Treating eye eczema

[lcroberts9]

Hi, I have had eczema most of my life but in the last five years have also started getting flare ups of eczema on my eyelids and around the eye area once or twice a year. Do you have any tips for treating this? Most creams are either too strong to use on the face or too heavy, and I end up with swollen puffy eyes after using them.

Thank you!

[Dr Nisith Sheth]

Hi there are various types of eyelid eczema. Sometimes it is seborrheic eczema and this can be improved with antifungal treatment such as ketoconazole shampoo often combined with a short period of mild topical steroid or steroid / antiyeast combination. If this is worse in the summer months then mineral sunscreen and sunglasses can help. Non steroid eczema creams such as calcineurin inhibitors can be used safely around the eyes and for longer periods than steroids If the condition persists then patch testing can help to identify any contact allergy, for example to ingredients of eye cosmetics.