8 Best Home Remedies For Eyelid Dermatitis

Eyelids are mobile tissue curtains which protect the eyes from injuries and excessive light. Another function of the eyelids is to spread tear film over the cornea and also help to drain the tears with the help of the lacrimal pump system. Itching of the skin is one of the most common complaints with which patients present to the clinician’s office. It is also one of the most overlooked complaints.

Atopic dermatitis has been a challenge to the medical filed since ages. This is because there have been no specific identifiable causative factors or specific investigations which can stamp the diagnosis of dermatitis. Yet, there are enough studies done to prove that atopic dermatitis could be an immune-mediated response of the body towards a trigger. This trigger could be contacted with some irritant, emotional stress, pollen, animal dander, weather or even the sun.

Dermatitis, in simpler words, means irritation and inflammation of the skin at any part of the body causing dryness of skin, itching, redness, inflammation and a skin rash. When this skin condition involves the eyelids, it is called Eyelid Dermatitis.

Background

According to an International survey conducted to assess the epidemiology of atopic dermatitis-a type of eczema concluded that atopic dermatitis ranged from 2.1% to 4.5% across the world.

Eyelid dermatitis is often difficult to diagnose. Several other skin conditions which mimic the presentation of eyelid dermatitis are –

1. Allergic Contact Dermatitis
2. seborrheic Dermatitis
3. Psoriasis
4. Dermatomyositis

A study, which included 191 patients, was conducted to evaluate the cause for eyelid dermatitis. It showed that

• Nearly 30-70% cases of eyelid dermatitis are associated with allergic contact dermatitis.
• Atopic dermatitis is the second most frequent cause for eyelid dermatitis.
• Most frequent allergens for eyelid dermatitis are nickel, potassium dichromate, fragrance mixes, and medications like gentamycin, neomycin and ophthalmic products.
• Majority of patients with eyelid dermatitis were females (77.6%).
• 63% of patients with eyelid dermatitis were over 40 years of age.
• Most of the patients affected were office workers, followed by housewives, students, retired persons, health-care workers and waiters.
• Majority of patients showed a recurring pattern of illness.

Home Remedies For Eyelid Dermatitis

Before beginning conventional treatment or with an intention to speed up the recovery process, many patients have one common question, are there any home remedies for eyelid dermatitis, or for any other complaint about that matter.

Diet plays an important role, not only to keep up good health but also because most of the illnesses which we see or read about are partly because of a faulty diet. Several disease conditions get reversed simply by following a good diet and regime.

Similarly, There Are Effective Home Remedies For Eyelid Dermatitis Too

1. Eye Wear – Invest in good sunglasses which avoid preventing your eyes from coming in contact with dust or pollen especially while travelling.
   
2. Probiotics – Probiotic foods are known to maintain healthy intestinal flora which in return play an important role in maintaining the health of the individual. The curd is a natural probiotic.
   
3. Cold Compress – Apply an ice pack or cold water over the inflamed area. Applying ice pack reduces redness and inflammation.
   
4. Coconut Oil – This oil is readily available in every household. Coconut moisturizes the skin to reduce redness, dryness and inflammation.
   
5. Aloe Vera – This has anti-microbial and moisturizing properties. Aloe vera can be applied to the inflamed part or even consumed as a juice.
   
6. Vitamin E – This is an essential vitamin for all skin and hair issues. You can either apply vitamin E oil directly on the affected part or you can have foods rich in vitamin E like peaches, hazelnuts, broccoli, nuts and sunflower seeds.
   
7. You Can Place Cooled Cucumbers or Green Tea Packs Over Eyelids - These will help to soothe inflammation and reduce itching and redness. Several kinds of research support the use of green tea packs or consuming green tea daily in managing dermatitis.
   
8. Essential oils – Top essential oils which work wonders in the treatment of eyelid dermatitis are
   

• Eucalyptus Oil – Anti-microbial properties help in treating inflammation and pain
  
• Frankincense Oil – Anti-inflammatory properties, soothes inflamed and dry skin and also boosts the immune system.
  
• Lavender Oil – Strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
  
• Thyme Oil – Relieves itching, inflammation and has anti-microbial and antiseptic properties.
  
• Tea Tree Oil – This is the most commonly used oil for treating eyelid dermatitis. It relieves itching and dryness.
  

What to Avoid

• Identify the cause for irritation or offending substance and avoid using it.
• Cow’s Milk – studies have proven that there is little benefit in eliminating cow’s milk from diet.
• Foods Containing Nickel – foods like chocolate, cheese, coffee, yoghurt, food additives, alcohol, meat, fish, wheat, soy sauce and fermented soya bean are known to aggravate skin irritation and itching. Most of these foods contain nickel which is identified as a major irritant in allergic contact dermatitis.
• Balsam of Peru – This is often used in flavouring foods and beverages and is identified as an aggravating factor for dermatitis. Foods rich in the balsam of Peru are chocolates, cinnamon, wine, candy, curry, citrus fruits and tomatoes.
• Avoid the use of harsh soaps and cosmetic products on the irritated skin or around the eye.
• Avoid keeping the eye dry for long periods of time. Keep the skin moisturized to prevent itching.
• Avoid rubbing the eyes and also trim fingernails to avoid any injury that may be caused to the eye due to accidental rubbing or itching

These home remedies are not meant to substitute conventional treatment. They can however be used as an adjunct to your regular therapy.

Visit Your Doctor If

• You notice some discharge or bleeding from your eyes
• If there are cracks on the eyelid
• If eyelid dermatitis does not improve with medicines or home remedies or if it gets worse in spite of treatment.

It is also advisable to consult an ophthalmologist or alternative medicine therapists for your eyelid dermatitis if you haven’t sought medical help yet. This is because the eyes are extremely sensitive structures and require immediate care and attention.