There are times when we’ve all experienced that itch that we just can’t reach. However, it’s an entirely different battle when we’re constantly itching. In the U.S., a whopping 31 million people experience some form or another of eczema. The skin condition especially affects Black people. Due to health disparities and lack of access to effective treatments, Black patients are often put at a disadvantage.
Furthermore, the skin condition can pretty much show up on any part of the body, including our eyelids. Mayo Clinic reports that eyelid eczema or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that stems from a problem with the skin’s protective barrier. If patients have this skin disease, the top layer of their skin isn’t retaining enough moisture. Not only that, but it also doesn’t have a protective barrier that fights against irritants and allergens from pollen, our soaps, makeup, and even the laundry detergent we use. Making matters worse, those already living with eczema usually end up developing eyelid eczema. Unfortunately, the disease doesn’t stay in one place. Fortunately, there are ways to tell if we have the skin condition and the best way to treat it.
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Three Ways We Can Tell We Have Eyelid Eczema
Though, it can be difficult to tell apart just regular itchy eyes from Eyelid Eczema. There are three ways to tell if a person has atopic dermatitis on their eyelids.
1. Inflamed Skin
Mainly, white patients experience dry, itchy or red skin. However, in darker skin, the symptoms appear a bit differently, such as in dark brown, purple, or gray patches.
The affected areas become swollen, warm, itchy, dry, or scaly. Once a flare-up passes, the affected skin could look darker or lighter than the surrounding area. Though, patients with eyelid eczema may experience inflamed or reddened skin around the eyelid.
2. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Additionally, patients with this type of eczema usually experience a relatively itchy and inflamed scalp. However, this condition can often carry over to other parts of the body, such as the eyebrows and eyelids. People with seborrheic dermatitis will notice scaly patches, inflamed skin, and flaking.
According to the Mayo Clinic, health experts have linked the disease to an overgrowth of a yeast infection. Others believe that it may be caused by the result of a comprised immune system.
3. Contact dermatitis
Another way patients will know if they have eyelid eczema is if they contracted contact dermatitis. Typically, this form of eczema occurs when the skin reacts to an irritant or an allergen that comes into contact with the eyes. Anything from skin products to detergents to makeup can trigger extreme eye irritation.
When We Need Relief Fast
Treating a health problem sometimes takes a little trial and error. However, once a patient