What You Need to Know About Eczema Eyes (2025)

Eczema is a group of inflammatory conditions that cause dry, itchy, scaly patches of skin. People with eczema on the face may experience symptoms on the eyelids, which are sometimes referred to as "eczema eyes."

Eczema in the eye area is often caused by an allergen—such as fragrance, smoke, or a substance in a shampoo or lotion—coming in contact with the eyes. The condition is treated by avoiding triggers and using topical therapies to relieve the symptoms.

Symptoms

Eczema is likely to occur on the eyelids, especially in its creases. Symptoms may vary by person, but often include:

• Puffy or swollen eyes, particularly the lids
• Red skin around the eyes
• Flakes or scales
• Itchiness
• Irritation or the feeling that there is something in the eyes
  

Causes

Eyelid skin is thin, which makes it more susceptible to irritation. Eczema on the eyes is typically caused by either allergic contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. Unfortunately, almost anything can be a trigger which can make it tricky to pinpoint the cause.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Allergic Eczema)

The most common cause of eczema on the eyes is allergic contact dermatitis (or allergic eczema.) It occurs when a chemical, food, or allergen triggers a reaction.

The types of allergens that cause allergic eczema on the eyes are classified by how they get onto the eyelids:

• Direct contact: items like make-up, shampoo, hair dye, or eye drops that are applied to (or drip onto) the eye
• Airborne contaminants: airborne substances such as smoke, fragrances, or dust
• Hand contact: contaminants like nail polish, creams, or ointment that are transferred to the eyelid by a person's fingertip
• Third-party contact: substances that a person someone is in close contact with—such as a partner or child—transmits to their eyes
  

Atopic Dermatitis (Atopic Eczema)

Eczema on the eyelids may also be caused by atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema). This is a chronic disease that prompts redness, dryness, and inflammation in the skin. People with atopic dermatitis can experience eye symptoms without a clear trigger.

Treatment

Eczema is characterized by flare-ups, which last for weeks or months, and remissions. Your healthcare provider will design a treatment plan to shorten your flares and manage the condition.

Treatments for eczema on the eyes, no matter the cause, include:

• Gentle cleansing: Use a soap-free cleanser to wash the skin around your eyes.
• Moisturizer: After washing, apply an emollient recommended by your healthcare provider around the eye area. This will restore the skin barrier and help prevent moisture loss.
• Topical steroids: Your healthcare provider may prescribe a mild topical steroid cream to reduce inflammation during flare-ups. These medications are not recommended for long-term use on eyelids because of a possible increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts.
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs): These prescription creams help dampen the immune system's response, reducing inflammation and itching. Because they increase skin's sensitivity to the sun, it's important to wear sunglasses while using them.
• Eliminating triggers: Your healthcare provider may suggest you stop using products like shampoo or makeup and reintroduce them one by one. This can help pinpoint a substance that may be causing eczema around your eyes.

Associated Eye Conditions

Having eczema around the eyes increases a person's risk for some eye conditions, including:

• Conjunctivitis: An inflammation or infection of the membrane that covers the eyeball and inner eyelid
• Keratitis: An inflammation of the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped structure at the front of the eye) that occurs when the eye becomes infected or swollen
• Keratoconus: A condition where the cornea bulges, becoming cone-shaped and eventually leading to vision impairment

When to See an Eye Doctor

People living with eczema should regularly see an ophthalmologist for an exam since early intervention is key to preventing vision loss from conditions like keratitis and keratoconus.

See your eye doctor as soon as possible if you have an eye infection lasting more than a few days and/or experience any of the following symptoms:

• Sensitivity to light
• Sticky, crusty eyes
• Eye pain
• Headaches
• Difficulty driving at night
• Feeling as if there’s something gritty in the eye(s), excessive eye rubbing
• Seeing a halo around lights
• A change in your vision, such as blurriness

Summary

Eczema can flare up on the face, including the skin around the eyes. This may cause redness and inflammation, as well as itchiness and irritation.

A healthcare provider can recommend treatments—including prescription creams—to help manage eye-related symptoms of eczema. This skin condition also increases a person's risk for eye diseases and infections, so it's important to regularly see an ophthalmologist.