Eczema around eyes

[BigApple11]

I have suffered with eczema all my life, it's mainly under control. However earlier this week I had a bad allergic reaction to a big hairy dog, and since then my eyes have been itchy, puffy and raw. Eyelids and under my eyes. I don't know what's the best thing to put on them, I have tried aveeno but it's not helping. Don't really want to put a steroid cream around them! Can anyone recommend anything?

[FlouncingInAWinterWonderland]

When the skin around my eyes gets bad I find its made worse by the dry skin making my eyes water and that in turn making the skin even worse. The thing that works best for me is using a moisurising eye spray like optrex eye spray for dry eyes. It helps break the scratch and weep cycle and so the skin gets a chance to recover.

[PosiePootlePerkins]

Diprobase, the oily one. Works brilliantly for my DS's eye lids and around the eyes.

[PosiePootlePerkins]

This one

[BigApple11]

Thanks Posie. Do you know if I can buy that OTC or do I need a prescription?

[steppemum]

when my eyes were that sore the only thing that didn't make them worse was the mildest Hydrocortisone.
I went to GP to OK it.
I recently went back to GP as I have to use it about 2-3 times per week. he said that was fine and not to worry

[PollyPerky]

You can use hydrocortisone 0.5% but it's prescription only. I used it in the past. Go easy though as it can thin the skin and cause wrinkles / sagging on eyelids.

[PollyPerky]

OP Have you seen a dermatologist ever? There are other products that are not steroids- immunosupressant ointments like Tacrolimus (Protopic) but they are only consultant prescribed. They can be used on the face ( carefully) and don't thin the skin.

[PosiePootlePerkins]

My DS has it prescribed so I'm not sure sorry.

[steppemum]

actually hydrocortisone 1% (which is what I use) is available over the counter. BUT they will tell you not to use it on your face.
Because of the risks, I went through the GP. He is a dermatology specialist and said that it is a balance between the skin thinning risks and the sore skin, but that the cream is so low, the risks are very small and if you need it occasionally it is fine. I had to use it twice a day until it cleared and then reduce it down to as little as possible which in practice is 2-3 times per week.

I have doubled checked and he is happy with that.

so, while I would always go through GP for facial eczema, you can buy it over the counter and use it.

[VinoEsmeralda]

Place marking- Never had eczema and have had this for months now. Given steroid creme but not really working. Nor can I work out what causes it...

Going back next week ...

[PollyPerky]

steppermum sometimes though you would have to lie because some pharmacies ask to see the eczema. Years ago I was refused OTC 1% for a tiny bit on my neck even though I had it prescribed (had ran out on hols).

0.5% is weaker.

[steppemum]

The other place I get eczema is my groin. Funnily enough they never ask to see it!
I can get it on repeat rescription, but I usually don't bother.

As to the cause Vino - I had never had eyelid eczema unitl about 3 years ago, and then I got it very badly. I went through any products that went near my face, soap, shampoo, washing powder (eg on pillow case). I gradually worked out it was the shampoo. It took me a long time to find one that doesn't make it worse. It seems that once I became over sensitive, all shampoos are now hard. The trouble is, it takes a couple of uses and then several days before my eczema comes up.

[whatiswrongwithyou]

Another one for Diprobase! I react to just about every cosmetic now, creams that I could once use now bring the eczema out around my eyes and Diprobase is the only cream I've found that works, but I do apply it at least once an hour during an outbreak as I really don't want to start down the steroid route. Sympathies with the itching, it's drives me mad, but I do find that once the Diprobase starts working it stops.

[MedicineHat]

Skin Fix Eczema Balm works for us & with no steroids, is gentle enough for the face. I think you can get it in Boots.

[Susiesoap7]

I use oilatum diluted with water

[BusterGonad]

When i had horrible sore red puffy flaky eyes I used The Body Shop Aloe Vera Eye Cream, maybe consider this or at least use it when your eyes clear up to prevent further outbreaks. It's got live bio stuff in strengthen your skins natural defenses!

[KathyBeale]

I get this too and it's so painful. I won't use hydrocortisone on my face because it marks my skin so I spent ages googling and trying different things. I found a honey cream that I ordered from Holland and Barrett that stung like buggery when I put it on but did the trick. And also I discovered the MN fave of Waitrose Bottom Butter helped a lot. I also find when I am bad that cutting right back on dairy helps. And I don't wear nail varnish when I'm bad either, or contact lenses.

[VinoEsmeralda]

Steppemum I've narrowed it down to two possible culprits and one of them is shampoo! Would never have thought of that so thank you so much!
Also I find that Dr Hauschka's eye balm ( small pot with yellow vaseline type balm) works well. Says on the pot that its recommended for hayfever too.

[Twinkly5588]

Hi there, just wondered if anyone ever discovered - or wondered - if their eye irritation was caused by glasses? Apparently the polycarbonate in lenses can cause it, also the anti-glare coating.