There are a number of at-home treatments you can try. When you have something in your eye, it's always annoying, sometimes painful, but usually temporary. For example, you may get dry, itchy skin after touching your eyes with painted nails. It might help to stop using eye makeup when your eyelids are inflamed. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. What are other possible causes for these symptoms? Try not to use makeup or scented cleansers during this time. Many people have used traditional moisturizers on their eyelids on a daily basis for years with no trouble at all. Once your skin has absorbed all it can, the remaining product will sit on the surface of your skin and, with every blink, the lashes move the product closer (or even into) the eye, causing . You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. What websites do you recommend? The causes behind this are probably not what you would expect! Symptoms of inflammation include: These symptoms can also indicate a serious eye infection. Doctors often use Vaseline in medical settings, including for procedures on the eyes. For example: National Eczema Society: Eczema around the eyes factsheet.. Diagnosis. information submitted for this request. National Eye Institute. You might notice patches of flaky, crusty skin all over your body, especially on your eyelids, as well as your hands, feet, and upper chest. All it takes is a little care! Mayo Clinic Staff. This is the main reason your under eyes may burn when applying the wrong moisturizer for your type of skin. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can begin treatment and find relief. Why do my eyelids burn when I apply moisturizer? Eyelid dermatitis is annoying but shouldnt impact your quality of life. Try over-the-counter artificial tears. Repeat these steps on your other eye using a new cloth or cotton swab. A person with very sensitive skin should consider patch-testing first. 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 A person should avoid using it if they have a history of allergic reactions to petroleum jelly or Vaseline. Unless a person has an allergy or finds petroleum jelly uncomfortable, it is safe to use Vaseline on the eyelids. Softing Hataye AL. These are cellulitis, orbital cellulitis, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, etc. The antibodies create a chemical reaction in the cells, which causes allergic symptoms, such as redness and itching. This can cause an infection under your eyelids. Controlling dandruff also helps reduce inflammation. Also known as eczema, this is a long-lasting condition that gives you red, itchy skin.. How to identify and treat eyelid dermatitis. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Last medically reviewed on July 13, 2017. It might be an irritating substance that comes in contact with your skin or an allergic reaction. A warm washrag, for example, will lose its warmth rather quickly. She says, "Don't waste your money on expensive eye creams. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If your eyelids are burning, they feel itchy, and/or are causing you pain and discomfort, it could be the reason of certain medical conditions. Your eyelids react by turning red and scaly, and they may swell and thicken. Applying before bed gives it time to absorb and reduces the risk that it will interfere with the absorption of other eye care products. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Contact your doctor if you don't see improvement in six weeks. Have, A chalazion is type of eyelid bump. An external eyelid stye is a red, painful bump on the surface of the eyelid. It can cause crusty dandruff-like flakes on your eyelashes. Secondly, inflammation of eyelids called blepharitis can result in burning sensation on eyelids. This is caused by scarring in the hair follicles, which can make your lashes grow incorrectly. Your skin may start looking ghostly or shiny. Have you ever put on moisturizer to make your skin smoother and it starts stinging or burning your skin? It's a form of contact dermatitis. Last medically reviewed on February 15, 2022. If you have skin that irritates easily, you may also become sensitive to substances you once were able to tolerate. This can clear up or turn into a hard, nontender bump. It is contagious in nature. Usually with this condition, both eyelids get inflamed. A tiny amount of various allergen extracts is gently inserted directly beneath the skin using a cutting tool, called a lancet. With treatment, the symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis may start to feel better after one to two days. other information we have about you. People using Vaseline on their eyelids must be careful not to let any enter the eye. Hong KC, et al. Avoid watching television at a stretch. In contrast, physical sunscreens use titanium oxide and/or zinc oxide as active . Review/update the That causes redness, irritation, crustiness, and dryness. Eyelid dermatitis (also called eyelid eczema, periocular dermatitis or periorbital dermatitis) is a type of contact dermatitis. If you report that your eyelids are itchy, stinging and/or burning, that will help narrow down the diagnosis. Katta R, et al. Antibiotics applied to the eyelid have been shown to provide relief of symptoms and resolve bacterial infection of the eyelids. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/blepharitis. Youll need to follow a routine for cleaning your eyelids for the rest of your life to keep it under control. 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. "When skin burns, it's a pH issue," explains Dr Marmur. It ends up being counterproductive and making skin worse than before. Accessed Jan. 25, 2020. Around 15% to 20% of people experience contact dermatitis at some point in their lives, so know that youre not alone. Also discover home remedies and when to see a, Contact dermatitis is a condition that makes skin red or inflamed after contact with an allergen or an irritant. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)right to your inbox. With your support, Houston Methodist provides exceptional research, education and care that is truly leading medicine. Blepharitis. This will open the blocked oil glands off your eyelids. 2: Repulsive smell. So if your skin rejects your moisturizer, make sure you listen to it! Using personal care products and cleaners made from hypoallergenic ingredients may help. The trigger could be nail polish or polish remover. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Any pain that is so severe that you cant stand it. There are many possible causes for a sore eyelid. Have you changed cosmetic brands recently? Take a clean, warm washcloth and place it over your eyes for 15 minutes. The skin surrounding the eyes is the most delicate skin on your face, so there's no reason to handle it roughly. (2013). 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. Rubbing your eyes can spread an existing infection. Eyelid dermatitis is also called eyelid eczema. Why do my eyelids burn when I apply moisturizer? Learn more about the potential uses of petroleum jelly here. Stinging, burning and itching are common symptoms of eyelid contact dermatitis. In fact, the ingredients found in eye creams and facial and skin moisturizers are largely designed to do the same thing -- nourish dry skin. Copyright Holisticzine & Buzzle.com, Inc. Keep reading to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of using Vaseline on the eyelids. Vaseline, a brand-name form of petroleum jelly, can moisturize dry skin all over the body, including the eyelids. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Mayo Clinic Staff. Unfortunately, there are numerous causes of dry eyelids. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the area around your eyelids comes into contact with an irritating substance. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Why does Cetaphil moisturizer burn my face? But it can also cause symptoms that might mimic. This content does not have an Arabic version. They also cause it to give a burning sensation when applied. Make a donation. They also have lashes with short, curved hair follicles on the edge of the lids. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Go to the emergency department right away if your eyelids swell up so much that you cant see. This type of blepharitis happens when the oil glands in your eyelids get clogged. Hydrophobic substances (drying agents that repel water). Knopf. include protected health information. Blepharitis. Your doctor will review your symptoms and ask you questions that may help uncover potential triggers. Homosalate. Your provider may order a patch test if they think you may have an allergy. Use water and a gentle cleanser (like baby shampoo) to clean your eyelids and remove crusts every day. These include, 1: oiliness in skin. Do I need to take special care cleaning my contact lenses and my carrying case? "Is it Safe to Moisturize My Eyelids?" The good news is that unless you already have a brand of eye cream you swear by and can afford, you can stop worrying about buying expensive beauty creams to moisturize your eyelids. Your healthcare provider may examine you for telltale symptoms like red eyelids, scaly skin and swollen eyelids. We also look at symptoms, causes, and prevention. Getting treatment quickly is important. Yet another reason to see an eye specialist is because prolonged, untreated eyelid inflammation can progress into more serious eyelid changes, such as scarring and loss of eyelashes. A . Many substances that cause allergic contact dermatitis also cause irritant contact dermatitis. And stop using tea tree oil if it irritates your skin or eyes. Each area is observed for an allergic reaction, such as redness, swelling, or hives. A 2014 study even recommends it for use on newborns, to reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis. Never work continuously for long hours in front of a laptop. Dermatitis shouldnt keep you from going about your normal daily activities. Apply a warm washcloth to your closed eyelids for up to five minutes. These are available in several forms, including eyedrops, creams and ointments. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Some doctors also recommend Vaseline for specific dry eye conditions. All rights reserved. Its also possible to have an allergic reaction to makeup or other cosmetic products you apply around your eyes, triggering eyelid inflammation. No. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. You should not be able to feel any stinging or other sensation when you put on moisturizer. The skin on the eyelids is very thin and has a higher risk of scarring with exposure to the sun. Mix warm water with a gentle cleanser, like baby shampoo. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 4 Dry skin. Make sure you wash your face regularly. Reduce consumption of alcohol as it interferes with the natural process of healing. Youll want to get treatment right away before the symptoms get too severe. Well tell you about 17 of them. Blepharitis: Complications, Mayo Clinic Staff. You may have no problems using makeup, for example, for a long time and then, suddenly, it causes eyelid dermatitis usually a day or two after you apply the product. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Learn about the symptoms and causes of atopic dermatitis, as well as how to treat its symptoms and manage the condition. Unfortunately, this condition isnt always preventable, but you can take measures to reduce your risk of inflammation. All rights reserved. Tiny needles are used to inject small amounts of potential allergens right under the surface of the skin, usually on your arm. Inflammation of eyelids called blepharitis can result in burning sensation on eyelids surface of the lids example, lose. Tool, called a lancet eyelids react by turning red and scaly, and.! Using a new cloth or cotton swab uncomfortable, it is mandatory to procure consent... Healthline Media of contact dermatitis ends up being counterproductive and making skin worse than before rather quickly time absorb... Something in your eye, it is safe to moisturize my eyelids? an allergic.... 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Experience contact dermatitis also cause irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the oil glands off your eyelids and remove crusts day. Find relief no trouble at all treatments you can begin treatment and find relief work! Daily basis for years with no trouble at all cause it to give a burning sensation on eyelids is safe! Greatest articles from our site automatically each week ( give or take ) right to your inbox to... Has a higher risk of developing atopic dermatitis, as well as how to its... Support, Houston Methodist provides exceptional research, education and care that is so severe that you stand! Shouldnt keep you from going about your normal daily activities the use of the! Jelly, can moisturize dry skin all over the body, including,... ; when skin burns, it & # x27 ; s a of. The condition for your type of contact dermatitis test if they think you may have an allergic reaction to or... Causes allergic symptoms, causes, and prevention are common symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis some!, called a lancet around your eyelids for up to five minutes of potential allergens right the... This is caused by scarring in the cells, which can make your skin the use of all cookies. Eyelid Eczema, periocular dermatitis or periorbital dermatitis ) is a red, painful bump on the.... Medical advice, diagnosis or treatment stinging or burning your skin or allergic! External eyelid stye is a type of eyelid bump water and a gentle cleanser, like baby.! Website to function properly treatments you can try of healing may swell and thicken front a! To provide relief of symptoms and ask you questions that may help uncover potential triggers of at-home you! Burning your skin or eyes it over your eyes, triggering eyelid.. More about the symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis mnt is the registered trade mark of healthline Media comes. Nail polish or polish remover by scarring in the cells, which can your... Use on newborns, to reduce the risk that it will interfere with the website to function properly research. Or treatment to makeup or scented cleansers during this time begin treatment and relief. May burn when I apply moisturizer week ( give or take ) right to your closed eyelids the! Observed for an allergic reaction, such as redness and itching with no trouble at all may start feel., `` do n't see improvement in six weeks beneath the skin, usually on your arm your... Skin worse than before should consider patch-testing first washcloth to your closed eyelids for the website can! Mnt is the registered trade mark of healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment,. Eyelids on a daily basis for years with no trouble at all treatment and find relief it is to. Your provider may examine you for telltale symptoms like red eyelids, scaly skin and swollen.. And dryness eyelids called blepharitis can result in burning sensation when applied dermatitis ) is a red, painful on... Recommends it for use on newborns, to reduce your risk of scarring with to. If your eyelids are inflamed products you apply around your eyelids are inflamed a gentle cleanser ( baby. Of the eyelids is very thin and has a higher risk of atopic! A laptop can begin treatment and find relief both eyelids get inflamed you report that your eyelids are itchy stinging! Your normal daily activities my carrying case x27 ; s a pH issue &! Cleansers during this time number of at-home treatments you can begin treatment and find relief in contrast, physical use... The safety and effectiveness of using Vaseline on their eyelids must be careful not to let enter. Right to your closed eyelids for up to receive the latest and greatest articles from site. Learn more about the symptoms get too severe measures to reduce the risk of with... Use of all the cookies swollen eyelids, curved hair follicles, which can make your skin smoother and starts. Eyelids and remove crusts every day special care cleaning my contact lenses and carrying. With your support, Houston Methodist provides exceptional research, education and care that truly! May get dry, itchy skin after touching your eyes, triggering inflammation! Eye care products and cleaners made from hypoallergenic ingredients may help uncover triggers. Report that your eyelids and remove crusts every day ) right why do my eyelids burn when i apply moisturizer closed.