to prevent further irritation or infection.

Where possible, it is helpful to identify and avoid contact irritants and allergens that can cause flare-ups. These can include:

• certain makeup brands
• sunscreens
• perfumes
• swimming goggles
• eye drops
• false eyelashes
• contact lens solution
• airborne allergens

To treat eyelid dermatitis caused by atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis, and for immediate relief from symptoms, a person can:

• Moisturize. Moisturizing creams can relieve dryness and itching. A wide range of creams is available with and without prescription. They are most effective for treating mild dermatitis.
• Use calcineurin inhibitors. This medication is used to treat inflammatory disorders, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. It can be applied as cream or taken orally. It should be used with caution, as it may suppress immune function. Calcineurin inhibitors are available to purchase in pharmacies, health stores, and online.
• Use corticosteroids. Steroid-based creams can be applied directly to the eyelids to treat inflammation and reduce dryness. For widespread cases of dermatitis or eczema, corticosteroids can be taken in tablet form. The strength of the medication depends on the severity of the symptoms. Corticosteroids are available to purchase in pharmacies and online.

People should use corticosteroid creams cautiously as they can lose some of their effectiveness if applied for too long. When used close to the eye, there is a risk of glaucoma if used for long periods of time.

These creams can also induce certain short-term side effect, such as acne, hair growth on the treated areas, and thinning of the skin.

Corticosteroid tablets are reserved for the most severe symptoms, as their side effects can be serious. Possible effects include high blood pressure, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Dermatitis on the eyelids causes inflammation of the thin, sensitive skin around the eyes. The eyelids become irritated, swollen, dry, and reddened. It can affect one or both of the eyes.

If this condition persists, the eyelids can become thickened in a process called lichenification.

When caused by an irritant or allergen, symptoms typically occur within a few hours or days of contact with a trigger substance. Symptoms should subside when the trigger substance is removed.

Common forms of eyelid dermatitis include:

• Allergic contact dermatitis develops because of an allergic reaction that causes inflammation of the skin, such as pollen in a person with hay fever. Some cosmetic products or metals, such as nickel, are common causes of allergic skin reactions.
• Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by the eyelid coming into direct contact with a substance that damages the outer layer of the skin, such as certain types of makeup, soaps, and detergents.
• Atopic dermatitis is a form of eczema that can affect the eyelids.
• Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that causes the skin to become inflamed and flakey. It often occurs on the scalp but can also affect oily areas of skin, such as the eyelids.

It is unclear what causes conditions such as atopic dermatitis, though there seems to be a genetic component, and it can run in families.

Share on PinterestChanging to hypo-allergenic eye makeup can help prevent irritation to the eyelid.

The following actions may help to prevent outbreaks of eyelid dermatitis:

• Avoid scratching or rubbing eyelids. This can cause further damage to the skin and increases the risk of infection.
• Make dietary changes. Food allergies can trigger eyelid dermatitis. Dairy products, in particular, can cause symptoms of atopic dermatitis to emerge. A person should consult a doctor before making any significant dietary changes.
• Try anti-itching products. Over-the-counter medications can reduce the urge to itch. A hot or cold compress may also help.
• Avoid certain moisturizers. Products containing formaldehyde, lanolin, parabens, or with a fragrance, may cause additional irritation to the skin.
• Wear protective gear. Shielding the eyes from potential irritants, using goggles or glasses, can help.
• Moisturize regularly. Using a moisturizer on the eyelids each day may prevent symptoms from developing. People should take care not to get moisturizer in the eyes.
• Use less soap. Taking shorter showers or baths will reduce the time skin is exposed to potential irritants. It may also help to use milder soaps, antibacterial soap, or soaps without fragrance.
• Restrict makeup use. Using makeup around the eyes, such as eye shadow or mascara, can irritate the sensitive eye area. Using less or switching to hypo-allergenic brands can be helpful.

The causes, types, and triggers of eyelid dermatitis vary. It may be necessary to try several of these actions before finding the most effective ones.

The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, and so the eyes are especially sensitive to irritation.

While it is hard to predict who will develop eyelid dermatitis, certain factors may increase the likelihood of the condition developing. These include:

• Age. Infants are more susceptible to certain types, such as seborrheic dermatitis, also called cradle cap.
• Genetics. Skin conditions often run in families.
• Poor personal hygiene. Not keeping the skin clean can lead to the condition.
• Certain professions. These include any with frequent exposure to potential trigger substances, such as agricultural, construction, cosmetic, and beauty workers.
• Certain medications. Medications, such a neomycin or beta-blockers, can be triggers.
• Medical conditions. Hay fever, asthma or other skin conditions, such as acne or psoriasis.

It is possible to self-diagnose eyelid dermatitis if the cause is obvious. Through trial and error, it is possible to identify and avoid triggers without the need for medical attention.

A doctor can often diagnose the form of dermatitis through a physical exam. They may ask about risk factors, such as hay fever.

When an allergic reaction is suspected as the cause, a doctor may recommend a patch test. Here, a common allergen is placed on the skin to test for an allergic reaction.

If an irritant is the suspected cause, a repeated open application test (ROAT) can be used. This involves exposing the skin to the irritant over several days to test for problematic skin reactions.

It can be more difficult to determine a specific irritant compared with an allergen.

Share on PinterestRubbing or scratching the eyes can increase the risk of eye and skin infections.

Some complications that may occur with eyelid dermatitis include:

• Skin infections. Scratching or rubbing the eyes can make the skin vulnerable to infections.
• Eye infections. Bacteria can get into the eye from repeatedly touching or rubbing the region, causing infections.
• Difficulty sleeping. The symptoms of eyelid dermatitis can cause discomfort while sleeping.
• Other skin conditions. It is possible for eyelid dermatitis to occur before skin inflammation on other areas of the body.
• Neurodermatitis. Chronic scratching or rubbing can increase the urge to itch. Persistent scratching can cause the skin to become discolored and leathery.

Eyelid dermatitis poses no serious health risks, though it can be uncomfortable and can interfere with daily life.

In most cases, the symptoms are easily managed with treatment and by avoiding triggers. It can, however, become a long-term and recurring condition.

When triggers cannot be identified or avoided, treatment will be used to manage symptoms as best as possible.

The effectiveness of treatments can depend on the extent of exposure to triggers, and the sensitivity of the skin.

Using strategies to prevent symptoms, such as avoiding itching or rubbing the eyes, will help to improve and reduce the severity or onset of symptoms. A doctor or skin specialist can recommend actions that are most suitable for each person.

Itching of the eyelids – causes and treatment in the MHC

Causes of itching

Actually, itching that occurs in the eyes or eyelids is not an independent pathology. This is just one of the manifestations of some diseases. Moreover, there are quite a lot of conditions that contribute to the appearance of such unpleasant sensations. Among them:

• foreign body in the eye
• healing eye and eyelid injuries
• manifestations of allergy
• corneal ulcers
• blepharitis
• eye involvement with stye, meibomite, abscess
• demodicosis eye, eyelid
• conjunctivitis
• dry eye
• keratitis

The most common cause of itchy eyes is a foreign body. However, depending on the nature of this agent, there are quite a few reasons for seeking medical help. After all, you should not rub your eye or try to remove the interfering object on your own. Such actions, as a rule, only exacerbate the situation. Only a timely appeal to a specialized medical institution will help prevent negative consequences.

Healing of injuries to the eyes or eyelids, especially after surgery, can also cause itching. These are manifestations of the process by which the body gets rid of dead tissue. The eyelids and eyes are itchy and the person blinks frequently. This condition is normal and should not cause concern.

Allergies are another common cause of itchy eyes. Allergens can be household chemicals, decorative or medical cosmetics, ordinary dust, as well as plant pollen and poplar fluff. Itching of the eyes, accompanied by swelling and redness, can become a symptom of a systemic allergy (allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis). To remove these unpleasant symptoms, you need to consult an allergist who can professionally find out the causes of the disease and correctly prescribe medications. Particular attention should be paid to allergic manifestations in young children. Indeed, due to children’s physiology, pathological processes proceed rapidly, therefore, assistance must be provided promptly.

Usually, the mucous membrane of the eyes is able to recover from injuries or cracks on its own. However, this does not always happen. Sometimes, itching in the eyes indicates a corneal ulcer of an infectious or non-infectious nature. Such conditions can cause tissue necrosis with the appearance of irreversible processes. The development of a corneal ulcer can also cause dry eye syndrome.

Often, itching in the eyes accompanies the onset of meibomitis, as well as suppuration in the hair follicle of the eyelashes, called stye. The appearance of such a disease is associated with the penetration of a bacterial infection, which develops against a background of reduced immunity. Barley is usually accompanied by the appearance of redness and swelling, its center, when ripe, resembles a white grain, due to pus inside.

Inflammation of the ciliary margin of the eyelids is called blepharitis. This disease also causes unbearable itching in the eyes. It has several varieties: scaly, ulcerative, angular, meibomian, allergic. Therapy for blepharitis is always specific, associated with the cause that caused the inflammation process.

The cause of demodicosis of the eyelids and eyes is the demodex mite, which is normally a permanent inhabitant of our skin. The disease develops in case of violation of metabolic processes, reduced immunity or beriberi. At the same time, crusts appear in the eye area, the eyelids begin to itch, hyperemia of the eyes and eyelids develops. Occasionally, demodicosis of the eyelids is accompanied by itching of the head and dandruff. This is because demodex is able to activate on the entire surface that has a hairline. And, it is not worth being surprised that cosmetic shampoos cannot eliminate dandruff and itching of the head. You just need to use special medications.

Itching of the eyelids is also often caused by a disease of the conjunctiva – conjunctivitis. It can be caused by an allergy, viral or bacterial infection. Self-medication in such a situation is ineffective and even dangerous. With conjunctivitis, you should definitely seek medical help.
Dryness of the mucous membranes of the organ of vision, as a rule, is caused by beriberi, endocrine diseases, age-related changes, and prolonged visual work. Dry eyes are also accompanied by itching and discomfort.

Inflammation of the cornea of ​​an infectious or traumatic nature causes keratitis, which is manifested by itching, redness of the eyes, pain, clouding of the cornea, the appearance of ulcers. Viral and fungal keratitis are especially dangerous.

Treatment of eyelid itching

It should be clearly understood that the treatment of eye diseases is the work of an ophthalmologist. It is very difficult to independently establish the exact cause of the condition that has arisen, and sometimes it is completely impossible. Descriptions of the symptoms of diseases found on the Internet or medical reference books, as a rule, do not give anything. And the unreasonable use of drugs contributes to the distortion of the clinical picture and the transition of the disease to a chronic course, which only aggravates the general condition.

Approach to the choice of means of treatment of a particular eye disease should be professional. After all, the task of a therapeutic agent is to eliminate the cause of the symptom, and not its manifestations. Usually, for the treatment of infectious eye diseases, specialists prescribe antibacterial or antiviral agents. Eye ointments Zovirax (Acyclovir), Nucleavir do an excellent job with viral agents, in addition, eye drops Poludan, Aktipol, Okoferon help well. Bacterial eye infection is effectively eliminated with eye ointments and drops with antibacterial action, such as: Sulfacyl sodium, Norfloxacin, Tetracycline, Tobrex, Gentamicin, Floxal, Ciprofloxacin, Levomycetin, Oftamirin. There are effective remedies that reduce the manifestations of allergic reactions. These are antihistamines used orally: Ceterizine, Loratadine, Fexofenadine, Levocetirizine, as well as drugs used externally: eye drops Cromofarm, Cromohexal and corticosteroids Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone.

Demodicosis can be eliminated only by complex treatment, which includes vitamin therapy, topical preparations and immunity boosters, such as Stop Demodex eye cream and antihistamines.

To avoid diseases that cause itching of the eyes and eyelids, it is necessary to observe very simple rules of personal hygiene and to treat any chronic diseases responsibly. The use of vitamin-mineral complexes for the prevention, plus the organization of an optimal diet throughout the year, will help reduce the risk of eye pathologies.

In the Moscow Eye Clinic medical center, everyone can be examined using the most modern diagnostic equipment, and, based on the results, get advice from a highly qualified specialist. The clinic is open seven days a week and operates daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Our specialists will help identify the cause of vision loss and carry out competent treatment of the identified pathologies.

You can make an appointment at the “Moscow Eye Clinic” by phone in Moscow 8 (800) 777-38-81 8 (499) 322-36-36 (daily from 9:00 to 21:00) or by using the online booking form.

Drops for redness, inflammation and irritation of the eyes – choosing the best

Redness of the eyes is an unpleasant situation both from an aesthetic and physiological point of view. It may be accompanied by itching, burning and pain in the visual organs, photophobia, sensation of a foreign body in the eye.

As a rule, redness occurs with the expansion of small vessels on the surface of the sclera (the white of the eye). In itself, it is not a disease, but it can be both a consequence of overwork due to increased visual load, and a symptom of the disease. Redness of the eyes occurs not only in adults, but also in children. The disease often accompanies people who spend a lot of time at a computer or with mobile devices.

Drops from redness of the eyes will help get rid of discomfort and restore clarity of vision. However, it should be borne in mind that this disorder occurs for various reasons. Therefore, drops should be selected, focusing on the cause of redness. And don’t forget to consult an ophthalmologist . The specialist will determine what provokes redness, and prescribe treatment taking into account the characteristics of your health.

Contents

1. Causes of redness of the eyes
2. General tips for choosing drops
3. Choice of drops according to causes of redness
4. How to choose drops for children

Causes of eye redness

There are a number of reasons that provoke vasodilation on the surface of the sclera. This is first of all:

• eye strain caused by prolonged paperwork, reading in poor light, or spending many hours in front of a monitor;
• external irritants – wind in the face, ultraviolet radiation, low temperature;
• getting into the eye of dust, sand, any foreign bodies;
• a long stay in a room in which the air conditioner is working – it dries the air, the resulting itching and burning sensation in the eyes may be due to the fact that the mucous membrane is not sufficiently moistened;
• allergic reactions – to plant pollen, house and office dust, animal hair;
• prolonged driving at night;
• use of low-quality cosmetics, mascara, eye shadow or too much cosmetic products;
• exposure to tobacco smoke;
• alcohol abuse;
• various eye diseases such as glaucoma, scleritis or conjunctivitis.

Mobile gadgets can cause red eyes

Separately, it is worth noting the redness of the eyes that occurs when wearing contact lenses. This symptom is especially characteristic for those who have just started using lenses – this is how the body reacts to a foreign body in the eye. As you get used to the problem will disappear, but if you wear lenses for a long time, and the redness does not go away, this is a serious reason to seek medical help.

Redness also appears in cases where you do not properly care for the lenses, do not pay enough attention to cleaning them and do not replace them on time. Prolonged wearing of contact lenses during the day can also cause vasodilation, which is manifested by redness. Take breaks and let your eyes rest from the lenses.

Eye drop recommendation

What drops to choose for the treatment of itching or burning in the eyes? Most importantly, the remedy for redness of the eyes is selected in accordance with the specific cause, due to which the vessels of the sclera expand. This means that you can not do without contacting an ophthalmologist. Only he can make an accurate diagnosis and say why your eyes are red and itchy. The specialist conducts not only a visual examination, but also biomicroscopy – an examination using a special microscope. If necessary, he does additional tests to evaluate the work of the lacrimal glands.

In addition, many drops have contraindications. For example, not all products are suitable for children and pregnant women. Individual intolerance to the components included in their composition is also possible.

If the drops recommended by your doctor seem too expensive for you, do not look for a budget replacement on your own, discuss a possible alternative with a specialist.

The ophthalmologist will find the cause of the redness of the eyes and prescribe the appropriate treatment with drops

Perhaps you need not just one drop, but several of their varieties. In this case, they need to be instilled into the eyes alternately, with an interval of at least 10 minutes.

If there is no suspicion of a serious pathology, and the discomfort is not permanent, you can independently choose moisturizing drops for redness of the eyes. They mimic natural tears and help get rid of dryness.

Even if you do not have a serious eye disease, you should use drops if you:

• spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen;
• read a lot;
• make up often;
• wear contact lenses.

There are manufacturers who produce solutions in disposable dropper tubes. They are simple and convenient to use, and you can always carry them with you, take them on trips, so that if redness caused by overwork occurs, the problem is quickly solved.

What kind of drops are there

Eye redness drops are an ophthalmic solution, the composition of which is chosen in such a way as to solve vascular problems caused by specific causes. Therefore, all funds are divided into several groups.

Drops “Gilan” imitate a natural tear

Moisturizing compositions are necessary for constant visual work, especially with a high load, as well as when wearing contact lenses. As mentioned above, they mimic natural tears and moisturize the surface of the eyes, helping to get rid of burning and itching, reducing the negative impact of external factors. Moisturizing drops can be used as needed, daily, up to 5-6 times a day.

Drops that constrict blood vessels and help relieve swelling are also recommended for increased visual stress. Thanks to them, the small capillaries in the albuginea narrow, and the redness disappears, and the eye looks white again. Vasoconstrictor drops can be used no more than 1-2 times a week. Regular use of such drugs can lead to undesirable consequences, for example, malnutrition of the structures of the eye and increased intraocular pressure. In addition, drugs in this group are addictive.

Preparations “Systane Ultra” and “Systeine ​​Ultra Plus” allow you to quickly remove redness

An ophthalmologist prescribes antihistamine and anti-inflammatory solutions if the cause of redness of the eyes is an allergic reaction. They help to cope with vasodilation, as well as itching and increased tearing. In severe cases of allergies, hormonal solutions help.

Often the cause of redness of the eyes is an infection. In this case, it is necessary to use antibacterial drugs.

Eye drops “Artelak Splash” effectively fights dry eyes

With SARS, influenza and the herpes virus, antiviral drops may be prescribed. Vitamin complexes are used to maintain eye health. These are general tonic drugs that can be used for preventive purposes. But they won’t help if your eyes are already red.

To combat redness of the eyes, the following drugs are used:

• Systane Ultra, Gilan and Artelak Splash are drops that mimic natural tear fluid. This type of drug is prescribed in cases where redness is due to dry eyes;
• “Okumetil” and Innoxa – drops that have a vasoconstrictor and decongestant effect. Recommended in cases where redness is caused by high visual stress;
• “Dexa-Gentamicin” – an antibiotic prescribed for infections of the anterior segment of the eye, allergies accompanied by bacterial infection, and for prophylactic purposes after operations on the visual organ;
• “Floxal” – antimicrobial therapeutic drops that are used for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the eye.