Understanding Eczema Eye Cream
Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed, cracked skin. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema frequently affects sensitive areas like the eyes. The tender skin around the eyes is particularly vulnerable to eczema flares.
Using a specially formulated eye cream can help control eczema on the eyelids, under eyes, and surrounding areas. Eczema eye creams moisturize while combating irritation and inflammation. They are gentler and safer for delicate eye skin than regular eczema body creams.
Symptoms of Eczema Around the Eyes
Eczema around the eyes causes several distinctive symptoms and signs:
- Itchy, red, cracked eyelids
- Flaky, scaly skin near eyes
- Swollen, crusted eyelids
- Weeping, oozing fluid
- Eye pain or soreness
- Vision changes from inflammation
Rubbing the itchy, irritated skin can worsen symptoms. Even mild scratching damages fragile eye tissue. Eczema eye complications like infection require urgent treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
Genetic and environmental influences underlie this complex immunological condition. People with eczema skin lack normal protective barriers. Harsh soaps, weather, fabrics, stress and other triggers spark flares allowing irritants in.
Around half those with atopic dermatitis get eye involvement. Causes include:
- Allergies - Pollen, pet dander, dust mites
- Irritants - Cosmetics, skincare ingredients, pollution
- Microbes - Bacteria like staphylococcus aureus
- Dryness - Low humidity, seasonal changes
- Stress - Emotional/physical pressures
- Rubbing - Itching, eye rubbing
Once eye skin becomes inflamed, the area stays sensitive. Gentle daily eyelid hygiene and moisturizing helps prevent recurrent flares.
Benefits of Eczema Eye Cream
Specially designed eye creams and ointments treat eczema on the delicate eyelid skin while avoiding risks regular products pose.
Relieves Discomfort
Eczema eye creams feature soothing botanicals like aloe, chamomile, olive oil and others. These calm itching, redness, and swelling around eye skin affected by eczema or contact dermatitis.
Reduces Inflammation
Many creams contain anti-inflammatory elements like omega fatty acids, ceramides or oats. These ingredients curb the immune overactivity driving uncomfortable eczema flares.
Rehydrates Skin
Hydrating eczema eye creams use humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to attract moisture into the skin. This repairs damaged barriers and eases scratchy dryness.
Protects Eye Area
Thinner skin around the eyes needs gentler care. Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free creams avoid stinging. Rich balms shield from irritants entering broken skin.
Improves Appearance
Consistent treatment minimizes redness, crusting, scaling and swelling for better eye aesthetics.
Using Eczema Eye Cream
Cleanse Gently
Remove debris and discharge from eczema eye flares very carefully using warm water on a clean soft cloth. Avoid soap and rubbing.
Apply Cream
Dot extra thick eczema eye cream onto clean eyelids and gently smooth over area. Don't rub into eye itself.
Repeat Often
Reapply eye cream for eczema 4-6 times a day. Consistency keeps skin moisturized and protected.
Identify Triggers
Track flare ups and avoid customized triggers like seasonal allergies. Keep treatment cream handy always.
See an Eye Doctor
Ophthalmologists treat complications like infections, vision changes. Get urgent help if symptoms worsen suddenly.
Ingredient Considerations
Analyze product labels closely before choosing an eye cream for eczema prone skin. Seek these helpful components:
Ceramides
These lipid molecules bolster moisture barriers disturbed in eczema. They limit irritants entering and moisture escaping cracked skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
As a superior humectant, hyaluronic acid in eye cream pulls fluid into the skin for durable hydration. Soothes inflammation too.
Oatmeal
Natural colloidal oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory avenanthramides to curb eczema immune reactions. Also moisturizes.
Plant Oils and Butters
Ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, shea or cocoa butter supply fatty acids to repair skin barrier defects behind eczema flares.
Vitamin E
This antioxidant vitamin enhances skin healing and protects against free radicals and pollutants aggravating eczema.
Home Remedies for Eczema Around Eyes
Several homemade options using gentle kitchen ingredients may supplement eczema eye cream treatment:
Cool Teabags
Caffeine and tannins in chilled black or green tea bags constrict blood vessels reducing swelling and puffiness when laid over closed eyes.
Cucumber Slices
Placing chilled cucumber slices on sore eyelids utilizes the fruit's anti-inflammatory nutrients together with cooling sensation for symptom relief.
Wet Cloth Compresses
A clean soft cotton cloth dipped in cold milk or rosewater, wrung out and laid over closed eyes gently calms eczema eyelid irritation.
Thick Yogurt
Plain cold yogurt free of additives smothered gently on eczema eyelids may ease discomfort from itching or burning. Rinse off after 15 minutes.
Always maintain meticulous hygiene when touching the eyes to avoid infection risk. Discontinue home treatments if reactions develop and consult an eye doctor or dermatologist for guidance.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Though usually manageable with proper care, eczema around the eyes occasionally causes these urgent complications:
Bacterial Infection
Scratching broken skin allows bacteria like staph to infiltrate. Redness, oozing yellow discharge, fever signals infection requiring antibiotics.
Herpes Keratitis
Cracked eczema skin near eyes permits oral or genital herpes virus entry. Eye pain, light sensitivity, vision changes need quick treatment.
Corneal Abrasion
Vigorous itching or rubbing can scratch the clear corneal surface. Extreme eye pain, spasms, reduced vision prompt emergency care.
Also seek immediate help if eczema eye symptoms suddenly worsen or proper treatment brings no improvement within a few days. Swift intervention prevents lasting eye damage.
Best Eczema Eye Cream
When evaluating eczema eye creams, look for optimal eyelid skin moisturization, quick relief from itching and inflammation, hypoallergenic and fragrance free formulations, and affordable pricing. Recommended products include:
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Features ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to reinforce delicate skin moisture barriers and reduce redness.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Eye Cream
Shea butter, glycerin and panthenol hydrate while copper, zinc and manganese soothe irritation.
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Soothing Eye Cream
Colloidal oatmeal formulation helps protect, moisturize and calm sensitive eye contours.
Vanicream Eye Cream
Minimal ingredient eye cream with petrolatum, glycerin and ceramides avoids fragrances and common allergens.
Compare active components against particular eczema eye triggers. Mild steroids may also be used short term under medical supervision if home treatments prove inadequate.
Alternative Eyelid Eczema Remedies
For those seeking natural healing options beyond medicated creams, these holistic remedies may provide relief:
Diet Modifications
Identifying and eliminating food sensitivities causing inflammatory reactions often improves various eczema symptoms.
Stress Reduction
Techniques like meditation, yoga, or counseling curb stress influencing eczema flares. Soothes eyelid skin nerves.
Probiotics
These healthy gut bacteria reduce immune overactivity and inflammation partially through the gut-skin connection.
Phototherapy
Controlled ultraviolet and laser light therapy sessions may ease moderate to severe dermatitis after other treatments fail.
Always consult an eye doctor or dermatologist before attempting complementary eczema eye treatments instead of standard topical medications.
FAQs
Can I use my regular face moisturizer around eczema eyes?
It's best to use a specialized eczema eye cream formulated for the thinner, more sensitive skin around the eyes instead of general facial creams which may burn or sting.
How often should I apply eczema eye cream?
Apply eczema eye cream around the eyes 4-6 times daily for best results. Frequent application keeps the area hydrated while delivering active healing ingredients.
Are eczema eye creams safe during pregnancy?
Check with your doctor, but eczema eye creams without hydrocortisone or other active drugs are typically safe during pregnancy. Ingredients like colloidal oatmeal soothe itching and irritation.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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