Eyelid Disorders—Eczema

Also called: Dermatitis

Eczema is a term for several different types of skin swelling. Eczema is also called dermatitis. Most types cause dry, itchy skin and rashes on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. Scratching the skin can cause it to turn red, and to swell and itch even more.

Eczema is not contagious. The cause is not known. It is likely caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Eczema may get better or worse over time, but it is often a long-lasting disease. People who have it may also develop hay fever and asthma.

The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. It is most common in babies and children but adults can have it too. As children who have atopic dermatitis grow older, this problem may get better or go away. But sometimes the skin may stay dry and get irritated easily.

Treatments may include medicines, skin creams, light therapy, and good skin care. You can prevent some types of eczema by avoiding

• Things that irritate your skin, such as certain soaps, fabrics, and lotions
• Stress
• Things you are allergic to, such as food, pollen, and animals

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

• Atopic dermatitis – children – homecare (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Atopic dermatitis — self-care (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Atopic eczema (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Dyshidrotic eczema (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Nummular eczema (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Seborrheic dermatitis (Medical Encyclopedia)

Your eyelids help protect your eyes. When you blink, your eyelids spread moisture over your eyes. Blinking also helps move dirt or other particles off the surface of the eye. You close your eyelids when you see something coming toward your eyes. This can help protect against injuries.

Like most other parts of your body, your eyelids can get infected, inflamed, or even develop cancer. There are also specific eyelid problems, including

• Eyelids that turn in or out
• Eyelids that droop
• Abnormal blinking or twitching

Treatment of eyelid problems depends on the cause.

• Blepharitis (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Chalazion (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Ectropion (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Entropion (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Eyelid bump (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Eyelid drooping (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Eyelid lift (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Eyelid twitch (Medical Encyclopedia)