Eyelids itching? This is quite common!

Eyelids itching occur rather frequently. 

This can be painful, both in terms of the itch itself, and in terms of the impact the inflamed eyelid can have on the face and, as a consequence, on social interactions.

Finding the reasons for eyelid rashes can take a long time – some doctors say it can take an average up to 7 years to find the real reason.

This is enough to ruin one's life!

In the interesting articles referred to below, the authors remind that in most cases (65-75%), eyelid itching and inflammation is not due to some internal trigger, contrary to common intuition, but it is rather due to contact dermatitis.

In other words, the rashes are the consequences of external contact with an allergen or an irritant.

Therefore, it is critical to identify what is coming in contact with the eyelid, either directly (e.g., makeup), or indirectly (e.g., something that comes in contact with someone’s fingers before the person then touches her eyelids with her fingers).

Among the most common reasons for contact triggered eyelid dermatitis are: 

- Ophthalmic solutions

– Nails polish

– Nickel, Chromium and other metals known for their allergenic and irritant properties and often times contained in eyelash curlers, mascara, eye shadow, contact lens cleaning solutions and eyebrow pencils. Nickel can also cause eyelid dermatitis through hand transfer from a metal nail file, occupational metal exposure, or jewellery

– Hair dye and PPD. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is a chemical allergen often found in hair dye, as well as textile or fur dyes, cosmetics, henna tattoos, inks, photography film, black rubber, oils, and gasoline. Hairdressers and those working with printing inks and film can also get in contact with PPD.

What can one do?

As with any health concern, the first thing is to consult with a doctor or health professional.

Then, of course, the best way to avoid contact dermatitis on the eyelid is to avoid bringing the allergen or irritant in contact with the face, either directly. In particular:

– Avoid using skin care or makeup products that contain known allergens, including PPD, or Nickel, Chromium and other metals; the safest is even to use exclusively products that contain the fewest – and safest -ingredients, such as the skincare line offered by Skintifique

– Always protect one's hands from potential irritants and allergens if you are in a risky environment, either with gloves or with the appropriate protective cream, like the Protective Cream HPS

– Wash your hands with abundant soap and water, or appropriate Cleansing lotions such as the Cleanser P, before touching your eyelids!

For more information:

– Solving the Mystery Of the Itchy Eyelid. The cause of an itchy eyelid can be a diagnostic puzzle, but persistence often uncovers some common culprits by L. Koo, MD, D. Peng, MD, MPH, and E. Chang, MD, 2006, Review of Ophthalmology – Eyelid Contact Dermatitis

– DermNet NZ