What should you know about dry skin around eyes?

The thin skin around the eyes may become tight, scaly, itchy or sore after rubbing, cold or dry air, makeup, cleanser, eye drops or skincare. Atopic Dermatitis may affect this delicate area. Psoriasis or Asteatotic Eczema can also cause dry, inflamed patches, particularly when similar changes appear elsewhere.

A rash around the eye is not the same as a problem inside the eye. Burning, discharge, light sensitivity or visual symptoms need medical assessment rather than cosmetic treatment.

Rinse with lukewarm water and use a fragrance-free cleanser only when needed. Pat rather than rub. Apply a small amount of bland moisturiser to the surrounding skin, leaving a safe margin from the lash line and eye surface. Pause makeup, lash products, exfoliants and fragranced creams until the irritation settles; avoid scratching.

Do not use steroid, antibiotic or other medicated creams near the eye unless prescribed for that location. An Emollient Therapy plan may be suitable for barrier dryness, with product choice guided by a clinician.

Get prompt medical advice for eye pain, vision change, marked swelling, pus-like discharge, light sensitivity or redness of the eye itself. Arrange a dermatology review for persistent, recurrent, cracked, oozing or spreading skin changes.

Ask whether your products or eye drops could be irritating the skin, which moisturiser is appropriate for the area, whether Atopic Dermatitis is contributing, and which symptoms would require an eye examination.