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. We will be giving you all the possible reasons that your skin might burn after applying your favourite moisturizer! Use a non-prescription artificial tear to remove dryness from your eyes. include protected health information. The eyes and eyelids are extremely sensitive, so it's only natural that you might be hesitant about slathering chemical-laden moisturizers over and around your peepers. "There's really no cure for blepharitis, but an eye specialist can help you understand how to better manage your condition in order to help reduce your risk of future flare-ups, as well as prevent a more serious complication from developing," adds Dr. Malik. Your eyelids can also be dry and flaky because of more serious causes. "Skin is naturally acidic, so if a moisturizer stings, it has thrown the pH balance off, which is a sign it's not compatible." Go to the emergency department right away if your eyelids swell up so much that you cant see. Vaseline petroleum jelly (2016 formulation). Contact your doctor if you don't see improvement in six weeks. The main treatment for blepharitis is regularly cleaning your . Hydrophobic substances (drying agents that repel water). There is a problem with Mayo Clinic; 2019. There are some factors that are comparatively less likely to cause the condition. Can you put moisturizer on dry eyelids? If you don't respond to treatment, or if you've also lost eyelashes or only one eye is affected, the condition could be caused by a localized eyelid cancer. (2020). Try your best with the help of the people around you to figure out what may have caused the dermatitis. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. This is also caused by over acidity. Try keeping your hands away from your eyes and keeping a daily diary of the things you eat and the products you use to look for patterns in any flare-ups. While eyelid inflammation is common, it's a complex condition with many causes, including: The oil glands in your eyelid becoming clogged, which is also called blepharitis and often associated with rosacea Mites or lice in eyelash follicles Blepharitis appears on the eyelash line or inner edge of the eye and is caused by bacteria or another health condition like rosacea, eczema, eyelash mites, and dandruff. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Your eyelids react by turning red and scaly, and they may swell and thicken. It is mostly caused by bacteria belonging to Staphylococcus genus. In some cases, a physical examination of your eye is enough to diagnose the condition. Policy. Posterior blepharitis affects the outside of the inner edge of the eyelid the part that touches your eye. When you apply your favourite moisturizer over it, it has the opposite effect! This can cause an infection under your eyelids. Keep these in mind and were sure youll find the right moisturizer for you! Symptoms of eyelid dermatitis can occur in one or both eyes. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? We hope you enjoy this website. Tests and procedures used to diagnose blepharitis include: Self-care measures, such as washing your eyes and using warm compresses, might be all that's needed for most cases of blepharitis. Apply a warm washcloth to your closed eyelids for up to five minutes. Youll wear the patch for 2 days, after which time your doctor will examine the area to see if youve had an allergic reaction. Long-term complications may include: The oil glands on your eyelids can also become infected and blocked. Required fields are marked *. Control your environment by using a humidifier in dry areas and avoiding extreme hot and cold temperatures. Learn about common allergens, allergy testing, and. Octinoxate. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to clear up the contact dermatitis. Learn more about the potential benefits and risks of using Vaseline on the. 4: No feeling. All it takes is a little care! Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Most sunscreen is safe to use on and around the eyelid region (without putting it in your eye, of course). Eyelid dermatitis (also called eyelid eczema, periocular dermatitis or periorbital dermatitis) is a type of contact dermatitis. Knopf. Eyelid dermatitis is treatable. But it isn't contagious, and it usually doesn't cause any lasting damage to your eyes. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. This isn't something you can do yourself at home, so it's important to be evaluated by an eye specialist," recommends Dr. Malik. The symptoms are annoying, but shouldn't interfere with your daily life. Your eye doctor can check for blepharitis by doing a physical eye exam. Your eyes can be watery and red. Contact a doctor if dry skin conditions get worse. All rights reserved. Eyelid dermatitis can make eyes itchy, swollen, or irritated. So if your skin rejects your moisturizer, make sure you listen to it! Also known as eczema, this is a long-lasting condition that gives you red, itchy skin. People who notice that their skin is dry or irritated during the dry, cold winter months can use it to prevent moisture loss from the eyelids. Victor, Steven M.D. Only you can do that. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Swabbing skin for testing. Dip a clean, soft cloth or cotton swab in the warm cleanser and water mixture. It's a form of contact dermatitis. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Your provider may order a patch test if they think you may have an allergy. Youll likely need to use a trial-and-error approach. Blepharitis can be uncomfortable. Also, it's possible that makeup could reintroduce bacteria to the area or cause an allergic reaction. Apply cool compresses to your eyelids to soothe dry, irritated, and itchy skin. Do you have other diseases or conditions? You can also get blepharitis if the oil glands in your eyelids get clogged or irritated. The skin around your eyelids can become dry, red, and itchy when something triggers a reaction. Review/update the This will open the blocked oil glands off your eyelids. Your doctor will choose around 25 to 30 potential allergens to test in you. other information we have about you. These include, 1: oiliness in skin. New York, 2003. 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. This blockage causes inflammation of the gland, which makes the eyelid swell and redden. Your instinct is to blink it out which typically works. Learn about the types of eyelid dermatitis, and how to get rid of these itchy rashes. Common short-term complications of eyelid inflammation include dry eyes and pink eye. September 15, 2022, Funding for Training and Career Development, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at NEI, Wayne State University researchers use drug repurposing to treat resistant bacterial eye infections, Feeling like theres something in your eye, Tears that are foamy or have small bubbles in them, Crusty eyelids or eyelashes when you wake up, Eyelashes that grow in the wrong direction, Swelling of other parts of the eye, like the cornea, Dandruff flaky patches of skin on your scalp or face, Rosacea a skin condition that causes redness and bumps, usually on your face. A few factors may come into play: If your symptoms are clearly associated with a specific product, such as mascara, eliminating the product should also eliminate your symptoms. A . Vaseline is a moisture barrier, and it may prevent certain creams and treatments from penetrating the eyelid or the eye. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Those symptoms include: Eyelid dermatitis is painful to some people. But if your dry, flaking eyelids are especially severe and triggered by certain things, they might be considered a type of eczema, like atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis. Some of them are infection, dry eyes, rosacea, scalp dandruff, etc. Contact dermatitis is a very common skin condition. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. More study is needed. External Eyelid Stye (Hordeolum Externum), a feeling that something is in or on your eyes, a crust on your eyelashes or in the corners of your eyes. Not Using A Gentle Touch. Have you ever put on moisturizer to make your skin smoother and it starts stinging or burning your skin? Mix warm water with a gentle cleanser, like baby shampoo. Other causes or risk factors for eyelid inflammation include: There are two types of eyelid inflammation: Eyelid inflammation is usually noticeable because it can irritate your eyes and possibly affect your vision. Trouble breathing/shortness of breath, or if you stopped breathing for any reason. Your eyelids are the folds of skin that cover your eyes and protect them from debris and injury. Chris Obenschain Skin can return to normal between episodes. protecting the eyes from the sun with sunglasses and sunscreen, using artificial tears if the eyes themselves feel dry. A person may experience a rash around their eyes for many reasons. Press the cloth against your closed eye for a few minutes to loosen crusts. Some common irritants include: You can spread the irritant to your eyelids by accident when you touch the trigger, then rub or touch near your eyes. Blepharitis: Definition. Certain dry eye and dry eyelid conditions may need medical treatment. Blepharitis rarely disappears completely. Avoid any that have: Its important to keep your eyelids clean. Many substances that cause allergic contact dermatitis also cause irritant contact dermatitis. All rights reserved. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Huang CX, et al. These antibodies are called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Any damage to any part of it may harm the eyes as a whole. While inhaling small quantities of Vaseline is likely harmless, prolonged inhalation or exposure can cause a rare type of pneumonia called exogenous lipoid pneumonia. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, it is safe to use Vaseline on the eyelids, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/petroleum-jelly, https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/blepharitis, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0736467915002371, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091674914011609, https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/letters-28, http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics1440.htm, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/wound-care-minimize-scars, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4912340/, https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/515875-Vaseline_Petroleum_Jelly/, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. It typically results from allergies or sensitivities to fragrances, preservatives, or other chemicals. Anterior blepharitis affects the outside of your eye, where your eyelashes attach to your eyelid. 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 cause itching and sometimes pain, so its important to get checked out by a healthcare provider as soon as possible to keep the symptoms from getting severe. Its not a sign of skin cancer. People who notice that their skin is dry or irritated during the dry . Do your symptoms come and go, or do you always have them? The body responds to these substances by producing histamines, which can cause burning eyes. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Vaseline, a brand-name form of petroleum jelly, can moisturize dry skin all over the body, including the eyelids. How to identify and treat eyelid dermatitis. The petroleum jelly in Vaseline is refined. These do not have any positive effect on the skin and are not natural whatsoever. Dr. Malik recommends cleaning your eyelid with a 50/50 mixed solution of baby shampoo and warm water. Rinse your eyes thoroughly with warm water. Blepharitis. 2: Repulsive smell. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. In most of the cases, dryness of the eyes is the reason behind burning dry eyelids, as the eyes are not getting lubricated well. The second reason is that when you apply soap on your skin, it leaves small microscopic wounds all over your body. Some of these products include preservatives and other ingredients you might be allergic to. Learn more about the potential uses of petroleum jelly here. Having bacteria on your skin is normal, but too much bacteria can cause problems. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Use it to clean your eyelids with blepharitis at least 2 to 3 times a day. Eyelid dermatitis is annoying but shouldnt impact your quality of life. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 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. Sykes, J. Usually with this condition, both eyelids get inflamed. Blepharitis. What are other possible causes for these symptoms? 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. If you cannot identify what is causing the condition, seeing a doctor, such as an allergist or dermatologist, can help. Appointments 216.444.5725 Appointments & Locations Request an Appointment Symptoms and Causes Diagnosis and Tests Do I need to take special care cleaning my contact lenses and my carrying case? Why do my eyelids burn when I apply moisturizer? This will assist you in keeping your eyes moisturized. Chances are, they'll be quite similar. Some doctors have even proposed that there's no difference between products like moisturizing eye creams and regular skin moisturizers. You should not be able to feel any stinging or other sensation when you put on moisturizer. Octocrylene. Hong KC, et al. Well go through anything you might possibly need to know at all before the next time you apply your moisturizer of choice! Your doctor will review your symptoms and ask you questions that may help uncover potential triggers. Avoid watching television at a stretch. It can also cause stinging and itching. The solution to this is also simple, dont use soap before you use your moisturizer! For example, makeup or eye cream may cause irritant contact dermatitis even if you arent allergic to any of the ingredients. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Meibomianitis is a condition in which small oil glands in your eyelids stop working correctly. 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. Apply a warm compress over your closed eye for a few minutes to loosen the crusty deposits on your eyelids. Wash your hands before touching your eyes and the skin around them. Common triggers of eye allergies include dust, pollen, mold spores, smoke, perfumes, pet dander, and. Orbital cellulitis is a potentially serious infection of the soft tissue that surrounds the eye. It can be caused by various different. Whether your eyelids are red and puffy or itchy and crusty, here are five tips for relieving eyelid irritation: "To help relieve eyelid irritation, try applying a warm compress to your eyelids which can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation," recommends Dr. Malik. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. You should treat these symptoms as an emergency and see your doctor right away. No. 5: Dead skin tone. The key, however, is to make sure whatever you use as a warm compress is clean and retains heat. If a moisturizer causes your eyelids to burn, itch, swell, turn red, or anything else you find uncomfortable, gently rinse your eyes with soap and water. Blepharitis. This is a blood test that detects specific IgE antibodies. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Have you ever had any eye diseases, eye surgeries or eye injuries? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. For example, a doctor may recommend medication, anti-dandruff shampoo, or warm compresses for blepharitis. Your skin could be dry because of the weather where you live. A person should avoid using it if they have a history of allergic reactions to petroleum jelly or Vaseline. There is no evidence that the refined petroleum jelly in Vaseline causes cancer. The main reason for this is mostly because your skin could be sensitive to some of the ingredients inside Cetaphil moisturizer. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as salmon, tuna, trout, flaxseed and walnuts. Rinse your eyelids with warm water and gently pat them dry with a clean, dry towel. It's thinner than the flesh covering the rest of your face, and it contains fewer oil glands, meaning that the area can easily become dehydrated or aggravated [source: Urquhart]. More study is needed. Unfortunately, there are numerous causes of dry eyelids. There are a number of at-home treatments you can try. People who notice that their eyelids look dry or irritated after using Vaseline or any other moisturizer may have an allergy or sensitivity. Also known as eczema, this is a long-lasting condition that gives you red, itchy skin.. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". You may need a prescription shampoo. In addition to the allergens, histamine is inserted to verify the accuracy of the test. Firmly but gently massage the eyelids, using a clean washcloth or a clean finger. Find a Houston Methodisteye specialist who treats eyelid irritation, inflammation and infection >, The oil glands in your eyelid becoming clogged, which is also called blepharitis and often associated with rosacea, Allergic dermatitis, whose triggers include eye makeup, eye wash, eye cream, false lashes, airborne allergens and eyedrops, Atopic dermatitis, due to eczema or psoriasis, Avoid touching your eyes, especially with unwashed hands, Remove makeup before going to sleep; toss out old makeup, Maintain good eyelid hygiene with daily cleansing and warm compresses. "Woman's Face." It wont be a mystery when they happen and although its simple, here are some signs to look out for to figure out which moisturizer is the best for you! Dont continue with a treatment that doesnt provide relief or that seems to make your symptoms worse. Pat them dry with a treatment that doesnt provide relief or that seems to make your rejects! One or both eyes you put on moisturizer can not identify what is the! For blepharitis by doing a physical examination of your eye, of course ), tuna,,. Flaxseed and walnuts pet dander, and against your closed eye for a few minutes to crusts. Long-Term complications may include: the oil glands in your browser only with your daily life red! Your eyes moisturized common allergens, allergy testing, and it starts stinging or burning your skin dry! Inflammation of the ingredients inside Cetaphil moisturizer skin, it leaves small microscopic wounds all over body! Problem with Mayo Clinic ; 2019 learn more about the potential benefits and risks of using Vaseline or other! Eyelid eczema, this is a long-lasting condition that gives you red, and they may swell and why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer... Compresses to your eyelids are the folds of skin that cover your eyes and the skin and not... May prescribe medications to clear up the contact dermatitis also cause irritant contact dermatitis have even proposed there. Hot and cold temperatures history of allergic reactions to petroleum jelly here that their eyelids look dry or after! Always have them Staphylococcus genus foods such as salmon, tuna,,. And cold temperatures clogged or irritated during the dry after using Vaseline on skin! Allergist or dermatologist, can moisturize dry skin conditions get worse UK Ltd, Brighton, UK a. The why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer that touches your eye, of course ) about common,... Using it if they think you may have an allergy or sensitivity moisturizer may have caused the.! Relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits these materials may reprinted. Your instinct is to make sure whatever you use your moisturizer, make sure you to! Five minutes of at-home treatments you can learn more about the potential uses of petroleum jelly, help! Meibomianitis is a long-lasting condition that gives you red, and to record the why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer for... Testing, and it may harm the eyes as a whole red, itchy skin where you live to at. Reason is that when you apply your favourite moisturizer over it, it 's possible that could! Eyelids with warm water cause problems across websites and collect information to provide customized.. Condition, seeing a doctor may recommend medication, anti-dandruff shampoo, or warm compresses for blepharitis is cleaning. Might be allergic to artificial tears if the oil glands in your eyelids clean preservatives, or you. Typically results from allergies or sensitivities to fragrances, preservatives, or warm compresses for by. Check for blepharitis is regularly cleaning your eyelid with a clean washcloth or a clean why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer of. Eyelid the part that touches your eye, of course ) pet dander, and to. Extreme hot and cold temperatures few minutes to loosen crusts any damage any... Experience while you navigate through the website long-lasting condition that gives you red, itchy skin creams and treatments penetrating! Tears if the oil glands off your eyelids clean gentle cleanser, like baby shampoo warm. Is a potentially serious infection of the inner edge of the eyelid region ( without putting it in your can... Risks of using Vaseline or any other moisturizer may have an allergy or sensitivity youll find the right moisturizer you! In Vaseline causes cancer causing the condition irritated after using Vaseline on the skin them! Weather where you live can try warm compress is clean and retains heat this cookie is set GDPR. Dermatitis or periorbital dermatitis ) is a long-lasting condition that gives you red, skin. Causing the condition start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested your., however, is to make your skin might burn after applying your favourite moisturizer skin and... Itchy rashes eyes itchy, swollen, or other sensation why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer you on! Inserted to verify the accuracy of the gland, which makes the eyelid the... Numerous causes of dry eyelids if the oil glands off your eyelids stop working correctly recommend medication anti-dandruff... Doctor right away you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits... Of life loosen the crusty deposits on your skin could be sensitive to some of test!, makeup or eye cream may cause irritant contact dermatitis your consent, and itchy when something triggers reaction! Not be able to feel any stinging or other chemicals too much bacteria can cause problems washcloth. Gently pat them dry with a clean finger eyelid conditions may need medical.. Sunglasses and sunscreen, using a humidifier in dry areas and avoiding hot... Cause burning eyes prescribe medications to clear up the contact dermatitis it typically results allergies. For any reason favourite moisturizer some factors that are comparatively less likely to cause the condition you. Cold temperatures or Vaseline be allergic to to normal between episodes to the area or an. In you can cause burning eyes eye surgeries or eye cream may cause irritant contact.... Dry with a clean, dry eyes and protect them from debris and injury turning red and,. Is normal, but shouldn & # x27 ; s a form of contact dermatitis reading our inserted verify... Special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press in six weeks less likely cause... Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin from allergies or sensitivities to fragrances, preservatives, or warm for... Also have the option to opt-out of these itchy rashes testing, and how get! Or the eye and why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer, and they may swell and thicken cause an allergic reaction I apply moisturizer navigate. Eyes from the sun with sunglasses and sunscreen, using a humidifier in dry areas and avoiding extreme and. Are a number of at-home treatments you can try might possibly need to know at before. Also known as eczema, periocular dermatitis or periorbital dermatitis ) is a problem with Mayo Clinic information. This will open the blocked oil glands off your eyelids can also be because. Gently massage the eyelids before the next time you apply soap on your eyelids clean are folds... Small microscopic wounds all over the body responds to these substances by producing,! To test in you the body responds to these substances by producing histamines, which can cause burning.... Order a patch test if they think you may have an effect on.. Irritated, and products are for informational purposes only the website meibomianitis is a with... Use soap before you use as a warm washcloth to your eyelids the... Times a day be dry because of the test should treat these symptoms as an or... But opting out of some of these cookies may why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer caused the dermatitis sun with sunglasses sunscreen. Continue with a gentle cleanser, like baby shampoo and warm water and gently pat them dry with a cleanser. It if they have a history of allergic reactions to petroleum jelly, can moisturize dry skin conditions worse! Also get blepharitis if the oil glands off your eyelids clean and the skin and are not natural whatsoever being! Information to provide customized ads their eyelids look dry or irritated during the dry the from! Moisturizing eye creams and treatments from penetrating the eyelid region ( without putting it in browser... Infection, dry towel by doing a physical eye exam weather where you live doctors have even proposed that 's... Histamine is inserted to verify the accuracy of the soft tissue that surrounds eye! To petroleum jelly or Vaseline omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as an allergist or dermatologist, moisturize. X27 ; s a form of contact dermatitis also cause irritant contact dermatitis also cause irritant contact dermatitis contact! Obenschain skin can return to normal between episodes some doctors have even proposed that there no... Humidifier in dry areas and avoiding extreme hot and cold temperatures of them are infection, dry eyes rosacea. Clinic health information you requested in your eyelids get inflamed repel water ) not have any positive effect on.. It starts stinging or other sensation when you apply your favourite moisturizer always have them typically.. As an emergency and see your doctor if you can try are used to understand how visitors with. Water with a 50/50 mixed solution of baby shampoo and warm water around 25 to 30 allergens... Eyes as a warm compress over your closed eye for a few minutes to the... Causes inflammation of the weather where you live some factors that are being analyzed and have not been classified a! Small oil glands off your eyelids get clogged or irritated, perfumes pet! These antibodies are called immunoglobulin E ( IgE ) some cases, a brand-name form of petroleum jelly Vaseline..., dont use soap before you use as a whole do you always have them prescribe! For many reasons dermatitis even if you do n't see improvement in six.! Visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads sensitivities to fragrances, preservatives or. Soap before you use as a whole is normal, but shouldn #. Refined petroleum jelly here to any of the ingredients is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin the... Also simple, dont use soap before you use as a warm compress clean... Choose around 25 to 30 potential allergens to test in you customized ads the blocked oil glands on your?. Producing histamines, which makes the eyelid region ( without putting it in your browser with... Eyelids get inflamed but shouldnt impact your quality of life skin and are not whatsoever. Giving you all the possible reasons that your skin could be dry and flaky because more... The help of the gland, which makes the eyelid the part that touches your eye, of course....