Eczema is a term for several skin problems. However, the type of eczema that appears around the eyes is usually atopic dermatitis. This problem more often appears around the baby's eyes. In fact, this skin problem is most often experienced by infants and children. However, regardless of your age, atopic dermatitis around the eyes is still possible so you need a way to treat it.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Understanding Atopic Dermatitis
Step 1. Understand the basics
Atopic dermatitis is the most common skin problem in childhood. This skin problem is associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma. This means that if you have one of these diseases, you are at greater risk of developing another.
Atopic dermatitis is a form of immune response. The body has difficulty recognizing an irritant so that it overreacts and causes inflammation of the skin
Step 2. Recognize the symptoms
You may find small bumps that are red and itchy. You may also find itchy patches of skin that are reddish or brown in color.
In addition, bumps on the skin may ooze fluid. Your skin may also be dry and scaly
Step 3. Know the occurrence of eczema
Atopic dermatitis can appear and gradually improve. When the symptoms worsen, it means that the eczema attack is relapsing. However, you may also not experience any symptoms for a long time.
Step 4. Understand the spread of eczema
This disease is not contagious. This means that you will not be "infected" with the disease by coming into contact with the sufferer. However, this disease can be passed down genetically from parents to children.
Step 5. Know the impact of atopic dermatitis on vision
This disease can cause vision problems. If you suspect that your vision is impaired due to an attack of eczema, talk to your doctor about this matter.
One of the effects of atopic dermatitis is redness and swelling of the skin around the eyes, making it difficult to see. In addition, even if treated, this disease is also associated with a higher incidence of cataracts and sudden retinal detachment
Part 2 of 3: Overcoming Eczema Around the Eyes
Step 1. Place an ice pack or cold pack around the eyes
Giving cold temperatures can temporarily numb the nerve endings, thereby relieving itching, soothing the skin, and reducing the urge to scratch. Cold compresses also help exfoliate dead skin cells, thereby smoothing and speeding up recovery.
- Put cold water in a bowl along with a little bath oil. If you want it to be even cooler, add a little ice to it.
- Wet a tissue or clean washcloth with water. Apply the tissue or washcloth to the itchy area on your face for about 5 minutes.
Step 2. Apply moisturizer to your face
Creams or ointments are the best choices because they have a higher oil content than lotions, which are more watery. This oil content will protect and moisturize the skin better.
- Opt for a fragrance-free cream, and be sure to keep it away from your eyes.
- Apply moisturizer whenever your skin feels dry, especially after showering or washing your face. This moisturizer will soften the skin and help heal while preventing eczema attacks.
Step 3. Use a corticosteroid cream
One of the most effective treatments for atopic dermatitis is corticosteroid cream, which can relieve eczema attacks.
- However, this treatment is difficult to use if the eczema is located near the eyes. The skin in this section is not as thick as the other parts. So, long-term use of corticosteroids can be harmful. You should first consult with your doctor before using the cream near your eyes, and limit its use to 2 weeks or less.
- Try to keep the corticosteroid cream away from your eyes while using it.
Step 4. Ask about oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are sometimes used if you have an infection due to dermatitis. The area around the eyes is more sensitive. So, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have dermatitis in one or both eyes.
Part 3 of 3: Controlling Eczema's Attack
Step 1. Control your stress level
Stress can increase eczema attacks. So, try to control it. Learn techniques that can keep you or your child calmer throughout the day.
- Identify the trigger. When your stress level is high, remember what triggered it. Take note of what makes you feel anxious or restless, and imagine what you can do to reduce the stress of dealing with it. For example, if work is stressful for you, try asking your boss to work from home once a week.
- Try breathing consciously to win yourself over. Take some time to close your eyes. Let the breath be the focus of your mind. Focus on slow, deep breaths. Just think about your breath. Keep focusing until you feel calm.
- Try using animal sounds to help your child meditate. Ask the child to breathe deeply while raising his hand. When you lower your hand, ask him to make a hissing or buzzing sound. This exercise will help them slow down their breath and take their mind off the stressors.
Step 2. Avoid scratching
Scratching will only make the rash worse. In fact, when eczema attacks around the eyes, scratching can actually cause swelling, also making the skin red and swollen.
- Scratching can also make your eyebrows or eyelashes pluck.
- If you or your child scratch at night, try wearing gloves or trimming their nails to reduce this.
Step 3. Use an antihistamine
Over-the-counter antihistamines such as loratadine and fexofenadine can help control the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. This disease is associated with other allergic reactions such as allergic rhinitis. So, antihistamines can relieve this problem, especially the itching sensation.
- Follow the instructions for using the antihistamine you choose. Most antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness can be taken once a day. Start using this drug at the time of flare-ups of eczema.
- However, if you have trouble sleeping due to eczema, an antihistamine that causes drowsiness may be helpful at night.
Step 4. Identify allergens and irritants
Allergens and irritants play a role in causing eczema attacks. Try to stay away from the trigger for this problem by gradually changing the product and determining the cause. While you have an eczema attack, it's best to stop using makeup altogether.
The face and eyes are especially vulnerable because of the many products used there, especially on women. Sunscreen, makeup, soap, and fragrance can all cause an eczema attack
Step 5. Avoid certain foods
Although food allergies have a specific definition (causing an immediate reaction), food may also play a role in eczema attacks. For example, cow's milk and nuts may play a role in causing eczema attacks. If you are breastfeeding a child who has eczema, avoid eating nuts because they can be carried in the breast milk consumed by the child.
Food allergies can also cause eczema attacks. If you suspect certain foods are affecting your dermatitis, start recording what you eat to monitor it
Step 6. Choose a soap with extra moisturizing content
When cleaning your face, use a soap that has a high fat content, not a drying soap. In addition, also choose soap that does not contain fragrance ingredients.
Avoid using antibacterial soaps as they can dry out your skin. Also, avoid soaps that contain alpha hydroxy acids because they can lift skin moisture. Look for a moisturizer that is labeled gentle and "fragrance-free"
Step 7. Keep skin away from direct sunlight and extreme heat
This applies to everything from hot water in the shower to direct sunlight and hot weather.
- Use lukewarm water to shower or clean your face. Avoid using hot water which can irritate sensitive skin.
- Don't spend too long in hot weather, as hot temperatures can easily irritate the skin and make the inflammation worse.
