Whether you have a preexisting skin condition or not, it is very likely that you will get some redness around the eyes. The creams and serums that you put around your eyes might be having an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in those products. If you use contact lenses, be careful about the size of the lenses, as well as the maintenance procedures you have to take. Wearing the wrong size of lenses can irritate the skin around eyes.
Redness around eyes Skin Symptoms
The symptoms for skin redness around the eyes, not matter what the diagnosis, is actually quite similar. These may include:
- A burning sensation around the eyes,
- appearance of some rashes and patches,
- an itching sensation in the area,
- Dryness dry eyeballs.
The first thing that you must remember is to avoid scratching and rubbing the area as this might only aggravate the situation. Dryness of the eyeballs may cause people to rub the eyes, which can lead to irritation around the eyes. Make sure to have eye drops in your handbag so you can keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day.
Redness around Eyes Causes
Redness around eyes is a problem for anyone but who wants it. This problem could be deprivation of sleep, dermatitis, allergic reactions, and infections among many other trigger factors. Here will focus on causes, symptoms and signs likely to occur, how to reduce and treat redness around eye and eyelids.
Eczema
This can also be referred to as dermatitis. To begin, dermatitis refers to a group of skin conditions. If you had no idea of facial eczema then believe it is quite common.
Atopic dermatitis – it is one of the types of eczema whose symptoms are long-lasting and chronic. This type of dermatitis or eczema occurs in various forms with an inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.
The exact causes are unknown but Dermatologists believe that it is a combination of genetic or hereditary and environmental triggers including climatic or weather changes. As per research, this condition is characteristic of extreme itching. It is thus due to the itching that its victims end up with swelling, cracking and crusting characterized by a scaly skin and redness around eyes.
Atopic dermatitis can affect anyone regardless of gender, sex or age but is more common during childhood or infancy. Symptoms common to this type of eczema include the following although may vary from one individual to another.
- Itching and dry and scaly looking skin around eyes and even on eyelids,
- Scratching and rubbing as individuals try to relieve of itchiness
- Rashes on face elbows, behind the knees, hands and feet,
- Redness due to inflammation,
- Small raised bumps,
- Leaking fluid or ‘weeping skin’
Redness and dryness is also common in dermatitis round eyes, on eyelids, eyelashes and under eyes because of the same scratching and rubbing.
Contact dermatitis – Unlike atopic dermatitis, contact eczema occurs when the skin is directly exposed to a skin irritant or allergy triggering agent. This type of eczema is associated with any substance that produces a reaction when it comes into contact with skin. Common examples of skin irritants include emollients, bad facial or eye beauty products like eyeliners, mascara, etc.
In reaction to these substances some individuals develop a skin rash around eyes or wherever the allergy triggered reaction occurs. Symptoms of contact dermatitis or eczema include: red patches, burning around eyes, dryness, crusting and sometimes blistering skin.
Lyme disease
This is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria found in and transmitted by some species of blacklegged ticks. Lyme disease is characterized by a rash that forms a red bulls-eye pattern on areas of the tick bites. In some individuals the rash can spread to different areas of the body apart from the affected redness around eyes. The rash sometimes clears in the center leaving a red patchy ring.
Other symptoms experienced are fever, headaches, chills and fatigue but these should not be concluded to be flu disease. As per to Mayo Clinic if this disease is not treated after biting, the rash will spread and lead to serious complication, for instance, arthritis, joint problems and neurological diseases such as meningitis.
Reactions from certain medicines
Reactions resulting from medicines can be viewed as a form of allergic reaction to that specific drug or medication given via injections or taken orally. What happens is that, the immune system develops sensitization when it comes into contact with the allergy causing drug. Any further exposure to the drugs is what triggers the allergic reactions.
Normally, the reactions are side effects from use of such drugs which results in skin developing a rash. People with a susceptible immune system sensitive to the named drugs are likely to develop redness around eyes with bumpy skin rash. In some people it may be itchy and painful while others it may not. In some cases, people may get skin hives.
Vascular effects of alcohol abuse
Do you have any effects on your facial vascular (blood vessel) system? Abuse of alcohol has far reaching health effects besides the impacts it can have on one’s career and family personal life. One of the effects of chronic alcohol abuse is telangiectasia which is characterized by a persistent red face and prominent cutaneous blood vessels.
This symptom is attributed to Sulfur dioxide used in preservation of alcohol beverages. Some wines may also have histamines and tannins that are behind the reddening of face.
Facial redness is also common in polymorphism – people with a deficient Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) which plays a role in metabolism of ethanol.
Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis (AKC)
Do you get red hardened and swollen redness under eyes especially the eyelid lining? This condition may be the cause. Generally, Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis is a genetic condition where your immune system produces higher than normal antibodies in response to a given allergen, as per research findings.
The condition can also lead to sensitivity to light, tearing and burning in eyes but does not mean that it is conjunctivitis. In severe scratching or itching the eye may get damaged.
Allergic or contact conjunctivitis
Another possible cause of redness around eyes is allergic conjunctivitis. Both forms of allergies can make the eyes inflamed or result in reddening of the eyelids. Due to inflammation the eyelids may also become swollen and ignite a burning sensation. Other symptoms experienced include itchiness inside eyes/eyelids, red sore eyelids, gritty, etc. Either one eye or both are affected and the symptoms may develop to severity.
Other causes
Other causes and trigger factors of dry skin under or redness around eyes or eyelids are:
- Hay fever
- Exposure to direct sun
- Injuries or trauma
- Excessive or chronic stress
- Some viral infections such as herpes
Red Skin around Eyes
What does it mean if you experience redness and dryness around the eyes? Including the above factors, red dry skin around eyes could indicate contact dermatitis – cosmetics, eye make-up, eyeliner, mascara, make-up remover tools, certain fabrics, – excessive exposure to sun, facial psoriasis among other conditions.
Redness around Eyes Baby or Child
Redness around eyes is not only a symptom in adults but also in small kids that occurs at infancy and could persist through childhood. Dermatitis, allergies reactions to medications among other reasons are responsible. Although atopic dermatitis is uncommon around the eyes in children, typical areas affected include behind the knees, around the neck, mouth, on wrist and ankles.
Contact dermatitis is the most common eczema in children. Allergies are also more rampant in children and newborn babies. Contact dermatitis in toddlers results in a sudden itchy red rash after exposure. Fragrances in soaps, washes, food, certain metals, etc. are in many instances the triggers. Seasonal allergies and hay fever may also contribute.
Seborrheic dermatitis characterized by scaly and crusty patches is also common in children.
Another cause is blepharitis. Symptoms produced depend on the cause. However, symptoms observed ion children include crusting on eyelids, red and swollen eyelids, itching and excessive tearing.
Redness around Eyelids
Puffy red eyes are caused by any number of issues, ranging from too little sleep to too much crying. Allergies, excessive salt consumption or a variety of medical conditions can cause the unsightly bumps under the eyes that make you develop redness around eyes. When common home remedies don’t alleviate the red puffiness on your eyes, you should consult a physician to make sure you don’t have a more serious disease that could lead to complications.
Fluid Retention
Most women are familiar with fluid retention, a phenomenon that occurs most every month during the menstrual cycle. Fluctuating hormones, whether as a result of menses or menopause, can cause redness around eyes, especially upon waking in the morning. Pregnant women whose hormones are in a constant state of flux often experience puffy eyes for no apparent reason. Fluid retention, also called edema, also is common to many people sensitive to salt intake.
Insect Bites
You can get bitten by an insect and not realize it until your eye begins to swell and becomes red and itchy. If you are not allergic to insect bites, the puffiness usually abates within a day or two. Redness and puffiness from an insect bite should be monitored and watched for infection according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
If a stinger is present, it should be removed. If the puffiness does not go away within three days, you should seek medical help. See a doctor if the redness around eyes and puffiness is accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, fainting or swelling on other areas of the face.
Crying
The emotional stress usually present when you cry causes blood to rush to your eyes, leaving them puffy and red. The eyes become strained after prolonged crying and become puffy from the exertion. Rubbing and dabbing at the sensitive skin around the eyes also causes irritation, leading to additional swelling and discoloration.
Red Blotches under Eyes
The skin around your eyes is believed to be thinner and more fragile as compared to skin on other parts of your face. It therefore has to bear a major proportion of the brunt of all the stress and strain that your eyes are subjected to. Moreover, your eyes are probably the most attractive feature on your face and any redness or swelling around it becomes easily noticeable.
The intensity of red circles around eyes may vary depending on the skin complexion. Red blotches under eyes occur equally amongst men and women as well as adults and children.
The symptoms of red blotches around eyes depend on the underlying cause. Redness around eyes may sometimes be accompanied with pain and inflammation. If the dark circles around your eyes are very intense, it is advisable to visit an ophthalmologist to rule out any serious underlying medical condition.
Rash under one Eye
There are many things that can cause a rash around the eye. It is important to know where the rash is and what it looks like. For these reasons, it is important to have a new bothersome rash or one that has not been going away to be evaluated by a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In addition, it is important to know whether the rash is itchy or painful and if the rash is present elsewhere on the body. A common rash that can appear around one or both eyes is eczema or atopic dermatitis and it can sometimes be itchy and it can come and go. Dry, cold weather can sometimes precipitate eczema. Contact dermatitis can also present around the eyes but typically it will present in both eyes especially if the same cream or eye make-up is often used on both eyes.
Rashes of a more chronic nature on the eyelid are not typically harmful to eyesight however it is important to have it evaluated by a dermatologist. If the rash is in the eye, painful or if you experience blurry vision, it is important to be evaluated by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) as soon as possible.
How to Get Rid of Redness around Eyes
Different ways to treat redness around eyes are suggested to address specific issues. There are also different ways in which to cure the redness around the eye area, ranging from natural treatments, to more intensive and clinical treatments. At home, if you encounter some mild redness around the eye area, you can simply apply cold packs on the red areas to sooth the swelling.
Don’t share with other people, even your close friends, as this may increase the transfer of bacteria. Also, make sure to keep yourself informed about the shelf life of the makeup just check the label! Dispose the makeup as soon as it expires.
If the redness on the skin around the eye area persists and goes on for a few days, then you should see a doctor to properly diagnose what you might have.
Apart from the spot treatments that you can try at home, there are certain precautionary measures that you can take in order to avoid redness and irritation around the eyes. Always make sure that you wash the bed linens and pillowcases the failure to do so might increase the risk of bacteria transferring to your eyes while you’re sleeping.
You may wish to try some of these home remedies to get rid of the ugly redness around eyes.
Use sunscreen
As we already told you, the skin around your eyes is very fragile and you must take all sorts of precautions to protect it. So before you step out of your house, make sure that you apply a generous amount of sunscreen on your face including the skin around your eyes, irrespective of the weather.
The sunscreen you are using should be dermatologically proven safe. To protect your eyes from being exposed to the sun directly, you may use sunglasses or hats.
Drink sufficient water
Water is absolutely essential for proper functioning of the body. Dehydration may subject your body to stress. Moreover, consuming less amount of water may make your skin look dry and less hydrated. This may lead to formation of redness around eyes. It is therefore important to drink at least 3 – 4 litres of water in a day.
Exercise and Meditate
Meditation along with breathing exercises ensures proper levels of oxygen in your body. This may make you feel fresh relieved of stress. Simple exercises such as jogging and walking ensures proper blood supply to all parts of the body. This may make the dark circles around your eyes vanish eventually.
Avoid rubbing your eyes
Constantly applying pressure to the skin around your eyes may make the skin around your eyes turn red which may worsen with time. This may hold true even if you are rubbing the skin around your eyes to apply makeup. It is advisable to use a makeup brush or to gently spread the makeup using your index finger so as to avoid creating friction on the skin surrounding your eyes.
Sleep well
Your body needs good amount of rest. You should get at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every day. This will reduce your physical stress and reduce the redness and puffiness around your eyes. Make sure that you keep your head elevated using a pillow when you sleep. This will prevent retention of fluid around your eyes.
Eat a balanced diet
A balanced diet which includes a lot of green leafy vegetables, whole grains and fruits ensures that your body gets enough quantities of vitamins and other nutrients that will protect your eyes from excessive stress. Also, if you have red circles around your eyes, try to reduce your intake of salt. Excessive intake of salt may cause retention of fluid around your eyes making them look puffy and red.
Remove Makeup before going to bed
To make sure that the red circles around your eyes vanish away, make sure that you remove all your makeup before going to bed. It is important for you to know and understand that leaving makeup on your skin for a very long period of time may cause irritation and damage to your skin. Clear off the make- up using a mild cleanser.
Alternatives for men
You may also try placing chilled green or black tea bags on your eyes to get rid of the red circles around them. Tea is rich in antioxidants and caffeine which helps in shrinking the blood vessels around your eyes and in reducing the fluid retention. The tea bags should be placed on the eyes at least for 10 minutes, twice a day. This procedure should be repeated daily till the redness around your eyes is gone.
You may try applying cold compress or a teaspoon of frozen peas wrapped in a clean cloth on your eyes to reduce the puffiness and redness around them.
Quit alcohol and cigarette
In most of the cases, red bags under your eyes are not really related to any medical condition. Changing your lifestyle may help in reducing the puffiness and redness around eyes. Alcohol and cigarette are known to be toxic to your liver. Improper functioning of the liver may cause accumulation of fluid in your body. Accumulation of fluid around your eyes makes them look puffy and red. Quitting alcohol and cigarette may help in reducing the redness around eyes.
Lastly, keep your emotions under control. If you feel that the redness around your eyes has not reduced or is getting worse even after trying these home remedies, you should visit an ophthalmologist immediately to rule out the possibility any medical issues.