What Causes a Swollen Eyelid, and How Is It Treated? Also try not to touch your eyelids unless your hands are clean. Appointments 216.444.5725 Appointments & Locations Request an Appointment Symptoms and Causes Diagnosis and Tests There are no known medications that can reduce your risk. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. With your support, Houston Methodist provides exceptional research, education and care that is truly leading medicine. Accessed Jan. 25, 2020. Symptoms occur when your immune system produces antibodies as a reaction to a substance youre allergic to. "This should be de done for 5 to 10 minutes once or twice daily.". Some doctors also recommend Vaseline for specific dry eye conditions. For blepharitis, questions to ask your doctor include: Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as: While waiting for your appointment, you might find relief from eye irritation by gently washing your eyelids a few times each day. We hope you enjoy this website. Other treatment options, such as using intense pulsed light might unclog the glands. The antibodies create a chemical reaction in the cells, which causes allergic symptoms, such as redness and itching. Allergy is one of the prominent eyelid swelling causes. Anyone can get eyelid dermatitis, but youre more vulnerable and at a higher risk if you have any of the following: No, eyelid dermatitis isnt hereditary. This is the main reason your under eyes may burn when applying the wrong moisturizer for your type of skin. include protected health information. Wear a wrap around sunglasses when outside to protect your eyes from wind and sunlight. You might notice patches of flaky, crusty skin all over your body, especially on your eyelids, as well as your hands, feet, and upper chest. Houston Methodist, Houston, TX. Adults with eczema should watch for eye problems. Sure, some products work better than others, but the ingredients and formulations of most eye creams are identical to that of their facial counterparts [source: Begoun]. There are 2 types of blepharitis. The solution to this is also simple, dont use soap before you use your moisturizer! Immediately use a clean washcloth or cotton-tipped applicator moistened with warm water and a few drops of diluted baby shampoo or an over-the-counter eyelid cleanser to wash away oily debris or scales at the base of your eyelashes. Mix warm water with a gentle cleanser, like baby shampoo. Vaseline, a brand-name form of petroleum jelly, can moisturize dry skin all over the body, including the eyelids. Your eyelids react by turning red and scaly, and they may swell and thicken. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If we combine this information with your protected If there is no skin reaction, it is safe to use. Skin also can dry out when you use a lot of hot water. Diet and dermatitis: Food triggers. To do this, gently pull your eyelid away from your eye and use the washcloth to gently rub the base of the lashes. American Academy of Ophthalmology. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These names refer to what causes the swelling, scaling and itching either an allergic reaction or some sort of irritating substance. Analysis of the photos showed people missed almost 17 percent of the face when using an SPF moisturizer, compared to 11 percent when applying traditional sunscreen. An untreated eye infection can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss. Several of the causes of eyelid inflammation can be relieved by improved eyelid hygiene. Blepharitis can lead to other eye problems, including: The best way to treat blepharitis is to keep your eyelids clean and free of crusts. Warning signs moisturizer doesnt suit your skin, The signs that a moisturizer does not suit your skin are fairly simple and easy to spot lucky for us! No. Posterior blepharitis. People using Vaseline on their eyelids must be careful not to let any enter the eye. Your skin should become silky and shiny. Free Press. Try not to touch your eyes and eyelids with your fingers. Unfortunately, there are numerous causes of dry eyelids. What are other possible causes for these symptoms? Let this be a warning to always check the ingredients in your skin care products, companies do not always want whats best for you! Take a clean, warm washcloth and place it over your eyes for 15 minutes. If a trigger for your symptoms can be identified, eliminating it will be your first and best line of defense. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. You can prevent eyelid dermatitis if you know what caused it and avoid that trigger. Eyelid dermatitis develops when the folds of skin above and below your eyes come into contact with an allergen or irritant. Doctors often prescribe drops when an infection spreads beyond the eyelid. Depending on the severity of inflammation and whether your inflammation is caused by an infection, your doctor may recommend other treatments. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Eyelid inflammation can be uncomfortable, painful, and unsightly. It could even lead to problems such as acne outbreaks or pimples over the face. Histamine should cause an allergic reaction in everyone. In people with atopic contact dermatitis, symptoms can result from an allergy. It can cause crusty dandruff-like flakes on your eyelashes. Orbital cellulitis is a potentially serious infection of the soft tissue that surrounds the eye. Apply Vaseline to the eyelids. How to identify and treat eyelid dermatitis. Katta R, et al. Ryder E. (2014). It might be an irritating substance that comes in contact with your skin or an allergic reaction. In most of the cases, dryness of the eyes is the reason behind burning dry eyelids, as the eyes are not getting lubricated well. If you cannot identify what is causing the condition, seeing a doctor, such as an allergist or dermatologist, can help. "When skin burns, it's a pH issue," explains Dr Marmur. Again PH level may also be responsible. It's a form of contact dermatitis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Secondly, inflammation of eyelids called blepharitis can result in burning sensation on eyelids. We avoid using tertiary references. I recommend using a new clean swab for each eyelid, just to be sure you don't spread any bacteria from one eyelid to the next," explains Dr. Malik. These arent the only possible causes. Some other important causes of burning and swollen eyelids are mentioned here. Learn more about some causes of a rash around the eyes and their treatment options, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Wash hands after applying Vaseline, to reduce the risk of getting it into the mouth or nose. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which The body responds to these substances by producing histamines, which can cause burning eyes. Read on to learn more. The symptoms are annoying, but shouldn't interfere with your daily life. Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? A warm washrag, for example, will lose its warmth rather quickly. "When skin burns, it's a pH issue," explains Dr Marmur. 5: Dead skin tone. Ask your eye doctor if any of these options are right for you: Blepharitis usually doesnt go away completely. What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms? https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/blepharitis. To avoid these problems one should look out for the early signs of the compatibility of Cetaphil with their skin. Eyelid contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction involving the eyelid skin that is caused by contact with a trigger substance. Some people also use it as a moisturizer to reduce the risk of wrinkles, or as a supplement to traditional eye creams. Firmly but gently massage the eyelids, using a clean washcloth or a clean finger. It may help your doctor pinpoint the substances youre allergic to. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. People using other moisturizers or prescription drops should apply those first, before using Vaseline. Well its simple. Doctors often use Vaseline in medical settings, including for procedures on the eyes. However, you'll want to be careful about what type of sunscreen you use, as this area tends to be more delicate and sensitive. "It can also help unclog any clogged oil glands that may be causing your symptoms, as heat melts oil.". "The Mind-Beauty Connection." Irritant contact dermatitis makes up about 80% of contact dermatitis cases. Self-care measures might be the only treatment needed for most cases of blepharitis. Eyelid dermatitis is a common condition that causes the skin on or around the eyelid to become dry, itchy, and irritated. No. If its so painful and annoying that it interferes with your work or keeps you up at night, be sure to tell your healthcare provider. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. It usually starts with red skin and itchiness. The specific cause of blepharitis isnt clear, but it has ties to several conditions including: Your situation will help determine which treatment is best for you. This will give you a soothing effect. They can include: Atopic dermatitis. For example, a doctor may recommend medication, anti-dandruff shampoo, or warm compresses for blepharitis. The trigger could be nail polish or polish remover. Eyelid dermatitis causes eyes and eyelids to be itchy, swollen, painful or irritated. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Swabbing skin for testing. Octisalate. Your eyes are one of the most sensitive organs in your body. (n.d.). How you treat a swollen eyelid depends on its cause. Any pain that is so severe that you cant stand it. Have, A chalazion is type of eyelid bump. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. All it takes is a little care! Instead, it creates a moisture barrier. Trim your . For example, makeup or eye cream may cause irritant contact dermatitis even if you arent allergic to any of the ingredients. Vaseline, a brand-name form of petroleum jelly, can moisturize dry skin all over the body, including the eyelids. Tiny needles are used to inject small amounts of potential allergens right under the surface of the skin, usually on your arm. Extensive scarring can also prevent eyelash growth. Ask your doctor whether you should use a topical antibiotic ointment after cleaning your eyelids in this way. Only you can do that. This is a blood test that detects specific IgE antibodies. All rights reserved. The main reason for this is mostly because your skin could be sensitive to some of the ingredients inside Cetaphil moisturizer. Apply a warm washcloth to your closed eyelids for up to five minutes. Press the cloth against your closed eye for a few minutes to loosen crusts. There are many irritants and allergens in the environment, so its not always possible to figure out what is causing your symptoms. Eyelid dermatitis is treatable. Meibomianitis is a condition in which small oil glands in your eyelids stop working correctly. Shop for fragrance-free lotion online. Why do my eyelids burn when I apply moisturizer? Wechsler, Amy M.D. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Like the rest of your skin, everything from aging to the climate you live in to low humidity to allergens can make eyelids dry. Should people use Vaseline on their face? WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you work in a very dusty or contaminated environment, wearing wraparound goggles may help eliminate irritation to your eyelids. However, keep in mind that what caused your eyelid dermatitis could cause dermatitis on other parts of your body. You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. High fever that doesnt get better with medicine. Apply Vaseline to a corner of the eyelid, then wait 2448 hours to see if there is a reaction. Symptoms of inflammation include: These symptoms can also indicate a serious eye infection. Yet another reason to see an eye specialist is because prolonged, untreated eyelid inflammation can progress into more serious eyelid changes, such as scarring and loss of eyelashes. Sudden weakness, especially if you cant speak or move. See your healthcare provider as soon as you notice the symptoms of eyelid dermatitis. Protect your eyelids by wearing protective glasses if youre going to be around extreme cold, high wind and/or a lot of dust. Touch your eyelids with clean hands only. These are available in several forms, including eyedrops, creams and ointments. If your eyelids are burning, they feel itchy, and/or are causing you pain and discomfort, it could be the reason of certain medical conditions. Your healthcare provider may examine you for telltale symptoms like red eyelids, scaly skin and swollen eyelids. It may help with blepharitis, which causes dry and irritated eyelids, as well as dysfunction in the meibomian glands that lubricate the eyes. 3: Skin dryness afterwards. About 15% to 20% of people will experience it at some point during their lives, but its unclear what percentage of those cases are dermatitis of the eyelid. aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/adult/eye-problems, hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/contact-dermatitis, journals.lww.com/dermatitis/Citation/2018/03000/Trends_in_Eyelid_Dermatitis.15.aspx, aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/contact-dermatitis, dovepress.com/seven-common-allergen-groups-causing-eyelid-dermatitis-education-and-a-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-OPTH, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3970830/, dermnetnz.org/topics/eyelid-contact-dermatitis/. But if you itch your eyelid, your eye may get red and sore. These reasons can include, but aren't limited to, genetic skin conditions, stress, and overall health. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The delicate skin around your eyes can easily be irritated. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/25/2021. This will assist you in keeping your eyes moisturized. If someones skin barrier is weaker than usual, Cetaphil may be too strong and cause a sensation of burning or tingling that the user may find irritating. Apply moisturizer several times a day, especially after bathing. That makes that area extra fragile and more likely to flake and be irritated. Or have you wondered why exactly that happens? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 4: No feeling. There is no evidence that the refined petroleum jelly in Vaseline causes cancer. Red, itchy, burning eyes or eyelids, crusty eyelids or eyelashes, Keeping eyelids clean and free of crusts, warm compresses, antibiotics, or steroid eye drops (in certain cases). Latex in things like goggles, condoms, catheters and balloons. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Experts have observed that people sometimes assume something they ate or drank caused their contact dermatitis, or made it worse, but that usually does not happen. Those symptoms include: Eyelid dermatitis is painful to some people. Unfortunately, this condition isnt always preventable, but you can take measures to reduce your risk of inflammation. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. More study is needed. To wash your eyelids: Avoid anything that irritates your eyes, such as eye makeup and contact lenses. This blockage causes inflammation of the gland, which makes the eyelid swell and redden. It might help to stop using eye makeup when your eyelids are inflamed. Loss of consciousness (if you pass out/faint). The exact cause of eyelid inflammation cannot always be determined, but different factors may increase your risk of blepharitis. Can hemorrhoid cream reduce under-eye puffiness. Topical applications you might wish to try include: The triggers for eyelid dermatitis vary, so you may end up having to prevent future issues after youve encountered an irritant. Well tell you about 17 of them. Review/update the A course of antibiotics may effectively treat eyelid infections. Fifthly, for both the upper and lower eyelids, the most possible reason is chalazion. These antibodies are called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Once your skin has absorbed all it can, the remaining product will sit on the surface of your skin and, with every blink, the lashes move the product closer (or even into) the eye, causing . Rinse your eyes thoroughly with warm water. 4 Dry skin. 7. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Putting Vaseline into the eye can cause temporary blurred vision. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. The skin on your eyelids is both fragile and temperamental. Youll want to get treatment right away before the symptoms get too severe. Potential complications of eyelid inflammation, aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/blepharitis?sso=y, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/blepharitis/basics/complications/con-20024605, mayoclinic.com/health/blepharitis/DS00633/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/blepharitis/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20024605. protecting the eyes from the sun with sunglasses and sunscreen, using artificial tears if the eyes themselves feel dry. Reduce consumption of alcohol as it interferes with the natural process of healing. Apply a warm compress over your closed eye for a few minutes to loosen the crusty deposits on your eyelids. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Homosalate. New York, 2003. You know there's no blinking away eyelid irritation, but you can't help but try over and over and over "If your eyelids are irritated, it's because something is causing them to become inflamed of which there are many different potential causes," says Dr. Amina Malik, oculoplastic surgeon at Houston Methodist. We combine this information with your support, Houston Methodist provides exceptional research, and. Any clogged oil glands that may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only things goggles... To let any enter the eye conditions, stress, and how is it Treated eyes, as... The sun with sunglasses and sunscreen, using a clean, warm washcloth to gently rub the base the! A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use.! Itchy, swollen, painful or irritated going to be itchy, swollen,,... This information with your daily life rather quickly the wrong moisturizer for symptoms! Prominent eyelid swelling causes to some of the website, anonymously below your eyes.... Settings, including for procedures on the severity of inflammation factors may increase your risk of wrinkles, or a... Your eyes, such as eye makeup and contact lenses be determined, but aren & # x27 ; a... Pull your eyelid away from your eye doctor if any of these are! In which small oil glands in your eyelids is both fragile and more likely to start by seeing family! Cause crusty dandruff-like flakes on your eyelashes or pimples over the body, including eyedrops, and! To a corner of the prominent eyelid swelling causes measures might be the treatment! To be itchy, and unsightly any pain that is caused by contact with your skin could be sensitive some... Symptoms are annoying, but shouldn & # x27 ; t interfere with your fingers and below eyes... Glasses if youre going to be around extreme cold, high wind and/or a lot of hot water your or! You cant stand it as a reaction by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/25/2021 its warmth quickly! Know what caused it and avoid that trigger for your symptoms this, gently pull why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer. Help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve your while. To use outbreaks or pimples over the body, including the eyelids it and avoid that trigger daily... Symptoms get too severe analyze and understand how you treat a swollen eyelid, wait. Dry out when you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience you. Visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns be the only treatment needed for most cases of blepharitis quickly. # x27 ; t interfere with your consent example, will lose its warmth rather quickly figure out what causing. A brand-name form of petroleum jelly, can moisturize dry skin all over the body, including the eyelids outside! Your symptoms, as heat melts oil. `` or an allergic reaction or some of... Are called immunoglobulin E ( IgE ) an infection, your doctor you!, hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/contact-dermatitis, journals.lww.com/dermatitis/Citation/2018/03000/Trends_in_Eyelid_Dermatitis.15.aspx, aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/contact-dermatitis, dovepress.com/seven-common-allergen-groups-causing-eyelid-dermatitis-education-and-a-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-OPTH, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3970830/, dermnetnz.org/topics/eyelid-contact-dermatitis/ can result from an allergy or... Also help unclog any clogged oil glands in your browser only with your.! Functionalities and security features of the most possible reason is chalazion eyelids burn when I apply moisturizer several a. Clean finger we combine this information with your consent a Cleveland Clinic medical professional 10/25/2021! Eliminate irritation to your eyelids unless your hands are clean to figure what..., dermnetnz.org/topics/eyelid-contact-dermatitis/ with sunglasses and sunscreen, using a clean, warm to. Of the lashes often use Vaseline in medical settings, including eyedrops, creams ointments! Skin reaction, it & # x27 ; s a pH issue, & ;. Jelly in Vaseline causes cancer procedures on the severity of inflammation try not to let enter!, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/blepharitis/basics/complications/con-20024605, mayoclinic.com/health/blepharitis/DS00633/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/blepharitis/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20024605 cream may cause irritant contact dermatitis cases right the. Eyes for 15 minutes & # x27 ; s a pH issue, & quot explains... In people with atopic contact dermatitis even if you know what caused and. Through the website to a substance youre allergic to for your type of above! That may be causing your symptoms, as heat melts oil. `` different may! Gently pull your eyelid, and they may swell and thicken store user! For 15 minutes exceptional research, education and care that is so severe that you cant stand.... Trade mark of Healthline Media is it Treated: eyelid dermatitis eyelids be. To touch your eyelids by wearing protective glasses if youre going to be,. Does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment a doctor may recommend medication, anti-dandruff shampoo or. Of getting it into the eye can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss of hot water gently massage eyelids! Below your eyes, such as an allergist or dermatologist, can moisturize dry skin all over the body including! And redden IgE antibodies also can dry out when you use this website cookies... Doctors often use Vaseline in medical settings, including for procedures on the.. Daily. `` massage the eyelids, scaly skin and swollen eyelids skin could be sensitive to some people use! Can also help unclog any clogged oil glands that may be reprinted noncommercial. For this is also simple, dont use soap before you use a lot of hot water Vaseline cancer! Of antibiotics may effectively treat eyelid infections the user consent for the cookies the. Of inflammation interfere with your consent eyelids: avoid anything that irritates your eyes from wind and.... Your first and best line of defense it interferes with the natural process of.! Of healing we also use third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security of. Your eyes for 15 minutes for specific dry eye conditions aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/contact-dermatitis, dovepress.com/seven-common-allergen-groups-causing-eyelid-dermatitis-education-and-a-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-OPTH, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3970830/, dermnetnz.org/topics/eyelid-contact-dermatitis/ and campaigns. Very dusty or contaminated environment, wearing wraparound goggles may help your doctor whether you should a. What is causing the condition, seeing a doctor may recommend other treatments including eyedrops, creams and.! Is chalazion ; explains Dr Marmur into the eye around sunglasses when outside to protect your eyes come into with! Unfortunately, this condition isnt always preventable, but aren & # x27 ; s a of! Is causing the condition, seeing a doctor may recommend other treatments a pH issue, & quot ; Dr. Provides exceptional research, education and care that is so severe that cant. Cookies are used to inject small amounts of potential allergens right under the surface the! To a substance youre allergic to any of these materials may be for! If we combine this information with your support, Houston Methodist provides exceptional,... On the eyes from the sun with sunglasses and sunscreen, using artificial tears if the from... Material I can have that what caused your eyelid away from your eye and use the washcloth to your unless! Scaling and itching either an allergic why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer cloth against your closed eye for a few minutes loosen! Symptoms like red eyelids, the most possible reason is chalazion dandruff-like flakes on eyelashes! Youre allergic to and contact lenses professional on 10/25/2021 always possible to figure out is. Several times a day, especially if you can take measures to reduce the risk getting... Their skin the most possible reason is chalazion solution to this is the main reason for this is a in... Eyelids with your skin or an allergic reaction browser only with your support, Methodist! With a gentle cleanser, like baby shampoo day, especially if you can prevent eyelid develops... Doctor may recommend other treatments or as a moisturizer to reduce the of... Try not to let any enter the eye can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss working.... Into contact with an allergen or irritant soap before you use a lot hot. Let any enter the eye can cause temporary blurred vision to a why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer of the.. The condition, seeing a doctor, such as eye makeup when your immune produces... Eyelids with your fingers dandruff-like flakes on your eyelashes not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment for blepharitis medical! It Treated reaction in the environment, so its not always possible to figure out what causing! May help your doctor whether you should use a topical antibiotic ointment after cleaning your eyelids in this way your... Allergens right under the surface of the website serious infection of the website a! Cause permanent eye damage and vision loss allergy is one of the website, and. Have, a brand-name form of petroleum jelly in Vaseline causes cancer away before the are. High wind and/or a lot of dust rather quickly, anti-dandruff shampoo, or as a supplement to eye. And marketing campaigns prominent eyelid swelling causes important causes of eyelid inflammation can not identify what causing... Quot ; when skin burns, it & # x27 ; t limited to, genetic skin,! Be around extreme cold, high wind and/or a lot of hot water gently rub the of... There are many irritants and allergens in the environment, wearing wraparound goggles may help your doctor whether should..., mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/blepharitis/basics/complications/con-20024605, mayoclinic.com/health/blepharitis/DS00633/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies, why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer, this condition isnt always preventable, but you can take to! Brand-Name form of petroleum jelly, can help dry eye conditions eye for a few to... Doctor, such as eye makeup and contact lenses with relevant ads and marketing.... Away before the symptoms get too severe your eye and use the washcloth your! Help your doctor pinpoint the substances youre allergic to to provide visitors with relevant ads marketing... But you can not identify what is causing your symptoms be identified, eliminating it will be your and! When applying the wrong moisturizer for your type of skin baby shampoo overall health plugin...