The term eczema indicates a generic dermal reaction with variable etiology, but the most common one that can occur around the eyes is atopic dermatitis. In general, it mainly affects infants and children, who are in fact the most numerous patients for this pathology; however, no matter how old you are, you can always suffer from a rash of atopic dermatitis around the eyes and need to know how to treat it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Learning about Atopic Dermatitis
Step 1. Understand the basic mechanics
Atopic dermatitis is a dermatological disease that occurs more frequently in childhood; it is related to hay fever and asthma, which means that you are at greater risk of developing it if you already have these diseases.
It is an immune response: the body "gets confused" and overreacts to irritants, inflaming the skin
Step 2. Know the symptoms
You may experience small, red, itchy bumps; some areas of the epidermis become reddish or brownish causing itching.
The rash may ooze, which means it releases fluid; the skin may become dry and flaky
Step 3. Learn about the development of eczema
Atopic dermatitis comes and goes with time. When symptoms are at their peak, it is called a rash or acute phase; however, you can live long periods without any disturbance.
Step 4. Learn how it is transmitted
This pathology is not contagious, that is, it is not transmitted from a sick person to a healthy one, but it has a genetic component and the children of people with eczema also suffer from it.
Step 5. Know that it may impair your vision
Dermatitis could cause eye problems; if you are concerned that a recent rash has reduced your vision, talk to your doctor.
Eczema interferes with vision by swelling and redness of the skin around the eyes, preventing you from seeing well. however, the disease was related to an increased rate of cataracts and spontaneous retinal detachment, despite treatment
Part 2 of 3: Treating Eczema Around the Eyes
Step 1. Apply a cold or ice pack
This way, you temporarily numb the nerve endings by reducing sensitivity, soothing the skin and controlling itching. The compress also helps dead skin peel off, promoting faster healing and improving the aesthetic appearance.
- Put cold water in a bowl with bath oils; if you want it to be even colder, you can add some ice.
- Dip some kitchen paper or a clean towel in the water and place it on your face for about five minutes.
Step 2. Apply a moisturizer
A cream or ointment is the best solution, because it is richer in oil than lotions which tend to be more watery; the oil moisturizes and protects the epidermis better.
- Choose a fragrance-free product and make sure it doesn't get into your eyes as you rub it.
- Apply it whenever you feel dry skin; Using it after showering or after washing your face, you get the best benefits. Moisturizing products soften the skin helping it to heal and preventing acute phases.
Step 3. Use a corticosteroid cream
It is one of the most effective treatments for atopic dermatitis which brings it back into the dormant phase.
- However, the application of corticosteroids near the eyes is a problem; the skin in this area is rather thin, and prolonged use of this class of drugs can therefore be more dangerous. You should seek advice from your dermatologist before applying cortisone around the eyes and not exceed two weeks of treatment (or less).
- Be careful that the cortisone cream does not get into your eyes while you spread it.
Step 4. Learn about oral antibiotics
Sometimes, they are used when a dermatitis-related infection develops. Since the area around the eyes is very delicate, if eczema affects this area, your dermatologist may prescribe it for you.
Part 3 of 3: Managing the Acute Phases
Step 1. Minimize Stress
Emotional tension can increase the frequency of outbursts, so you need to make sure you manage it. Learn techniques to calm down or to help your child calm down throughout the day.
- Identify the triggers. When the stress starts to increase, think about the possible causes; for example, if you find that the job is stressful, you can ask your manager to be able to work from home once a week.
- Try mindful breathing to calm yourself. Take moments to close your eyes and let your breath become your only thought. Concentrate on maintaining a slow, deep rhythm by thinking only of your breathing; continue in this way, until you feel more peaceful.
- Use animal sounds to meditate with your child. Ask him to take a deep breath as he raises his arms; when he lowers them to exhale, he should make a prolonged sound similar to a hissing or buzzing sound. This exercise helps him relax by slowing his breathing rate and taking his mind off stressful thoughts.
Step 2. Don't scratch yourself
This behavior only makes the situation worse. When eczema affects the eye area, the friction with the nails makes the skin swollen, red and edematous.
- By rubbing your eyes, you risk removing part of the eyebrows and eyelashes.
- If you or your child unknowingly rubs each other while sleeping, wear gloves or cut your nails to minimize the problem.
Step 3. Take an antihistamine
Over-the-counter allergy medications, such as loratadine and fexofenadine, help control the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Since this disease is related to other allergic reactions, such as hay fever, antihistamines should provide relief, especially for itching.
- Follow the instructions of the drug you have chosen. Most antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness should be taken once a day; treatment begins when an acute phase occurs.
- However, if you have difficulty sleeping due to the discomfort of eczema, it is worth taking an antihistamine that causes sleepiness just before bed.
Step 4. Identify allergens and irritants
These substances contribute to dermatological outbreaks, so try to isolate and recognize them, gradually changing the products you use until you find the one that bothers you. When you are suffering from an acute phase, you shouldn't wear makeup.
The face and the eye area are particularly problematic areas because they are treated with several products, especially by women; sun creams, cosmetics, soaps and perfumes can all be triggers
Step 5. Avoid certain foods
Although food allergies manifest themselves in a very specific way (they cause an immediate reaction), some foods contribute to the development of acute phases of atopic dermatitis; for example, cow's milk and dried fruit are known triggers. If you are breastfeeding a baby suffering from this skin condition, do not eat the nuts, otherwise you can transfer the allergens through the milk.
Food allergies are also capable of triggering the disorder. If you are concerned that what you eat is contributing to making you sick, keep a food diary to identify cause-and-effect relationships
Step 6. Choose a very moisturizing soap
When washing your face, opt for a cleanser with a high fat content instead of a product that tends to dry the skin, also remember that it must be fragrance-free.
Stay away from antibacterial soaps, as they tend to dry out the skin; do not even choose those that contain alpha-hydroxy acids, because they dehydrate it. Buy cleaners labeled "mild" and "fragrance-free"
Step 7. Protect your skin from the sun and intense heat
This means not taking very hot showers, not going to areas with hot climates and not exposing yourself to direct sunlight.
- Use lukewarm water to wash your face and take a shower; avoid the very hot one because it irritates the already suffering epidermis.
- Don't spend too much time in areas with a very hot climate; these weather conditions can easily irritate the skin and trigger an inflammatory reaction.
