Common Skin Conditions Around The Eyes
Eyelid Contact Dermatitis
Eyelids cosmetics and cleansers are usually used on the eyelids
or eyelashes. These can cause an irritant or allergic reaction in patients
sensitive to such cosmetics and cleansers. Patients will complain
of itching, burning and redness. Signs of contact dermatitis include
blistering, redness and scaliness. If an allergy is suspected a patch test
can be done to confirm an allergy and to ascertain the causative cosmetic
or chemical responsible. Avoidance of the cosmetic will cure the
condition.
Eye drops, contact lens and medicaments may also cause eyelid contact
dermatitis. If you have eyelid dermatitis you should consult your doctor
who will prescribe some creams and refer you to a dermatologist for
allergy test if necessary.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis is a genetic skin disorder. Patients with
atopic dermatitis often have eyelid involvement· The skin may be red,
scaly and sometimes oozing. Itch is common.
Sometimes the eye lining and eyelids are also affected in atopic
dermatitis and a sore eye may result. There is watery eye discharge and
patients may find their eyes sensitive to light. If the eyelid or eye
itself is affected your doctor will prescribe some eyedrops and creams for
you. Creams will help.
Many patients are also allergic to housedust. Housedust may aggravate
their eye inflammation·
Bacterial Skin Infection (Impetigo or
Conjunctivitis)
Like skin elsewhere, the eyelids can be infected by bacteria.
The eye will show a thick, sticky yellow discharge and the eyelids may be
red with yellow crusts. Impetigo is most commonly seen in
children. Good hygiene and antibiotics are needed to clear bacterial
infection.
Xanthelasma
These are flat to slightly raised yellowish plaques on the upper
and lower eyelids. They are associated with high blood cholesterol
or triglycerides level in about 20% of people with this condition.
Sometimes there will be a family history of similar problem. The
xanthelasma can be excised surgically or by laser or chemical treatment.
Such lesions may recur. Patients with high cholesterol or trijlyceride
should have their lipid level controlled before surgery.
Syringoma
These are tiny skin coloured growths on the eyelids.
Several family members may have the same lesions. These growths are
harmless. They are enlarged, under developed sweat glands. Syringomas
usually appear during adolescent and adulthood. Most people choose to
leave these skin growths alone. These can be removed surgically by laser
or excision for cosmetic reason.
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Skin Tags
Skin
Tags Small outgrowths of skin can be seen around the eyes and the eyelids
in some individuals. Similar skin outgrowths are often seen on the
neck and chest. These growths are skin coloured and harmless. Treatment is
not necessary but they can be easily removed surgically for cosmetic
reason.
Milia
These are small white or yellowish white skin growths often seen
on the eyelids or temple. They are very small and resemble millet
seeds. They can be removed surgically for cosmetic reasons.They represent
obstructed sweat ducts.
Dark Rings Round The Eyes
Darkened pigmentation of the eyelids are common in many dark
skin individuals. In many cases the darkening seems to vary with
stress or lack of sleep. This condition is benign and may be inherited or
constitutional. It is not a sign of any illness. Treatment is unnecessary.
There is no effective treatment against the condition.
Naevus of Ota
This
is a birthmark that occurs at birth or shortly after birth as a patch of
blue black discolouration on one cheek, temple and eyelids.
Usually one side of the face is affected although occasionally both sides
of the {ace may be blue, black discolouration is present on the white of
the eye. The pigmentation of Naevus of Ota can be reduced by pigment laser
surgery. Patients will require multiple treatments at 2-3 monthly
interval. Only the pigmentation on the skin can be treated.
Strawberry Naevus
These are vascular birthmarks. It can appear as a large
red soft growth on the eyelids. The growth will continue to enlarge and
grow as the baby grows old but the growth will slowly regress
spontaneously when the child is 3-4 years old. If the vascular growths are
small, they can be left alone to await spontaneous regression. If large
and encroaching on the eyelid, vision may be affected. They should then
receive treatment. Treatment options include oral medication, injections
and laser ablation.
Portwine Stain
There is another vascular birthmark. They present as flat red
patches on the eyelids and the skin of the cheek at birth. Unlike
strawberry naevus, portwine stains never disappear spontaneously as the
child grows older. The vascular birthmarks increase in thickness and small
blebs of blood vessels may be seen. These growths do not regress on their
own and treatment is necessary. Most portwine stains respond to the
vascular laser. Patients will need multiple laser treatments at 3 monthly
intervals to achieve optimal result.
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