Understand my skin
Eyelid irritation is a common condition, affecting around one in three people at some point in their lives. Symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling and dryness can have a real impact on day-to-day comfort and quality of life. But what actually causes these irritations - and how can you care for such a delicate area every day? In this article, we explain everything you need to know.
The eyelids are one of the most sensitive areas of the body. The skin here is extremely thin, it folds easily, and it is not well protected by the skin’s natural hydrolipidic film. Every day, the eyelids are exposed to numerous irritants - from wind and cold weather to cosmetic products and even frequent rubbing with the hands.
Eyelid irritation is very common: around one in three people will experience it at some point, and studies suggest that up to 80% of women are affected, largely due to their beauty routines, which bring the delicate skin into contact with many cosmetic ingredients. The constant application and removal of make-up also adds to the irritation of this fragile area.
When it comes to eyelid eczema flare-ups, the main culprits are atopic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. The latter two alone are thought to account for 50–76% of cases. With figures like these, it’s clear why taking a closer look at eyelid eczema - its causes, triggers and treatments - is so important.
Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) can look very similar. Both cause localised redness, irritation and itching - sometimes intensely so. When they affect the eyelids, they may also lead to uncomfortable swelling. However, the two conditions have very different mechanisms.
- Immediate Reaction: Irritative Contact Dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an irritating substance such as a cosmetic, chemical, metal or even a natural ingredient. Because eyelid skin is so thin and sensitive, it tends to react quickly. This is the most common form of contact eczema, making up around 80% of cases.
- Long Sensitisation: Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis develops more slowly. It appears after repeated exposure to an allergen - such as a fragrance, preservative or metal. During the sensitisation phase, which may last months or even years, the skin shows no reaction at all. Then, suddenly, the immune system becomes sensitised, and each new exposure triggers inflammation and irritation.
A dermatologist, allergy specialist, or dermatologist-allergist can help identify the cause of irritation on your eyelids - particularly if allergic contact dermatitis is suspected.
An allergy assessment usually involves patch testing, where small amounts of potential allergens are applied to the skin under adhesive patches. The initial tests are based on the 25 most common allergens, known as the European Standard Series. If necessary, the doctor can also test your own cosmetic or skincare products to pinpoint the exact trigger.
The doctor places a small, standardised quantity of different allergens in tiny cups (cupulas), labelled with a special marker for each allergen. These are then applied to your back and held in place with a sticky bandage for 96 hours. The tested area can’t get wet during the time of the test.
The doctor examines each contact area identified by an allergen, 48 to 96 hours after having removed the testing material.
The doctor examines each contact area identified by an allergen, 48 to 96 hours after having removed the testing material.
A test is positive if the reaction reproduces signs of eczema on the tiny area of skin in contact with the allergen: redness, swelling, blistering and itching. These reactions testify to an allergic origin. Redness on its own is not considered to be a positive test, and corresponds more to an irritative origin.
What causes dry eyelids
Note the date and circumstances of how your skin reaction occurred, any triggering or aggravating factors…
Eye allergic reaction
Take photos of your eyelids at different times during the flare-up, in case the irritation is less present on the day of your appointment.
Eye eczema treatment
Don’t take any antihistamines before getting an allergy assessment done, to not bias the results.
Identifying the allergen or irritant responsible for eyelid eczema can feel like detective work. The trigger may come from different sources, including:
If you’ve identified the cause of your eyelid irritation, the first step is to stop all contact with the suspected product or substance. Once the trigger has been removed, treatment and daily care can then be tailored to each stage of your symptoms
During the flare-up:
- Immediately stop all contact with the affected area.
- Avoid using make-up products.
- Apply the treatment prescribed by your doctor or advised by the pharmacist.
- Clean and moisturise your eyelids morning and night with Atoderm Intensive eye, which can be used during a flare-up and also on a daily basis. It soothes and helps repair skin.
Daily:
- Be methodical about washing your hands, several times a day.
- Be very careful about the cleansing and cosmetic products you apply to your eye area and that are part of your care routine in general. Make a note of any changes in product and the possible reactions that occur in the hours and days that follow its initial use.
- Prefer quality skincare and cosmetic products that have been tested for their safety, and clean your face morning and evening to avoid that any pollution particles stagnate in the eyelids’ folds.
- Avoid wearing heavy make-up on your eyelids.
- Carefully remove your eye make-up each night with a high tolerance product that doesn’t require lots of rubbing, such as Atoderm Intensive eye. Both a cream and a cleansing product, it minimises potentially irritating rubbing and the number of ingredients that come into contact with eyelids.
Topical corticosteroids used on the skin are very different from oral cortisone-based medicines. When applied correctly, they help repair the skin barrier, reduce the risk of infection, and quickly improve the appearance of flare-ups.
A corticosteroid cream or lotion remains the most effective and safest local treatment for restoring the skin after an eczema episode. The key is to follow your doctor’s prescription carefully - applying the right dose for the recommended duration. This ensures proper healing and helps prevent relapses.
Having just one product that cleanses and moisturises irritated eyelids also reduces the risk of reactions.
During flare-ups:
- Gently cleanses eyelids
- Soothes4
- Repairs4
Daily:
- Moisturises and nourishes the fragile skin around the eye
- Cleanses and removes make-up
- Strengthens the skin barrier to spread out flare-ups
Atoderm Intensive eye has been tested on allergens and pollen particles in particular, a very frequent cause of eyelid irritation.
Effective cleansing = Removes 83%5 accumulated allergens.
Effective barrier = Atoderm Intensive eye creates a protective film that helps to prevent pollen particles from accumulating on the skin’s surface.
Results that make Atoderm Intensive eye the solution dedicated to irritated eyelids, during flare-ups and also to prevent them.
Tested under dermatological and ophthalmological control, Atoderm Intensive eye is adapted for use among adults, children and babies, for those with sensitive eyes and who wear contact lenses.
1 Estimation using a compilation of epidemiological data from between 2002 and 2006 on atopic dermatitis and contact eczema.
2 Bottais 2017
3 A Study Quantifying the Hand-to-Face Contact Rate and Its Potential Application to Predicting Respiratory Tract Infection - Mark Nicas & Daniel Best - University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health, Berkeley, California - Published online: 25 Apr 2008
4 Clinical study carried out on 44 subjects with irritative contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis during 28 days – Brazil – 2021
5 Cleansing and prevention of allergenic pollen protein accumulation (timothy grass pollen) in the hair follicles – in vitro test – 2021
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