What is a eyelid eczema?
Also known as periocular dermatitis, is inflammation of the skin around the eyes i.e. the eyelids. Eyelid skin is the thinnest skin on the body so often is more reactive than the rest of the body. It can lead to blepharitis.
What causes eyelid eczema?
There are multiple causes, the most common causes being:
- allergic contact – often due to use of cosmetics or hair dye
- atopy – related to asthma, hayfever and eczema elsewhere on the body
- irritant – due to repeated exposure to irritants that break down the skin surface
- psoriatic – related to psoriasis elsewhere on the body
What investigations are performed for eyelid eczema?
Usually no investigations are needed if the cause is obvious. Simple things can be tried such as applying possible triggering agents to the inner arm, otherwise specialist ‘patch testing’ can be performed. A biopsy is occasionally needed as a last resort.
What is the treatment for eyelid eczema?
Firstly to identify the cause. If there is a trigger than to remove the trigger. A short course of mild steroids can be used, however longer term use can thin the eyelid skin, and if it gets into the eye can cause cataracts and glaucoma. There are longer term treatments available which have fewer long term side effects.