Causes Of Rash Around The Eyes
Eye rashes can be due to various reasons. The most common ones are given below:
Allergens or irritants in skincare or beauty products Ill-fitting contact lenses Unclean eye makeup Rubber from swimming goggles or snorkeling masks Bacterial infection Dermatitis or eczema Lyme disease
If you have developed a rash around your eye, try one of the remedies listed below to soothe the rash at home. But if the condition worsens, consult a doctor immediately.
How To Get Rid Of Rash Around Eyes
1. Essential Oils
Lavender oil soothes irritation and improves circulation in the affected area (1). Castor oil and coconut oil reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected area. These oils also nourish and hydrate the skin (2), (3).
1 drop lavender essential oil 1-2 drops coconut oil OR castor oil
Do this 2 times a day.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known to reduce inflammation and irritation. It acts as an astringent when applied topically and helps regulate the skin’s pH. It also has antimicrobial properties (4), (5). These properties can help kill the bacteria causing the infection in the affected area if the rash develops due to an infection. However, there are limited scientific studies to prove that ACV can help treat rashes.
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon water Cotton ball
Repeat this 2 times a day.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known to have astringent properties. It soothes the rash and reduces inflammation (6).
1/2 teaspoon fresh aloe vera pulp Coldwater Cotton ball
Repeat this 2-3 times daily.
4. Cucumber Slices
Cucumber is another soothing remedy for eye rashes. It cools and soothes inflamed skin (7). It also hydrates the skin and nourishes it. This can, in turn, speed up the healing process.
Cucumber Coldwater
Do this 2 times a day.
5. Chamomile
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and healing compounds that soothe rashes and inflammation around the eyes (8). It is safe to use around and on the eyes. You can also use it to wash your eyes.
1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers A cup of hot water Cotton pad
Do this 1-2 times a day.
6. Cold Compress
This is the most soothing rash remedy of all as the coldness of the ice helps in reducing irritation caused by rashes. It also reduces redness and swelling (9). An ice pack You can also make an ice pack by wrapping a few ice cubes in a clean cotton towel. Do this 2 times a day.
7. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel possesses astringent and anti-inflammatory properties (10). These properties can help in reducing swelling and soothing the rash.
Witch hazel solution Cotton ball
Dip a cotton ball in the witch hazel and dab gently around the eyes. Apply this 2-3 times in a day.
8. Frozen Peas
Frozen peas or ice can help to reduce swelling by constricting blood flow in the local blood vessels (11).
Frozen peas packet A soft towel
Wrap the frozen bag in a towel and place it on the eye for 10 minutes. Do this 2 times a day.
9. Rose Water
Rosewater helps in soothing rashes around the eyes. It has been used traditionally as a toner that stimulates blood flow and heals rashes and scars (12). Scientific studies show that rose petal extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that may help fight rashes (13).
Rosewater Cotton ball
You can repeat this 2-3 times a day.
10. Potato
Potato has anti-inflammatory properties (14). These properties may help reduce pain and soothe irritation. The mild bleaching properties of potato can reduce dark circles (15). Potato Cut a thick slice of potato and place it on the rash for 10-15 minutes. You can prepare a poultice with grated potato instead of directly placing a slice on your eyes. Do this 2-3 times a day.
11. Saline Solution
Saline solution (or artificial tears) helps to clean the eyes and is an ideal remedy when the rash is due to an eye infection. The solution will wash away impurities and pathogens from the eyes. Saline solution (for eyes) Pour 2-3 drops of the solution in the affected eye. Do this every morning and evening.
12. Humidifier
In case the rash is due to eczema, a humidifier will prove to be a life-saver for you (16). Dry weather conditions can aggravate eczema rashes. A humidifier helps in maintaining the moisture in the air. This will keep the skin more hydrated and reduce itching and irritation at the site of the eczema rash. Apart from these home remedies, it is necessary to follow simple hygienic routines to keep your eyes and the skin around them rash-free. Here are some prevention tips.
Prevention Tips
The best thing you can do to avoid eye rashes is to maintain hygiene. Discard old eye makeup products, like eyeliners, mascara, and eyeshadow, past their expiry or ‘use by’ date. If you wear contact lenses, clean them thoroughly every day. Doctors recommend changing the solution used to clean the contact lenses every day. Apply skin moisturizer around the eyes with your ring finger (as it has the least pressure) every night before going to sleep. Before using any new makeup or skincare products, do a patch test on your hand. This will give you clarity about the suitability of the product for your skin. Do this without fail before using any product on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Stay away from areas with potential allergens, such as gardens, parks, and swimming pools.
Is a rash around the eyes serious? Check out the below infographic to learn which are the top 6 remedies to soothe eye rashes. A rash around the eyes can get serious because of the sensitive organ present next to it. If the rash extends to the eyeball, causing issues with vision, it can lead to serious complications. When should I see the doctor? If the rash is obstructing your vision or has started bleeding, consult your physician immediately. Also, if any of the home remedies have failed to work even after using them for a few days, it’s time to pay ophthalmologist a visit for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Is Vaseline good for eyelid dermatitis? Yes. Vaseline or petroleum jelly can help deal with dry, flaky skin associated with eyelid dermatitis. It is packed with hydrating properties that can soothe sensitive skin. Can I put hydrocortisone cream near my eye? You may do so only under the prescription and guidance of your healthcare provider. Eyelid skin is thinner and more sensitive than facial skin. Thus, only mild topical steroid cream containing 0.5-1% hydrocortisone should be used. How long does it take for eyelid dermatitis to heal? A full recovery from eyelid dermatitis takes around 4 days of treatment. Is eyelid dermatitis contagious? No, it is usually caused due to irritants and not a contagious agent.
