How To Treat Eczema Around The Eyes At Home
Dealing with eczema can be a real bother. However, when eczema is around the eyes, it can be an entirely different beast to deal with. The skin around your eyes is fragile and shouldn't be exposed to the same treatments you would use for eczema in other places. Knowing how to manage the symptoms of eczema around your eyes will help you to feel better, sooner.
Cold Compresses
Cold compresses are the first line of defense against the itchy, scaly skin brought on by eczema. Ice helps to control inflammation naturally without having to use steroid creams so close to the delicate skin of the eye. Wrap a clean, damp cloth around a cold pack, and apply it over the eczema-surrounded eye. You want to leave the cold pack there for several minutes. The cold should numb the nerve endings by then, which will eliminate the itch and reduce the inflammation.
Moisturizers
If the eczema isn't complicated by infection or weeping, you may be able to treat it with a moisturizer. Moisturizers work best at treating eye eczema that is presenting as dry, scaly skin. You should wash the area first using a tear-free baby shampoo, dry your skin, and then apply the moisturizer. You should use a moisturizer made specifically for the eyes. You want to avoid using a moisturizer that has fragrances or dyes, as that may make your eczema worse.
Corticosteroid Creams
Eczema is an overreaction of the immune system in response to an allergen. Corticosteroid creams are some of the most important tools in an eczema patient's toolkit. If you plan to use a corticosteroid cream, make sure you purchase one specifically for use around the eyes. The skin around your eyes is incredibly delicate, and standard steroid creams may cause the skin around your eyes to become thinner.
Ask A Dermatologist
Sometimes, eczema can be complicated. If you have any reason to suspect that the eczema has become infected, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist. In these cases, you may need antibiotics to help your eczema heal.
You should also speak to a dermatologist if these treatments don't work. They will be able to advise you of prescription methods of treating your eczema. No one should have to suffer with itchy, scaly skin, especially around their eyes. A dermatologist will work with you to develop a treatment program that works with your specific symptoms to help you to achieve relief.