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What Causes Dryness And Redness Around The Eyes?
Question: Hello,
I have been having skin dryness and redness on my eyelids and area around eyes. I was prescribed tacrolimus ointment which gave me some relief but it didnt make the redness go away. I am in Canada right now and have been in snowy weather for first time. I believe my problem has not been diagnosed properly is it eczema or allergy something more serious. After using tacrolimus one doctor prescribed hydrocortisone..after applying that i get some serious dryness and blackish spots on lips.
I have been having skin dryness and redness on my eyelids and area around eyes. I was prescribed tacrolimus ointment which gave me some relief but it didnt make the redness go away. I am in Canada right now and have been in snowy weather for first time. I believe my problem has not been diagnosed properly is it eczema or allergy something more serious. After using tacrolimus one doctor prescribed hydrocortisone..after applying that i get some serious dryness and blackish spots on lips.
Brief Answer:
Eyelid dermatitis; Need to use a moderately potent topical steroid cream
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.
I am dr. kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have viewed the Image.
You seem to have developed eyelid dermatitis, probably contact or irritant in nature, either to creams or soap or may be to environmental allergen e.g pollen. Cold, dry weather has certainly led to this predisposition to develop eyelid dermatitis.
If I was the treating doctor I would have chosen to prescribe you a moderately potent topical steroid cream e.g either fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream Or betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream, twice daily for a week.
Hydrocortisone is a very mild steroid and is unlikely to be very effective.
Tacrolimus ointment too would be less effective for a full fledged dermatitis.
Regards
Eyelid dermatitis; Need to use a moderately potent topical steroid cream
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.
I am dr. kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have viewed the Image.
You seem to have developed eyelid dermatitis, probably contact or irritant in nature, either to creams or soap or may be to environmental allergen e.g pollen. Cold, dry weather has certainly led to this predisposition to develop eyelid dermatitis.
If I was the treating doctor I would have chosen to prescribe you a moderately potent topical steroid cream e.g either fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream Or betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream, twice daily for a week.
Hydrocortisone is a very mild steroid and is unlikely to be very effective.
Tacrolimus ointment too would be less effective for a full fledged dermatitis.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Dear Dr. Kakkar,
thank you for the reply to my question. My doctor here in Canada has prescribed Pimecrolimus cream 1% for 2 weeks. I wanted to know:
1. Is there a difference between atopic dermatitis and eyelid contact dermatitis?
2. I believe this cream is also without steroids, Is this more potent than tacrolimus or just a different sort of cream?
As, I cannot go to dermatologist directly here without referral, I would have to continue with treatment as given by doctor. I wanted to know whether applying different creams can also have a harmful effect?
thank you for the reply to my question. My doctor here in Canada has prescribed Pimecrolimus cream 1% for 2 weeks. I wanted to know:
1. Is there a difference between atopic dermatitis and eyelid contact dermatitis?
2. I believe this cream is also without steroids, Is this more potent than tacrolimus or just a different sort of cream?
As, I cannot go to dermatologist directly here without referral, I would have to continue with treatment as given by doctor. I wanted to know whether applying different creams can also have a harmful effect?
Brief Answer:
Regarding your rash on eyelid
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Yes, atopic dermatitis and eyelid contact dermatitis are two different conditions. Though contact dermatitis is usually localized to the site of allergen contact, atopic dermatitis can have other areas of involvement. However, the presentation is almost similar in both these conditions i.e redness, itching, scaling etc.
Pimecrolimus cream is a non steroidal preparation. It belongs to the same class as tacrolimus. It is less potent than tacrolimus.
Though both tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are safe for use they are less effective when the dermatitis is full blown. They are more effective when the skin involvement is milder.
A topical moderately potent steroid cream for a week or so is what I would suggest for you. Later you may switch to less potent tacrolimus or pimecrolimus.
Regards
Regarding your rash on eyelid
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Yes, atopic dermatitis and eyelid contact dermatitis are two different conditions. Though contact dermatitis is usually localized to the site of allergen contact, atopic dermatitis can have other areas of involvement. However, the presentation is almost similar in both these conditions i.e redness, itching, scaling etc.
Pimecrolimus cream is a non steroidal preparation. It belongs to the same class as tacrolimus. It is less potent than tacrolimus.
Though both tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are safe for use they are less effective when the dermatitis is full blown. They are more effective when the skin involvement is milder.
A topical moderately potent steroid cream for a week or so is what I would suggest for you. Later you may switch to less potent tacrolimus or pimecrolimus.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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