Eyelid eczema

[Mnthrowaway20202]

For the past few years, I occasionally get dry/scaly patches on my eyelids that are quite sore. They last for about 2 weeks, then it’s usually clear for 8 months or so.

I just put it down to environmental changes as they pop up during spring/autumn once temperatures shift.

However this time it’s been persistent for 6 weeks. One of my eyes even looks slightly droopy due to a patch being on my eyelid crease. How can I treat it?

I've had this before. Now I keep eyelids woos such as Systane or Blink on hand. Use these to very gently cleanse your lids and remove any dry skin there. I also like to use a very very gentle eye gel such as simple kind to eyes gel to gently moisturise the area. Do not put anything with anti-aging ingredients near it.

https://www.expresschemist.co.uk/systane-eyelid-cleansing-wipes-30.html#.XtKHmuR4UlQ

https://www.savers.co.uk/Eye-Creams-&-Gels/Simple-Kind-To-Eyes-Soothing-Eye-Balm-15ml/p/426229

Have a look at what you are using on and near your face - I've found in the past that my eyelid problems were being caused by hair products (a curling spray) that I was reacting to.

I get this and my doctor prescribed 1% hydrocortisone cream (although I buy it over the counter now).

It says not to use on face or eyes, unless advised by a doctor but it's the only thing that works (and it does work beautifully).

I don't tell the Chemist though as it makes them not want to sell it to me, so I just tell them it's for 'my husband's eczema'.

I would see your GP first though if I were you.

I had it really bad for weeks, droopy eyelid and all. I second the hydrocortisone cream @WorraLiberty mentioned, I put a very thin layer on morning and night for 3 days last week and it's gone! For now at least.

Yes that's literally all you need is the tiniest layer morning and night. It stops any itching too.

I wouldn’t condone using hydrocortisone long term on eyelids. Steroid cream cause skin thinning / pigment changes used long term, and your eyelids are the thinnest skin on your body.

Im a GP. I would prescribe hydrocortisone for a week max and if your needing to use it more frequently than that, I’d prescribe something called protopic (tacrolimus) which is really good for facial eczema

Thanks all, I’ll see if my GP can prescribe something over the phone. Protopic sounds interesting.

@Wouldntsaybootoagoose
I should have said that I tried Eumovate in the area recently. It cleared my skin, but the eczema returned as soon as I stopped using it. I don’t want to use it continuously due to the same side effects you’ve mentioned. Would you still say to attempt hydrocortisone?

Try the eyelid cleaning first, you may not even need strong creams from the GP. Definitely don't put hydrocortisone on your kids unless it's expressly prescribed for you by a GP who has actually seen you.

@ChequerBoard thank you! Forgot to say I’m on the way to a large Tesco to see if they have any of your recommendations in stock!

Eumovate is more potent than hydrocortisone. So, if the eumovate didn’t clear it, it’s unlikely the hydrocortisone will.
I’m sure most GPs would be happy to prescribe over the phone, especially if you can text/email them a photo. Good luck with it!

Protopic is much better than hydrocortisone for eyes. But it has to be prescribed

What helped mine was changing shampoo to one with no sulphates, parabens etc. I use the hemp herbal essences and it's helped the eczema that I get behind my ears and on my eyelids

What is your face cleaning/eye cleaning routine or process?

I've had this off and on for the last couple of years. Not had it at all since lockdown so think it must be to do with some make-up/moisturiser that I'm using. At its worst it was horrid - droopy lid, itchy, flaking.

OP is it not Blepharitis rather than eczema? I find Blephagel works.

Girls I have the cure for this. I developed this last summer and it was bloody horrible. Ok went from one eye lid then the other. Drooping at the crease and so itchy all the time. I had some hydrocortisone from something else that I used a tiny dab of and yes it did get rid of it but when I stopped using it, it just came back. Went to GP and he said in no uncertain terms, do NOT use steroid cream on you eyelid!! It causes skin thinning in the most thin skin on your body and if it gets into your eyes (even the tiniest bit in the night etc) it can be a risk for causing cataracts!!
After trying several creams I found one that worked and got rid of it for good! Ladies, it’s bepanthan! Ordinary bepanthan that is used as a nappy cream for babies. A small dab morning and night, leave on to sink in. Keep going and after a few days you will see the difference! Try it and do let me know how it goes

So glad I found this thread! I've been suffering with this since having DD in January (plus in other areas such as ears, neck and arms) and it's the closest I've felt to hell on earth 😩 GP gave me a gentle steroid for the eye area and it cleared up almost instantly, but then stopped working for some reason I didn't consider hair products being a factor - I eliminated makeup since I haven't worn any during lockdown.
Quick question - does anyone here get the same flakiness on their upper lip? I can't get it to go and so I always have a lovely dry skin moustache effect, especially on the occasions when I do put foundation on!

I was thinking possibly blepharitis too MrsFogi. My eyes stung and the eyelids were supersensitive to everything, irritated and flaking. The eye doctor I saw said it was leftover skin cells and dirt surrounding the eyelashes and recommended a cotton bud dipped in the foam of diluted baby shampoo followed by rinsing with water to clean the eyelashes more thoroughly, and it cleared up. This was years ago so probably well before Blephargel - haven't heard of that!

I've since found that using a gentle foaming facial wash with water twice a day, followed with micellar water on a cotton pad to clear up any leftover eye makeup does the trick. Haven't had an issue since. Possibly worth a try before moving on to stronger things?

I should add that in my case I changed every product I used on my face or hair. I don’t wear nail polish and literally changed every other product I used including washing powder. Even cut out food groups including sugar and dairy but still nothing helped. Went to chemist and she suggested blepharitis and gave me the ointment. That did nothing either. After 6 months of searching the method in my above post was the only thing that worked!

@Time2change2 luckily I received a good sized bepanthan on every single maternity pack haha. I used some thus morning and will continue to do so for the next week :)

*in
*this

Typing one handed with LO trying to grab my phone

Managed to get a 0.5 hydrocortisone prescription. GP said a blanket no to Protopic due to the side effects, which is a shame. He grimaced at me applying eumovate near my eyes

I haven’t picked it up yet - I bought the 3 products recommended here & a non steroid emollient. Gonna try these first.

It’s dermatitis and not blepharitis for me. Mine is definitely seasonal, I can use my normal products through the rest of the year without triggering this.

@arinah keep me posted of the results!

I was going to say bepanthen too - miraculous xx

Lord knows why I put double kisses - sorry, large glass of Rose in me

The simple eye balm made the area sting unfortunately - however bepanthen feels amazing on! Thanks for the recommendations!