How to Treat Itchy Skin Around Eyes?

• Itchy skin around eyes can be caused by skin or hair care products which irritate the sensitive skin
• Hydrocortisone applied twice a day is the best treatment
• Dry skin under eyes should be treated with a moisturizer and extra steps should be taken to prevent excessive drying of the area

Our eyes are something we often take for granted until there’s a problem with them. If you have itchy skin around eyes, it’s not usually going to cause a serious threat to your vision. But it can be irritating and distracting if left untreated and undiagnosed.

Recognizing the Cause

First, you should do your best to determine what may be the culprit behind itchy skin around eyes. This is not a normal condition so something is bringing it about. In some cases, determining what that cause is can help you prevent reoccurrence of the itching.

One of the most common causes is irritation caused by something that has come in contact with your eyes. Often make-up is the main culprit. Mascara, eye shadow, eye liner, even foundation that comes in contact with the sensitive skin around your eyes can cause irritation that leads to itching. And don’t write off this possibility just because you’ve always been using the same type of make-up. Cosmetic companies regularly change up ingredients so a small switch in the manufacturing could be enough to cause your problem.

Wet nail polish causes this problem, too, if it comes near your eye because it completely dries. Some shampoos, conditioners, and soaps can also have this effect.

Once you rule out the above possibilities, you may need to consult a dermatologist because you may have a more serious skin condition, such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. The latter condition is related to dandruff but can affect the eyelids. If you’re seeing skin flaking around your eyes or eyelids, this might be your culprit.

Having dry skin under eyes can also cause itchiness but it is one of the easiest problems to rule out or to identify.

Treating the Problem

Obviously, you should stop using any products you discover causing the itchy skin around eyes. If that doesn’t provide relieve, you can find hydrocortisone products in most drug stores and available without the need for a prescription. Apply this topical cream to the itchy area twice a day but do so carefully so you don’t get anything in your eye. Sometimes taking an over-the-counter antihistamine can help as well but try just using the topical cream by itself first. If the itching continues after five days, make an appointment with your dermatologist or physician who can provide you with something stronger.

Now if the problem is simply dry skin under eyes that is causing the problem, find a good moisturizer and apply some to the affected area regularly. Don’t use very much and make sure to find one that’s going to be good for sensitive skin. Also avoid using regular soap on your face because it tends to dry out your skin. Find a soap that contains moisturizers, too. Apply the moisturizing cream while your face is still damp so it can hold the moisture in.

Importance of Treating

While itchy skin around eyes may not be life-threatening, it can have consequences if left untreated. Patients can see a marked change in the appearance of their skin in this area, including darkening of their eyelids. Other people develop a fold of skin under their eyes called an atopic pleat. These problems are directly connected to overly scratching the skin around the eyes.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.