Why is there a problem?
The causes of redness in the corner of the eye are divided into several categories:
- Mechanical. The disorder occurs under the influence of various irritating factors: dust, aerosol, smoke, strong wind or too bright light, prolonged eye strain, injury, foreign body entry.
- Physiological. This category includes dilatation of the eye vessels, while the functioning of the organ is not disrupted. Provoking factors may include extreme fatigue, drinking alcohol, sneezing, excessive exercise, or irritation from wearing incorrectly fitted contact lenses or glasses.
- Pathological. These include eye diseases, which can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory. This also includes diseases of other organs that lead to the development of disorders, for example, diabetes mellitus, poison intoxication, hypertension, etc.
What causes the skin on the eyelids to dry out? Possible causes and ways to eliminate peeling eyelids
Itching, redness and peeling of the skin around the eyes is possible in the following cases:
- use of low-quality or stitched cosmetics;
- irritation due to poor quality water;
- failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
- foreign body entering the eye;
- allergic reaction to medications, pollen, dust, food;
- skin dermatitis;
- blepharitis;
- demodicosis;
- viral infections;
- incorrectly fitted contact lenses.
With allergies, both eyelids become red, itchy and swollen. In all other cases - only one.
If the provoking factor is eliminated, the symptoms of irritation disappear within 3-4 days. In case of infectious diseases or tick infestation, drug treatment cannot be avoided.
Peeling of the skin around the eyes may bother the patient more than itching. Causes:
- demodicosis;
- blepharitis;
- use of low-quality cosmetics;
- vitamin D deficiency;
- Working at the computer for a long time causes the mucous membranes to dry out and the eyelids to peel.
Flaky spots above or below the eye are a sign of hemangioma (benign formation) or allergic dermatitis. With hemangioma, the spot on the eyelid has ragged edges. Dermatitis is accompanied by the appearance of a group of red spots that begin to itch very much.
Itching comes to the fore with the following ophthalmological diseases:
- atopic dermatitis – there is profuse lacrimation and redness of the eyelids;
- ophthalmic rosacea – the eyelids begin to redden and swell;
- allergic dermatitis – has an allergic nature;
- blepharitis - the eyelids begin to itch and peel.
Irritation of the eyelids and itching can appear not only in adults, but also in children. In a child, the symptoms are more pronounced, and the disease progresses faster, especially if it is allergic in nature.
Demodicosis
This is a chronic disease caused by eyelash mites. Parasites live in the sebaceous glands of the eyelids in more than 95% of people, but symptoms of the lesion appear only when the number of individuals reaches 3 pieces.
The size of Demodex is only 0.2-0.5 mm, so it is impossible to see.
Symptoms:
- the eyelids turn red and begin to itch, the itching intensifies in the evening;
- eyes get tired quickly;
- after sleep, crusts and sticky discharge appear on the eyelids;
- dry eye syndrome appears, sometimes lacrimation;
- the eyelid swells;
- a foreign body is felt in the eye;
- eyelashes fall out and white particles appear on them.
The waste products of mites are strong allergens. Demodectic mange can cause blepharitis, seborrhea, rosacea or blepharoconjunctivitis.
The disease is contagious. It is important to maintain personal hygiene to prevent re-infection.
Demodicosis is treated with ointments and creams containing insecticidal components. This is Demazol, Blepharogel No. 2. For heavy purulent discharge from the eyes, antibacterial drops are used, for example, Tobrex.
Allergy
An allergic reaction is a response of the immune system to an external irritant, such as pollen, dust, animal dander, cosmetics or food.
The action of the allergen causes the skin around the eyes to itch and flake. In addition, the following symptoms occur:
- swelling of the eyelids;
- lacrimation;
- photophobia;
- sensation of a foreign body under the upper eyelid, pain;
- redness of the mucous membrane.
The swelling may be so severe that the eye closes.
If you have an allergic reaction, you should visit an ophthalmologist and an allergist. The doctor will prescribe antihistamines and drops to moisturize the mucous membrane. Drops Vizin Alergy, Allergodil, Ketotifen are effective against allergies.
Blepharitis
This is a chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin. The disease can be infectious or non-infectious. In the first case, it is caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus, in the latter it occurs against the background of allergies and other ophthalmological diseases.
Blepharitis is difficult to treat.
There are several types of the disease, so symptoms may vary. The following signs may appear:
- itching;
- photophobia and lacrimation;
- swelling of the eyelids;
- peeling;
- sensation of a foreign body under the upper eyelid;
- eyelash loss and abnormal hair growth;
- yellow crusts on the edges of the eyelids;
- bleeding ulcers (with ulcerative form).
If the eyelids have been itching and peeling for a long time, but treatment has not been carried out, an inversion of the eyelid is formed.
Source: https://gidroz.ru/simptomy/suhost-vek-prichiny-i-lechenie.html
If the outer corner of the eye is red
External manifestations in this case resemble the consequences of mechanical impact. In addition, the disorder may be accompanied by peeling of the skin, pain and discomfort. Redness in the corners of the eyes on the outside is less common than on the inside. The skin of the eyelid usually turns red. The cause of the problem may be an allergy to cosmetics, as well as various pathologies.
Most often, a violation occurs as a result of:
- Angular conjunctivitis affecting the corners of the eyes. The pathology may be allergic or bacterial in nature. Additionally, other symptoms occur: a feeling of dryness, a foreign object in the eye, lacrimation, purulent discharge. The skin may be covered with minor cracks, and the pain intensifies when blinking.
- Ocular herpes. The patient suffers from pain, fear of light, and the eyelids swell.
- Regional blepharitis. The disease is accompanied by swelling of the upper eyelid, burning and itching, and the formation of crusts.
Causes of peeling
Both external factors and internal causes can provoke peeling and redness of the skin around the visual apparatus. Increased dryness of the epidermis of adults and children is provoked by factors:
- hereditary predisposition;
- irritation;
- prolonged exposure to gadget monitors;
- sudden change in temperature;
- emotional stress;
- application of cosmetics;
- mosquito bites;
- allergic manifestations;
- ingress of dust microparticles;
- prolonged exposure to water;
- unbalanced diet;
- hormonal changes or disorders;
- dysbiosis.
To eliminate skin flaking, it is enough to reduce exposure to irritants and moisturize the dermis with emollients.
Why does the inner corner of the eye turn red?
The cause of this unpleasant phenomenon can be, in addition to the above, many other diseases.
Redness in the corners of the eyes on the inside occurs as a result of:
- Problems with or inflammation of the tear duct. In this case, the eyelids become very red, and the patient suffers from significant discomfort in the corners of the eyes. Obstruction of the lacrimal duct also manifests itself with similar symptoms, but this condition is also accompanied by severe lacrimation.
- Dacryocystitis. With this pathology, the lacrimal sac becomes inflamed. In addition to redness of the outer corner of the eye, there is a discharge of pus, and the skin swells.
- Ingrown hairs. If an eyelash hair grows under the skin, redness and pain appear. It is not possible to solve the problem on your own; you need the help of a specialist.
Treatment of redness and peeling of the skin of the eyelids, depending on the cause
Treatment of redness and peeling of the skin on the eyelids should be comprehensive and aimed at eliminating the etiological factor, relieving the symptoms of the disease, preventing relapses and recurrences.
What to do if peeling is caused by allergies
After identifying and eliminating the cause of the allergy, the doctor prescribes antihistamines depending on the age and individual characteristics of the patient’s body.
For short-term use, first generation drugs are most often used (Suprastin, Diphenhydramine, Fenkarol, Tavegil, Diazolin). They have a quick and strong effect, but at the same time have a sedative effect.
A child has a problem
Children's eyes are highly sensitive. Redness occurs suddenly, most often for physiological reasons, such as:
- excessive stress;
- crying or sneezing;
- dust ingress;
- colds.
Redness in the corners of a baby's eyes can be caused by a blocked tear duct. The formation of a septum between the tear ducts and the nasal cavity occurs in the eighth month of pregnancy. When a baby is born, it ruptures, but this may not happen, which will lead to the accumulation of excess fluid inside the tear duct. This disorder is called neonatal dacryocystitis.
Allergic diseases or decreased immunity can cause problems. As a result of such pathologies, conjunctivitis or blepharitis develops, and sometimes uveitis (inflammation of the vascular membranes of the eye) - a serious disease that can cause blindness.
If the problem does not go away within three days, the symptoms intensify, pus appears, the baby complains of pain and cramps, you need to show him to the pediatrician. If necessary, he will recommend visiting an ophthalmologist. If you have double vision or blurred vision, you should immediately contact a medical facility.
Non-pathological causes of redness in the corner of the eye in an adult
In addition to diseases, an unpleasant problem can be caused by an incorrect lifestyle. Modern people cannot imagine themselves without computers; we often sit at them until the very night, straining our eyes. As a result, it is possible to develop dry eye syndrome or computer vision syndrome, which cause redness and burning of the corner of the eye, pain and other unpleasant manifestations, for example, intolerance to sunlight.
Associated symptoms of the disorder
The appearance of additional signs will depend on what exactly caused the redness. But there are general symptoms that accompany the pathological process in any form:
- presence of redness;
- lacrimation;
- photosensitivity;
- visual impairment;
- soreness and discomfort.
However, there may also be specific manifestations characteristic of a particular pathology, such as:
- discharge of pus;
- formation of crusts and sticking of eyelashes;
- headache;
- increased body temperature;
- spots or spots before the eyes;
- pain in the corner of the eye;
- pain when moving the eyes;
- swelling of the eyelids;
- sensation of itching and burning.
First aid at home
First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the possible causes of the violation:
- reduce tension;
- remove foreign body;
- rinse your eyes.
If the inner corner of the eye is red, a compress with cool water or decoctions of medicinal plants will help. You can apply a tea bag to the affected area. It is possible to use eye drops with a moisturizing effect or vasoconstrictor medications.
If redness of the outer corner of the eye is detected, the use of warm compresses, cleansing of pus, the use of antibacterial and antiviral agents, immunomodulators are effective, but only after consulting a specialist.
How to deal with puffy eyelids?
Excessive amounts of fluid in the body, kidney problems, and simply lack of sleep can cause puffy eyelids. Typically, swelling appears when the eyelids are motionless, that is, at night. Because at this time, elasticity decreases and stretching of the skin tissue in the eye area appears .
Water or fat accumulates in the tissues, and the orbicularis muscle around the eyes weakens.
The women's site sympaty.net will tell you what folk remedies will help with puffiness around the eyes:
- compress with parsley (cool to room temperature and apply it to your eyes for 10 minutes);
- compress of calendula flowers (pour boiling water over a tablespoon of flowers, strain after half an hour, dip cotton pads in the warm broth and place on eyelids for 15 minutes);
- grated carrot gruel
- warm potatoes (1 piece) in their jackets, cut in half (for half an hour with your eyes closed).
Diagnostic measures
After the appearance of a symptom, you should definitely visit a doctor to establish the exact cause and choose the right treatment tactics, since many pathologies manifest themselves with similar symptoms; it will not be possible to distinguish them on your own at home.
The ophthalmologist will examine and interview the patient to find out:
- duration and nature of symptoms, intensity of manifestations;
- the patient has chronic ophthalmological diseases, infectious pathologies, allergies.
The specialist will also ask what the patient did before visiting the doctor, whether he uses contact lenses or glasses.
The examination is carried out using the lateral illumination method, with which it is easy to detect redness of the skin of the eyelids, examine the conjunctiva, eyeballs, and sclera.
If necessary, the doctor will refer you to:
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There are many reasons that provoke redness of the skin of the eyelids, peeling, itching and other unpleasant symptoms.
This could be temperature fluctuations, low-quality cosmetics or changes in diet.
But often in this way the body signals serious disturbances in the functioning of internal organs , as well as the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms or parasites into the body.
Treatment methods
Treatment will depend on what caused the disorder. The problem is often resolved by:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- antibiotics for topical use;
- painkillers if necessary;
- antihistamines.
Ointments are most often applied at night. Doctors do not recommend using bandages, as this can lead to infection.
Among folk remedies, it is recommended to use warm lotions from decoctions:
To treat a small child, it is better to use chamomile decoction, which has almost no contraindications. The product is used to wash the eyes, which relieves irritation and prevents the development of pathogenic microorganisms. For older children, a mint decoction is suitable, from which medicinal compresses are made before bed.
Additionally, the doctor may recommend visiting physiotherapeutic procedures, such as:
If the cause of the disorder was a serious injury, surgery may be necessary, after which medication will also be prescribed.
Preventive actions
To protect yourself from redness in the corners of your eyes in the future, you must:
- Adhere to hygiene rules. Wash off cosmetics before going to bed. Don't forget to wash your hands regularly.
- Take breaks when working at the computer, warm up your eyes.
- Treat all diseases in a timely manner, and it is better to prevent their occurrence.
- Protect the organs of vision from injury and damage.
- Take care of the prevention of eye diseases.
- Use contact lenses correctly.
If you notice redness in the corners of your eyes, do not self-medicate. Many diseases have similar manifestations, and only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis. Therefore, if you have a problem, consult an ophthalmologist.
The human eye is a very complex organ in its structure. Due to the fact that the skin around the eyelids is the thinnest and most sensitive, it is susceptible to the manifestations of many diseases that, without proper treatment, can cause serious discomfort.
First of all, you should remember that the skin around the eyelids is very delicate and therefore requires special care.
- Daily makeup should be removed with special gentle products that gently remove a layer of cosmetics, while caring for even the most sensitive skin.
- You should not wash your face with regular soap too often, as it dries out the skin greatly and can also cause dryness, flaking, and subsequently itching.
- If irritation appears in the corners of the eyes, you should not rub your eyes with your hands, since it is with your hands that you can transfer dangerous microbes to the mucous membrane.
Causes
Redness of the skin around the eyes is most often caused by the following reasons:
- allergies (to cat hair, cosmetics, pollen, etc.);
- stress, lack of sleep, overwork;
- avitaminosis;
- diseases of the eyes or eyelids.
Although the most common cause of redness of the skin around the eyes is various diseases of the eyelids and eyes, the problem can also arise due to lack of sleep, lack of vitamins in the diet, or simple allergies.
Allergies to cosmetics, wool, pollen, fragrances, and medications usually manifest themselves in the form of swelling of the eyelids; both the lower and upper eyelids (together or separately) can swell. As a result of an allergic reaction, the skin itches and/or flakes, and increased lacrimation is noted.
Redness often appears as a result of vitamin deficiency, especially if the body is acutely lacking B vitamins (they are necessary for the normal functioning of all organs and systems). So those who eat haphazardly or are constantly on diets are at risk.
Symptoms of various diseases
Demodicosis is a disease that occurs quite often. It is a parasitic pathology, the causative agent of which is considered to be the iron mite.
Most often, this type of disease occurs in older and elderly people. It is extremely rare in children.
- redness of the skin around the eyelid;
- dryness, peeling of the skin;
- rashes in the form of a cluster of blisters or of an inflammatory nature.
Allergies are another type of disease that often causes serious harm to the skin. When an allergic reaction occurs, symptoms such as:
- redness of the skin around and in the corners of the eyes;
- peeling of the skin;
- increased lacrimation;
- itching and burning.
Hyperthyroidism is a serious disorder of the human endocrine system associated with excessive production of the hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine. The main symptoms of this disease and differences from other diseases are the following:
- emotional tension (fear, nervousness, trembling hands);
- persistent, difficult to treat sinus tachycardia;
- limited mobility of the eyeball with possible protrusion forward;
- dry skin around the eyelids, frequent pain in the eyes, corneal erosion (there is a high probability of partial or complete loss of vision);
- frequent shortness of breath.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are eye irritation, dryness. They are quite pronounced and require urgent consultation with a doctor.
Main causes of irritation
Irritation under the eyes is a fairly common symptom that affects many people. There are many reasons for the appearance of irritation, let’s highlight the main ones.
- Allergic reaction.
- Dermatitis.
- Infectious diseases.
- Negative environmental impact.
- Improper skin care.
- Vitamin deficiency, dysbiosis or malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.
Reddened and inflamed eyelid skin requires immediate treatment, as such irritation can cause quite serious discomfort.
Treatment methods for the problem
First of all, you need to consult with a specialist to determine the true cause of irritation. To do this, you need to seek advice from doctors such as an allergist, dermatologist, endocrinologist, or therapist.
After identifying the cause of irritation on the eyelids, treatment will be selected by a specialist, which will bring the best and fastest results.
Sometimes for treatment it is enough to take a course of antiallergic drugs or simply use drops for eye irritation. But sometimes itching and flaking are caused by serious disorders of the internal system of human organs, which require serious treatment.
You should never neglect such signals from our body, because they often help to quickly determine the type of disease, as well as choose the right treatment.
Below is a list of the most commonly prescribed medications when a patient presents with the above symptoms.
Name | Description | Price |
Bepanthen cream | Promotes active moisturizing and restoration of dry and damaged skin. | From 600 rub. |
Cetirizine | Antiallergic drug, take 1 tablet 1 time per day. Allows you to quickly cope with an allergic reaction expressed in redness and itching in the eyelid area. | From 110 rub. |
Loriden | Antihistamine in the form of an ointment. Relieves symptoms of itching and irritation in 30–60 minutes, effective for 24 hours. | From 330 rub. |
Help from traditional medicine
If the irritation is caused by negative environmental influences or is a consequence of the influence of household factors, you can fight the redness of the eyelids yourself using traditional medicine recipes.
There are several ways to relieve irritation; we will name the most effective of them.
A very effective way to combat fatigue, redness and irritation under the eyes are ice cubes with frozen infusions of medicinal herbs, which can always be found at your nearest pharmacy. Chamomile most effectively combats unpleasant symptoms.
For the compress you need:
- disposable bag of chamomile flowers;
- boiled water.
- Brew chamomile tea and fill an ice tray with the infusion.
- We take out an ice cube, wrap it in a disposable napkin, and apply it to the inflamed area of skin.
If your eyelids peel: the causes of the disease
Redness, peeling, and swelling of the eyelids will not make your face attractive. But it's not always about beauty. Seeing a person with such eyes, the question arises about his health.
Often the reasons that cause these unpleasant symptoms indicate certain diseases. Even a simple cold leads to redness of the eyelids.
To cope with this problem, it is necessary to establish the cause that caused this eye condition.
Causes of peeling eyelids
There are plenty of reasons that cause peeling of the eyelid skin. The skin of the eyelids is delicate, thin, not protected by subcutaneous fat, and reacts sharply to any changes in the body. Health, emotional experiences, age - everything is reflected in the condition of the eyes, including the eyelids.
Eye strain and fatigue
The eyes turned red, there was pain in them, and the skin of the eyelids itched, peeled and swollen - a familiar picture. Everyone has had to deal with a similar problem at least once in their life.
In most cases, it can be solved on your own, since it is just a general disruption of the body’s functioning; it can be caused by: overexertion, eye fatigue, or lack of sleep.
The use of low-quality or expired cosmetics can also cause irritation of the eyelids, causing itching, redness and peeling.
Eliminating these causes is not very difficult. A normal daily routine, long sleep, normal work with the computer will help restore the body’s strength and return the previous appearance to the eyelids and the shine to the eyes.
To avoid this kind of irritation, try to remember and follow these simple rules:
- Sleep should be of high quality and last at least 7 hours.
- Computer work should last 45 minutes. After this, take a break for 10–15 minutes.
- Contact lenses and solutions for them are purchased only on the recommendation of an ophthalmologist.
- It is important to maintain normal humidity in the room where you spend most of your time.
- Use quality cosmetics.
Often, problems around the eyes, when the skin on the eyelids peels, arise when using low-quality, expired cosmetics: eye creams, facial washes, mascara, eye shadows. Here you need to act on the basis of exception.
At the first sign, stop using cosmetics immediately. If the irritation has passed, then that means it’s the problem.
Don't take risks, try to replace it, otherwise there is a risk of getting more serious eye problems.
Peeling caused by diseases
When the above reasons are excluded, but flaky eyelids and red eyes continue to bother you, you should urgently consult a doctor. It is important to establish the cause and causative agent of peeling. Each problem requires specific treatment, since the cause may be a serious illness.
Let's look at the main reasons why this irritation can occur:
- The body's reaction to allergic pathogens: poplar fluff, pollen, citrus fruits and others.
- Skin dermatitis (seborrhea).
- Blepharitis.
- Eyelash mite (demodex).
- Viral infection (herpes).
All of the above reasons do not arise out of nowhere. This is preceded by a decrease in immunity, poor ecology, lack of proper hygiene, and general fatigue of the body.
At the same time, the eyes bear additional stress: stress when working on the computer, cosmetics on the eyes in the form of eyeliner and mascara.
That's it, inflammation is ensured, and any infection, entering a favorable environment, begins to actively multiply.
Skin dermatitis (seborrhea)
Seborrhea is the most common cause of flaky skin. As a rule, the disease begins with the scalp, then it spreads to the eyebrows, and from there to the upper eyelids, causing redness, itching and flaking of the skin. Seborrhea is caused by a yeast fungus. Peeling skin is an allergic reaction to a fungus.
Mushrooms are activated by decreased immunity, disruption of the endocrine system, stress and nervous disorders. There are unfavorable factors that can intensify the pathological process - this is the use of alkaline detergents. Therefore, itching and flaking increases when washing your face with soap. In place of seborrhea, pink-yellowish nodules with greasy scales appear.
Treatment of this infection is carried out under the supervision of a doctor who prescribes complex treatment, which includes antifungal drugs and drugs containing selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, tar, which have a drying effect.
Demodicosis - infection with eyelash mites
Infection of the skin of the eyelid with eyelash mites or demodicosis is similar in symptoms to overwork. For most people, demodicosis lives permanently in the sebaceous glands of the hair follicles. When favorable conditions are created due to decreased immunity and poor hygiene, mites begin to multiply intensively. Symptoms appear after their number increases.
It is impossible to see them with the naked eye due to their microscopic size. Ticks themselves do not pose a danger as such; damage to the skin is caused by their metabolic products, which, when decomposed, become toxic and poison the surface of the skin, causing the following symptoms:
- The skin around the eyes begins to peel.
- Redness of the eyelids appears.
- A foamy discharge appears from the eyes.
- Unbearable itching, worsening in the evening and at night.
- There is a feeling of a foreign object in the eye.
- The appearance of whitish particles on the eyelashes.
- Eyelash loss.
- As the disease progresses, redness of the eyes and constant production of tears appear.
The disease demodicosis is contagious. The patient must observe the rules of personal hygiene, have a separate towel, bed linen, and not use common household items. Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor who prescribes ointments containing insecticidal components.
Viral infections of the eyelids (herpes)
Viral infection of the eyelids is currently becoming widespread. There are two types of herpes:
- Herpetic disease. Its causative agent is the herpes virus. When infected, blisters and erosions appear on the skin of the eyelids, which after some time form scales and crusts. They heal without scars. Favorable factors influencing the development of the disease are decreased immunity. The gases cause burning, pain and tingling in the affected area. Treatment should be carried out as prescribed by the doctor. Immunostimulants are taken, local treatment consists of ointments (oxolinic, florenal and others).
- Herpes zoster. When the disease occurs, the branches of the trigeminal nerve are affected. Depending on the branches, the upper or lower eyelid is affected, or both at once. This may affect the forehead, nose, eyeball, iris and cornea of the eye. At the first stage of the disease, red spots appear. Subsequently, the vesicles, which can merge, release hemorrhagic fluid. Further, in place of the bubbles, ulcers form with the formation of scabs.
The patient's condition is characterized by general malaise, fever, and neurological pain.
The disease can be triggered by respiratory diseases, overheating or hypothermia, or contact with a patient with chickenpox.
If timely measures are not taken, complications can be serious, including optic neuritis. Treatment is carried out only by a doctor who prescribes the necessary medications.
Molluscum contagiosum
This disease mainly affects children, on whose eyelids white nodules form. When pressed, a mushy mass comes out. Treatment is carried out by excision of the nodule, the surface of which is cauterized with iodine and tincture of brilliant green.
Causes
The following reasons exist for the formation of pathological symptoms:
- the use of low-quality cosmetics, in some cases they may be expired, resulting in severe redness and damage to the skin;
- allergic reactions in the eyes, accompanied by excessive dryness of the corners of the eyelids (plant flowering, animal hair, dust, food products);
- insufficient intake of nutrients, vitamins, microelements and minerals from food, which forms hypovitaminosis;
- the use of certain medications to which the patient may develop hypersensitivity;
- rubbing and scratching the skin on the eyelids, which leads to mechanical damage and inflammation of the corners of the eyes;
- autoimmune reactions of the body, that is, cells of the human immune system attack their own tissues (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus);
- dermatological diseases (dermatitis, rosacea);
- inflammatory conditions of the eyelids that develop in humans over a long period of time (blepharitis, meibomitis, chalazion);
- viral eye infection;
- bacterial proliferation leading to purulent infection.
Each of these conditions is characterized not only by inflammation and cracked skin in the corners of the eyes, but also by other clinical symptoms, by which the true cause can be identified.
Peeling eyelid skin: main reasons
Redness of the eyelid skin and peeling cannot be considered as a cosmetic defect that can be eliminated with external means.
This should be done by a qualified specialist who will first find out the cause of this pathology and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Allergic reaction
A characteristic sign of an allergy is simultaneous redness of the skin of both eyelids, accompanied by peeling, itching, lacrimation and swelling.
Most often, this phenomenon is seasonal and occurs during the flowering period of various plant species.
Allergies can also be caused by:
- Food;
- creams, lotions, masks, decorative cosmetics;
- dust;
- animal hair and dander;
- insect bites;
- household chemicals;
- medications.
In some cases, it is not possible to independently identify the factor causing the development of an allergic reaction. To do this, skin tests are carried out in the clinic, making it possible to identify the allergen with 100% probability.
Unsuitable cosmetics
When caring for the skin around the eyes, you should adhere to the following rules:
- never use cosmetics that have expired;
- do not use scrubs, peelings;
- do not wipe this area with tonics containing alcohol;
- choose cosmetics according to age and skin type;
- follow the rules for storing cosmetics;
- apply products to the skin only with clean hands;
- monitor the cleanliness of brushes, sponges, brushes and other instruments that come into contact with the eyelid area.
Important to remember! Eyelid skin care products should be used strictly individually.
Improper skin care under the eyes
Even if you choose the right products for the care of sensitive skin around the eyes, you can cause the opposite effect if they are used incorrectly.
It is prohibited to do the following when caring for the skin around the eyes:
- leave decorative cosmetics on your face overnight;
- rub the cream or gel into the skin of the eyelids;
- use masks or compresses more often than indicated in the instructions;
- Use toilet soap or shower gel to remove cosmetics.
If the cream does not have a dispenser, then you should take it from the jar using a special stick, spatula or spatula, which must be thoroughly wiped or washed after each use.
This will help minimize the risk of bacteria and pathogenic fungi developing in the cream.
Apply the cream or gel to the eyelids by lightly touching them with your ring fingers , in the direction from the outer to the inner corner of the eye.
Remove eye makeup with gentle movements using a product intended for this purpose, applied to a cotton pad or swab.
Attention! If, after applying a care product or decorative cosmetics, a feeling of discomfort, burning, itching or redness of the skin around the eyes occurs, you should quickly wipe it off with a cotton pad, rinse with clean water and take an antihistamine tablet (Diazolin, Suprastin, Tavegil) ).
Fungal infections
Redness and peeling of the eyelids can be caused by fungal diseases such as:
According to statistics, the most common cause of peeling eyelid skin is seborrhea , caused by the opportunistic fungus Malassezia.
Being constantly present on a person’s skin, it does not manifest itself until a sharp decrease in immunity occurs as a result of illness, severe stress or other factors.
If you have redness of the eyelid skin or peeling, do not postpone visiting an ophthalmologist and further treatment.
During this period, the fungus begins to multiply intensively, affecting the sebaceous glands, disrupting the production of their secretions and leading to inflammation of the skin around the eyes.
The main symptoms of the disease are:
- redness of the skin of the eyelids with pronounced peeling;
- the appearance of round, shiny spots;
- a burning sensation in the eyes;
- presence of small bubbles;
- eyelash loss.
Periodically, the blisters burst, serous exudate flows out of them, which, when dried, forms a yellowish crust.
When large areas are affected, a person experiences lacrimation and a rise in general body temperature.
Trichophytosis is caused by fungi of the genus Trichophyton.
Parasitizing the skin of the eyelids, they cause folliculitis, manifested by:
- swelling;
- hyperemia;
- severe itching;
- the presence of small pustules covered with crusts;
- a clearly visible coating of spores on the eyelashes;
- eyelash loss or breaking off.
Small round lesions in the form of craters are clearly visible on the skin, in the center of which there are numerous scales. Lack of treatment leads to the development of conjunctivitis.
The causative agent of favus is the fungus Achorion Schünleini. The pathological process is characterized by the appearance of reddish papules and scales near the hair follicles on the skin of the upper eyelid.
As the disease progresses, the papules turn into yellowish crusts and disappear. Doctors record numerous cases of self-recovery.
Adverse external factors
Increased sensitivity of the skin around the eyes is due to the lack of a subcutaneous fat layer, which is recognized to perform a protective function.
Therefore, redness and peeling of the eyelids can be caused by unfavorable environmental factors, which include:
- direct exposure to ultraviolet (sun) rays;
- low temperatures;
- sudden temperature fluctuations;
- severe air pollution;
- wind;
- dry air.
The condition of the skin of the eyelids is also negatively affected by:
- long periods of time in front of a computer monitor;
- incorrect selection of contact lenses and care products;
- staying in a room with air conditioning for a long time;
- habit of rubbing your eyes with your hands.
It is important to know! Redness of the eyelids can occur with severe stress, chronic fatigue and lack of sleep.
Avitaminosis
Dry and flaky eyelid skin is often caused by a lack of fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E.
The causes of these hypovitaminosis are:
- insufficient intake of vitamins from food;
- the presence of diseases that provoke impaired absorption of nutrients from the intestine;
- no exposure to sunlight on the skin;
- taking certain medications containing vitamin antagonists.
Treatment
For each individual pathology that appears, there is a specific treatment. Most often doctors prescribe the following medications:
- antibacterial drops (Tobrex, Vigamox);
- antibacterial ointments (Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Levomekol);
- antiviral drops (Poludan);
- antiviral ointments (Floreal, Bonafton);
- systemic antiviral drugs (Acyclovir, Arbidol);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops and ointments based on diclofenac;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops and ointments based on hormonal substances, for example, dexamethasone;
- wound healing ointments (Solcoseryl);
- multivitamin drops in the eyes to improve metabolism and general tissue condition;
- multivitamin preparations for oral administration (Aevit, Alphabet, Blueberry Forte).
Antibiotics and steroids must be used for a short course of treatment to avoid side effects. All other drugs can be used with prolonged action, the body will not become addicted.
Prevention
To prevent dry eyelid skin, redness and inflammation, it is recommended to use the following preventive measures:
- periodic visits to doctors of narrow specialties for a general examination and laboratory tests;
- proper eyelid skin care, use of moisturizing ointments;
- no use of expired cosmetics; it is necessary to monitor the quality of each product used;
- maintaining good hygiene, especially with regard to the use of contact lenses;
- eating food containing all the vitamins and nutrients; if this is not enough, use multivitamin courses for prevention;
- timely treatment of all systemic diseases.
With strict adherence to all methods of prevention, it is not always possible to prevent ophthalmological disease. But the risk of their occurrence will be significantly reduced.