Periorbital dermatitis (in ICD-10 - code L71.0) is one of the most unpleasant skin diseases. The course of the disease is accompanied by pronounced symptoms: rashes are localized in the area around the eyes, which are accompanied by severe itching.
Dermatitis of the eyelids affects not only the aesthetic appearance of the skin of the face, but also can significantly worsen the quality of life. Constant itching, peeling and redness knock out of the usual rhythm of life, the condition is accompanied by nervousness and discomfort.
What is a
Periorbital dermatitis is represented by rashes on the skin around the eyelids. It is accompanied by acute symptoms, namely itching, redness and peeling of the affected area.
The course of the disease is often complicated by manifestations of other types of dermatitis, which have the same symptoms:
- Perioral. The disease affects the skin around the oral cavity.
- Periocular. It is localized on the skin around the eyes.
According to statistics, periorbital dermatitis is diagnosed in 27% of patients who went to the doctor with skin diseases (photos depicting the manifestations of the disease are presented in the article). Doctors note that this species often affects the upper eyelids, and patients who have not reached the age of 30 are susceptible to flaking of the affected areas.
The disease can occur in people of different age categories, and its causes are hidden inside the body.
Diagnosis of the disease
Periorbital dermatitis is diagnosed on the basis of a superficial examination of the affected skin and a series of laboratory tests, such as:
- Detailed blood test. The fence of the latter is carried out in order to clarify the nature of the disease. A shift of the leukocyte formula in one or the other direction indicates the bacterial or viral origin of the disease.
- Linked immunosorbent assay. The study will be informative in case of dermatitis caused by infection. Also, the analysis will reveal the stage of the disease.
- PCR This research method is used when the virus becomes the causative agent of the disease. The analysis helps to identify the genetic material of the pathogen and prescribe treatment.
- Immunoglobulin assay. An increase in the level of immunoglobulin in the patient’s blood indicates the allergic nature of the occurrence of dermatitis.
- Histology. A similar study is necessary for analyzes in case of skin lesions with seborrheic dermatitis.
Only by identifying the nature of the occurrence of periorbital dermatitis of the eyelids, a dermatologist can correctly draw up a treatment plan. It is impossible to determine this without the help of a specialist.
The causes of the disease
Inflammation of the skin occurs for various reasons:
- Infection. A common provocateur of dermatitis is the herpes virus.
- Allergy. If an allergen enters the body, it can provoke different types of dermatitis. Among them is periorbital.
- External influence. Cases of dermatitis as a reaction to hypothermia and other external influences have recently been often diagnosed by dermatologists.
- Chemical exposure. Chemical contact with the eyelids or prolonged contact with them during production can be one of the causes of dermatitis.
- Sebaceous glands. If their function is impaired, sebum is released in large quantities. Such an environment is favorable for the development of seborrheic dermatitis.
Periorbital dermatitis, by nature of origin, is divided into several types with pronounced, but at the same time different symptoms.
Herpetic
It is characterized by the acute course of the development of the disease. Rashes are presented in the form of bubbles filled with a clear liquid.
The onset of the rash is accompanied by burning, severe itching, and pain. Herpetic dermatitis may recur.
Allergic
The main symptom of allergic dermatitis is swelling of the area around the eyes, which prevents them from opening.
In the first stage of the disease, rashes look like spots. As the pathology develops, other symptoms appear:
- rashes;
- drying of the skin;
- coarsening of the skin.
Delay in the treatment of the disease can provoke the spread of puffiness and even cause Quincke edema.
Seborrheic
This type of disease is characterized by the appearance of a luster of the skin, keratinization of the upper layer of the skin and its peeling. In addition, seborrheic dermatitis causes eyelash loss, which will be preceded by severe itching and thickening of the epidermis.
The lack of timely treatment provokes the spread of the disease to healthy areas of the body.
Any, even the most insignificant manifestation of one or more symptoms of dermatitis should be accompanied by specialist advice. With the early detection of the disease and the correct diagnosis, treatment is faster and more effective.
Therapy
The doctor builds a system for treating periorbital dermatitis around the eyes, based on the nature of the disease, its rate of development and stage.
With a herpetic form, an ointment is applied to the affected surface of the skin. The active substance, which is necessary to combat this type of disease, is acyclovir.
Dermatologists, in addition to local therapy, prescribe immunomodulators. The course of treatment lasts up to 2 weeks. Treatment is highly effective if it is started with the onset of the first symptoms of the disease.
The first goal that the doctor pursues in the treatment of dermatitis caused by allergens is their elimination and complete elimination from the body. Patients are prescribed antihistamines for internal use and ointments, which contain corticosteroids for external use. The period of use and dosage is indicated by the attending physician.
Seborrheic dermatitis is treated with lotions with anti-inflammatory drugs. Glucocorticosteroid preparations combined with calcineurin inhibitors may be prescribed. The treatment method is chosen by the dermatologist, based on the patient's condition.
When treating the disease, it is important to follow all the doctor’s instructions and not to self-medicate.
Prevention
To prevent a relapse of the disease, patients with dermatitis will have to monitor the state of their body throughout life, preventing the activation of allergens and quickly respond to infectious diseases.
Do not allow:
- The development of herpetic diseases. Cold sores on the lips or an infection that causes colds can trigger a relapse of periorbital dermatitis. At the first symptoms of pathology, the patient should receive treatment immediately.
- Ingestion of a large number of allergens. With excessive consumption of foods that can provoke the occurrence of allergic reactions, dermatitis can recur, especially if the disease was originally caused by an increase in allergens in the body.
- Hypothermia. The reaction of the body to long contact with low temperatures, which manifested itself in the form of dermatitis, can again make itself felt. To avoid this, it is necessary to minimize being in the cold and protect the skin with clothing - gloves, a scarf, a hat. In addition, it is recommended to apply a rich nourishing cream half an hour before going outside.
- Permanent contact with chemicals. Contact with the latter and burns from contact with them provoke the return of the disease.
If you have not yet encountered dermatitis, then you should beware of the following factors to avoid this:
- Excessive use of vitamin complexes of dubious quality. Preparations containing vitamins that enter the body in unlimited quantities can cause dermatitis.
- Cold. Face skin protection is the first preventive step that prevents periorbital dermatitis, the nature of which is hypothermia.
- Monitoring the level of allergens. Allergy sufferers are at greater risk for dermatitis than others. Taking allergens seriously and preventing contact with them is the best way to prevent dermatitis.
Conclusion
Periorbital dermatitis is a serious disease that can make its own adjustments to a person’s usual lifestyle.
Untimely receipt of help leads to chronic manifestations of pathology. This can be avoided if you seek medical help on time and receive the necessary treatment, which is prescribed exclusively by the doctor based on the results of the examination and the severity of the disease.