Dry, itchy skin under the eye: what to know

The thin skin below the eye can become dry after exposure to new cosmetics, cleansers, sunscreen, fragrances or frequent rubbing. Contact dermatitis may cause scaling or redness where a product touches. Allergy can bring itching and watering in both eyes; Itchy Eyes may therefore occur alongside the under-eye discomfort. Dry Eye can make the eye surface gritty or burning, while Red Eye, discharge or marked swelling may suggest a different problem. The skin and the eye surface are close but are not the same tissue.

Stop any newly introduced product near the eyes and wash with lukewarm water without scrubbing. Apply a cool, clean compress for a short period and avoid rubbing or scratching. Use a plain, fragrance-free moisturiser on the skin below the eye, keeping it out of the eye itself. Do not share eye cosmetics, and replace products that may be contaminated. If the eye feels gritty or dry, a pharmacist or clinician can advise on suitable lubricating drops.

Seek urgent assessment for eye pain, new vision change, light sensitivity, injury, severe swelling, pus-like discharge or redness that is rapidly worsening. Emergency help is needed for facial swelling with breathing difficulty. Arrange a GP Consultation when symptoms persist, recur after several products, affect one eye repeatedly, or do not improve after the suspected irritant is removed.

Ask whether the problem is mainly eyelid skin irritation, an eye-surface condition or allergy; which moisturiser or drops are safe; and whether you should stop contact lenses or cosmetics temporarily. Bring the product list and note whether symptoms affect one or both eyes.