Different factors can lead to skin irritations or rashes developing around your eyes. And although you may feel the need to self-diagnose, it might be better to see your medical physician, who will offer a detailed examination of the affected eye.
Itchy eyes, watery or teary eyes, eye redness, pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity are common symptoms. Thus, the source of your eye irritation may depend on the specific symptoms you may be experiencing.
So, if you have experienced any feeling of being bothered in your eyes and surrounding areas, it may be beneficial to search for common causes.
To give you a glimpse of what may have led to your skin being irritated around your eyes, this article will help shed some light.
- Irritants
There are a lot of elements found in your environment that can irritate your eyes once you get exposed to them. And some of these exposures may be accidental, mainly if it includes smoke, dust, particles, or chemical vapors.
Once exposed to these irritants, you will experience a grainy sensation in your eyes accompanied by red or watery based on the element. Some irritants can cause permanent damage or burns to your eyes in the worst-case scenario.
As a result, it’s vital to ensure that the duration of exposure to your eyes is limited. If you find out that your eyes are exposed to an irritant, begin by rinsing the affected eye or eyes using normal temperature water for fifteen to twenty minutes.
A great way of soothing irritated skin around eyes is water. However, if the symptoms don’t go away after you are done rinsing, it may be vital to seek medical attention.
- Medical Conditions
Some skin irritations around the eyes may be caused by some medical conditions that may be recurring. One medical condition may include Eczema, in which patches of skin become rough, cracked, inflamed, and itchy.
However, several types of Eczema, including atopic dermatitis, may develop on different body parts, including the face and around the eyes. Another medical condition may include seborrheic blepharitis, which occurs due to an overgrowth that’s a type of yeast.
Another chronic condition may include psoriasis, which occurs once the body produces skin cells quickly. These medical conditions, amongst others, should be diagnosed by a qualified physician who will confirm which type it is.
- Dry Eyes
Dry eyes occur once the quantity or quality of tears reduces enough not to keep your eyes moist. And the glands that are supposed to secrete tears, keep your eyes moist, and lubricate are located near your eyes.
You may feel irritated when experiencing dry eyes, making your eyes dry and scratchy. If it’s a mild dry eye, it can easily be treated with over-the-counter medications that may resemble artificial tears.
However, if it’s more severe, you may require dry eye medications. And to prevent dry eyes, you may need to make lifestyle changes that may include quitting smoking or wearing sunglasses.
- Allergies
For some people, irritants may disturb the membrane of their eyes. And some of the things that can cause eye irritation include pollen, molds, mites, and dust. To know if you are exposed, you may experience these factors again.
If you experience any eye allergies, you can get relief by getting over-the-counter pills or eye drops. However, if you encounter extended indications of allergies, think about getting a prescription medication or allergy shots recommendation from your doctor.
- Presence Of Styes
If you notice a painful mass that causes eye irritation and is located next to your eye, it may be Styes. This pimple-looking mass is filled with pus which may lead to inflammation around your eyelids and causes a lot of pain.
If you have styes, eyefacts.com suggests using warm compresses on them as it’ll make them disappear on their own. However, if the styles don’t go away on their own, consider getting it treated with either antibiotics or surgery that’s vital in draining all the pus left inside. However, if the styles don’t go away on their own, consider getting it treated with either antibiotics or surgery that’s vital in draining all the pus left inside.
- Foreign Objects
The air contains many foreign materials that can irritate your eyes once exposed to them. And these objects tend to range in size, with some being extremely small to others being big.
Depending on the object’s material, great damage can be done, and as a result, you may need to seek immediate medical attention. During the medical examination, expect a professional to locate the object in your eye by shining a light directly into it.
In most instances, the treatment may involve the removal of the object, depending on the type. And since some objects may lead to contamination, an infection may develop, and you should expect the doctor to prescribe some antibiotics.
In addition, you may have the doctor check your cornea to ensure it isn’t scratched to avoid future complications using a special dye.
- Infections
Bacteria, fungus, and other elements may lead to eye irritation. And if you experience discharge of pus or mucus, crusted eyelids, and the constant need to rub your eyes, then your eye may be affected by infections.
Keep in mind that these infections occur differently, with viral ones being the easiest to resolve, thanks to their mildness. But for bacterial infections, a stronger cause of medications is antibiotics may clear it.
As for fungal infections, antifungal medication is administered through an eye drop, a pill, or direct injection into the eye, depending on its severity.
- Blocked Tear Duct
Your tears need to be drained and reabsorbed, and a blocked tear duct can stop that process, thus leading to irritation. And if you observe a vital indication that may include repeated eye infections, pain on the edges of your eyes, and crusted eyelids, then chances are you have a blocked tear duct.
When seeking treatment, expect tears to be drained from your eyes using a small tube to clear the pathways. However, if this method doesn’t work, you may need surgery to clear the passageway.
Bottom Line
Skin irritations around the eyes can be caused by several factors that may be solved by treatments depending on severity. As a result, knowing the causes will help you narrow down and understand what you are dealing with.
Once you get skin irritations around the eyes, take steps to wash with room temperature water. And if the pain persists, consider consulting your doctor for further treatments.
