Did You Know Eyelid Dermatitis can be Caused by Nail Polish?

If you develop a rash on your eyelids, one of the first things you should think about is your nail polish.  The eyelid skin is the thinnest skin on your body, so it can be especially sensitive to allergens.  We are constantly touching our eyes, so nail polish is a common cause of eyelid dermatitis (even if the skin surrounding the nails is normal.)  Another common cause is shampoo which can also cause itching and redness on the eyelids while the scalp remains normal. 

Interestingly, most of the time, eyelid dermatitis is not from direct exposure to cosmetics, but is, in fact due to other causes like nail polish, shampoo, nickel and hair dye.  The best way to find out what you are allergic to is with patch testing.  This is a test done by a dermatologist where a patch with common allergens is taped to the back and then checked a few days later to see if there is any reaction.  Once you eliminate the cause of the dermatitis, the rash will go away. In the meantime, topical cortisone creams can help to stop itching and relieve redness.

If you develop a rash on your eyelids, be sure to see a dermatologist.  Finding a cause is key to treating this common skin condition.