How long does eyelid dermatitis last? Eyelid dermatitis can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. However, in some cases, it may persist for months or even years. Knowing the cause will greatly assist in lowering the healing time for eyelid dermatitis.
Causes
Eyelid dermatitis is a type of skin condition that can cause the eyelids to become swollen, red, and itchy. The condition can be caused by a number of different factors, including allergies, contact dermatitis, dry eyes, and viruses.
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Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common causes of eyelid dermatitis. When you come in contact with something you’re allergic to, your immune system responds by releasing histamines. These histamines can cause the skin on your eyelids to become inflamed and itchy. Some other common allergens that can trigger this condition include pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.
Contact dermatitis
Eyelid contact dermatitis is a type of skin irritation that can be caused by contact with certain substances, such as cosmetics, fragrances, metals, or plants. When the skin comes into contact with one of these allergens, it can cause it to become inflamed and irritated.
Dry eyes
Dry eyes can also cause dermatitis. When your eyes are dry, they might become itchy and red. This is because the lack of moisture can cause the skin on your eyelids to become dry and irritated. To help keep your eyes hydrated, be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid staring at a computer or television screen for too long. You may also want to consider using a humidifier if you live in a dry climate.
Viruses
Some viruses can cause eyelid dermatitis. The virus makes the skin on your eyelids swell and itchy. The most common virus that causes this condition is the herpes simplex virus. However, other viruses, such as the varicella-zoster virus, can also cause dermatitis on the eyelids.
Symptoms of eyelid dermatitis
Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause but may include swelling, redness, itching, burning, crusting, and discharge. In some cases, the condition can also lead to hair loss around the eyelashes.
Does eyelid dermatitis go away?
Yes, eyelid dermatitis can go away with the proper treatment. The good news is that this form of dermatitis is usually relatively easy to treat once the cause is identified. If you do not treat the underlying cause, eyelid dermatitis can last years.
Treatment options
There are a number of different treatment options available for eyelid dermatitis. The best course of treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the condition.
Allergy treatment
If allergies are causing dermatitis on your eyelids, your doctor may recommend avoiding the allergens that trigger your symptoms. This can be done by keeping your environment clean and free of dust and pollen. You may also need to take over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines to help relieve your symptoms.
What I use
Since I am “allergic to the earth” as I like to say, I have taken my fair share of antihistamines. The antihistamine that works best for me is Claritin®. Claritin makes some individuals tired at first, so you may be groggy for a few weeks (or just take it at night). I haven’t noticed any side effects after the sleepy weeks.
Contact dermatitis treatment
If contact dermatitis is the cause, you’ll need to avoid coming into contact with the substance that’s causing your reaction. Your doctor may also recommend using a topical corticosteroid cream or ointment to help relieve your symptoms.
Since this condition is near the eye, I definitely recommend you talk with a Doc before using any creams or ointments. They will have the best information on what you can use near your eyes.
Dry eyes treatment
If dry eyes are the cause of your eyelid dermatitis, you’ll need to keep your eyes hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using artificial tears. You may also need to use a humidifier if you live in a dry climate.
If you are taking antihistamines for allergies, those can be drying out your eyes too.
What I Use
My provider recommended the use of Refresh Plus® Preservative-free eye drops. These artificial tears moisten the eye, without the use of a ton of chemicals that burn. Whenever I have dry eyes, these are what I grab.
Viral treatment
For viral causes, such as the herpes simplex virus, treatment will focus on relieving your symptoms. This can be done with antiviral medications, such as acyclovir. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend using a topical corticosteroid cream or ointment.
When to see a doctor
If you think you may have eyelid dermatitis, it’s important to see your doctor so they can determine the underlying cause. This is especially important if you have never had the condition before or if your symptoms are severe. Your doctor will be able to prescribe the most effective treatment plan for your specific situation.
Final thoughts
In most cases, eyelid dermatitis doesn’t last that long. Knowing the root cause will get you back on the road to recovery sooner.
Have you tried anything that seems to speed up the healing process? What other questions do you have? Feel free to reach out: chris@allergypreventions.com