Cracked skin under the eyes

Under-eye cracks may feel dry, tight, itchy, sore, or flaky. Makeup, sunscreen, cleansers, eye drops, rubbing, tears, and airborne irritants can inflame this delicate skin. The skin may split when dryness and inflammation weaken its surface barrier.

Contact dermatitis is common around the eyes because products can migrate from the eyelids, fingers, or hair. Atopic dermatitis may also affect the area and cause itch. Psoriasis is possible but needs examination, especially if there are scaly patches elsewhere. Cracking with significant swelling, discharge, eye pain, or vision change should not be managed as simple dryness.

Pause new or fragranced eye products and avoid rubbing or scratching. Cleanse with lukewarm water or a very gentle fragrance-free product, keeping it out of the eye. Apply only a bland product intended for use near the eyes, in a thin layer on the surrounding skin, not on the eye surface. Do not use steroid, antibiotic, or cosmetic treatment near the eyes without professional advice.

Arrange a medical review if the cracks persist, recur, spread to the eyelids, or do not improve after stopping a suspected irritant. Seek urgent care for eye pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, marked eyelid swelling, pus, fever, or redness involving the eye itself. A clinician can separate skin inflammation from an eye problem and choose safe treatment.

Could a skincare, makeup, hair, or eye product be causing this reaction? Which moisturiser is safe around my eyes? Are my symptoms coming from the skin or the eye, and what warning signs should I watch for?