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MyPsoriasisTeam members frequently discuss their experiences with psoriasis on the eyelid, which can be distressing. “My facial psoriasis is playing up today. Itchy eyelids are no fun,” a member said. Another member wrote, “I have developed a plaque on my eyelid! I had really hoped my face would not be affected.”
If you have psoriasis on your eyelid, you may be curious about what caused it and whether any remedies can help. Read on to discover how you can manage this condition.
You can develop psoriasis on your eyelids, but it’s believed to be uncommon. It’s not clear what causes this condition to affect the eyelids, but some researchers have linked it to inflammation that affects the whole body.
Psoriasis is an immune system disorder that causes skin cells to build up, and it can occur anywhere on the body. Researchers used to think that about 10 percent of people with psoriasis had involvement of their eyes or the areas around the eyes. Newer research indicates that eye complications may be higher than previously estimated. This includes psoriasis impacting the eyelid or other structures within the eye.
“I have psoriasis on the corners of my eyelids toward my nose,” one MyPsoriasisTeam member said. Another replied, “I get psoriasis in the corners of my eyes quite often, which can be very painful, as well as on my eyelids.”
Psoriasis on the eyelid is a type of facial psoriasis that’s often caused by sebopsoriasis. Facial psoriasis may be linked to other types of psoriasis that also affect various areas of the body. These include:
Different types of psoriasis can cause itchiness, pain, and inflammation on the eyelid. Any of these symptoms can cause a great deal of discomfort and should be discussed with your healthcare team.
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One MyPsoriasisTeam member described struggles with psoriasis on the eyelid. “My eyelid and under-eye area are affected particularly,” they said. “My eyelids are sore, and under my eye is very raw! This tends to happen with sudden change in temperature and lasts for around two months.”
Another member wrote, “I have it on my eyelid. It really hurts.”
Some of the specific symptoms associated with psoriasis on the eyelid may depend on the form of psoriasis and its causes.
Some cases involving the eyelid are due to plaque psoriasis, the most common type of psoriasis. It causes thickened, red, purple, or dark brown scaly patches of skin. Plaque psoriasis can occur anywhere on your body, including the eyelid. Plaques on the eyelid can be itchy or painful and may have flaking scales.
Sebopsoriasis is linked to psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis (a type of eczema). It can cause scalp psoriasis, but it may also affect oily areas of the nose, eyebrows, and eyelids. Sebopsoriasis causes itchy, discolored, scaly, or crusty skin.
Blepharitis is a type of eyelid inflammation associated with psoriasis. Symptoms include itching and burning on the eyelid. The skin on the eyelid can become discolored, irritated, and swollen, producing flakes in the eyelashes. Blepharitis usually affects the edges of the eyelids in both eyes.
The eyelid is a delicate area to treat, and many MyPsoriasisTeam members have questions about what to do when psoriasis appears there. “I’m now getting lesions on my eyelids, right into the deep corners of both eyes, and also affecting the tear ducts,” a member said. “All of my usual creams and ointments are dangerous to use there, and moisturizers burn and inflame. Any ideas?”
Here are some tips to help ensure you protect your eyes when treating psoriasis on the eyelid.
Eyelids affected by psoriasis should be treated carefully to avoid irritating the eyes. Eyelid skin is also delicate and sensitive. Treatment could include:
Some psoriasis treatments may help reduce inflammation in the eyelid. These include over-the-counter and prescription nonsteroidal and steroidal topical treatments.
However, you may find steroid creams cause irritation when used around the eyes. In that case, your doctor may prescribe calcineurin inhibitors, which are creams that gently reduce plaque buildup on thin skin like the eyelids. They can be used for longer periods without the side effects of steroids. Before starting any treatment for the skin around the eyes, consult with your healthcare provider.
Systemic medications are drugs that affect the entire body, including methotrexate, biologics, and other disease-modifying drugs. They may be used, with close monitoring, to treat psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases. They may also help reduce psoriasis on the eyelid. Talk to your doctor about whether systemic treatments may be helpful for you.
Some moisturizers, ointments, creams, and other topical treatments may not be appropriate for the eyelid. The risk of side effects that may affect your eyes could be too high. One MyPsoriasisTeam member described their frustration with topicals. “Worst spot ever: eyelids!” they wrote. “Topicals near my eyes make them heavy and tired the next day.”
Sometimes, mild forms of corticosteroid topicals are prescribed for the eyelid. However, steroids may increase the risk for glaucoma and cataracts. Seek medical advice before using anything near your eyes. Be sure to discuss potential risks and side effects from topical steroids with your doctor.
Discuss phototherapy (light therapy) with your doctor. They’ll confirm whether you can use it safely on your eyelid without protective goggles. UV light isn’t normally used on eyelids — except in rare cases when it’s carefully administered by a physician — because it might cause harm.
Psoriasis around the eyes and on the eyelids should be checked by your dermatologist and ophthalmologist (eye specialist). Psoriasis on the eyelid can affect your eyes. This condition is known as ocular psoriasis, which may affect the cornea and conjunctiva (other parts of your eyes), as well as the eyelid.
People with ocular psoriasis also have an increased risk for ocular surface disease, which includes conditions like conjunctivitis and corneal dryness. People with psoriasis should have yearly exams with an ophthalmologist to check for eye disorders associated with psoriasis. This includes uveitis, a rare and serious type of eye inflammation. Uveitis is linked to psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.
MyPsoriasisTeam members often share their tips for managing psoriasis on the eyelid using skin care-routine changes and topical medications. Keep in mind that what works for another person may not work for you. Always talk to your dermatology team before trying any new therapies for facial psoriasis.
One member wrote, “I am applying Aquaphor in the morning and right before bed.”
Other members have suggested treatments including coconut oil, cold-pressed castor oil, and A+D Original Ointment for their eyelid psoriasis. Another member shared their tip: “Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. It’s the only soap product I will use on my eyelids. It seems to help.”
Other members look beyond over-the-counter products for relief. “Try betamethasone cream 0.05 percent, available by prescription,” a member wrote. “I use it for sensitive areas, like around my eyes.”
Your dermatologist is the best source for information about which psoriasis treatment plan may help your eyelid symptoms. Always ask them for medical advice before trying a new treatment, even if it’s a home remedy.
MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones. On MyPsoriasisTeam, more than 134,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.
Are you living with psoriasis on the eyelid? Which treatment options helped ease your symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
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I’ve been dealing with psoriasis on my eyelids for over a decade. I’ve been using steroid creams on my eyes for that long as well. The only time it went away was when I was pregnant which I find odd… read more
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