Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition. It can affect any body part, including the thin skin around the eyes. Psoriasis around your eyes can impact your vision. Consequently, seeking a dermatologist’s advice helps to bring relief to the patient.

Psoriasis around the eyes is a rare condition. It can cause discolouration tending to redness, itchiness, dryness, and discomfort. Psoriasis around the eyes can cause vision impairment and requires immediate dermatologist’s attention. A visit to an ophthalmologist can also help treat the condition.

What is psoriasis around the eyes?

Psoriasis is an immune skin disease. Therefore, psoriasis has no cure, but a doctor can treat the condition and help manage flare ups. One of the most effective ways of preventing psoriasis is avoiding triggers that encourage regular flare-ups.

Psoriasis occurs when the skin cells build up too rapidly and deposit on the surface. Typically, skin cells generate and come to the surface in thirty days. However, in psoriasis, the skin cells multiply rapidly within days.

Typically, the body’s immune system protects against infection and diseases. However, in psoriasis, the immune system attacks healthy skin cells and excessively produces new skin.

Therefore, psoriasis on your eyelid affects the eyelids and the regions around the face. Psoriasis around the eyes requires special attention from a dermatologist or opthalmologist. The condition around the eyes makes the tissues tender and delicate to touch. The doctor’s treatment is ideal for psoriasis patients to avoid further discomfort or worsening of the condition.

Psoriasis around the eye area

Psoriasis around the eyes or affecting the eyelids manifests similar symptoms in other body parts. However, its location makes psoriasis around the eye area more sensitive. The patches can grow too big for the eye to close or open.

Symptoms around the eyes include:

Reddish, scaly patches around the eye area

Dry, itchy skin around the affected area

Severe cracks that bleed

Trouble shutting or opening the eye, a simple reflex such as blinking can be painful

Dryness of the eye as the silvery scales pull the eyelid outward

Treatment of psoriasis around the eyes

Psoriasis around the eye area is sensitive and uncomfortable because of its location. Psoriasis around the eye can impact the eyelids, eyelashes, eye surface, oil gland found in the eyelid, and other internal parts of the eye. 

Therefore, do not rub the eye because it can cause further irritation, and the bleeding cracks can become infected. Consult your ophthalmologist for further intervention.

Tips for managing psoriasis around the eye

1. Apply a warm compress- use a warm damp cloth to soothe the eye area. Allow the warm compress to sit for at least a minute. The compress will loosen the flakes sticking on the eyelid.

2. Use eyelid wipes- eyelid wipes are for cleaning the eyes to help keep away infections.  Put a cotton swab in warm water mixed with baby shampoo on the affected eye for at least 15 seconds.

3. Use artificial tears for the eyes- Tears lubricate the eyes and avid painful reflex actions such as blinking. The doctor may recommend artificial tears. Artificial tear eye drops help to relieve itching and irritation in the eyes.

4. Apply a topical medication- the doctor can recommend a variety of creams and ointments. Put a small amount of the topical cream or lotion on the affected area and gently rub it as the doctor recommends.

5. Steroid treatments- steroids may be recommended by a doctor when self-care interventions fail to relieve. Steroid treatment lasts a few days because a continuous application can thin the eyelid and bring further complications.

How to keep your eyes healthy when treating psoriasis around the eyes

A psoriasis patient can manage and treat the condition with self-care procedures. One of the most effective ways of managing psoriasis is avoiding the triggers that bring the flare-up. The patient can trace any contact or situation that triggers occasional triggers.

Stress and depression is a significant trigger for psoriasis. Psychological and physical stress induces psoriasis flare-ups. Stress can disrupt sleep patterns and affect digestion. 

Smoking is another inducer of psoriasis. Cigarette smoking compromises the immune system and makes patients more susceptible to psoriasis flare up than non-smokers.

A balanced diet can also help in the management of psoriasis. Patients can reduce the consumption of dairy products, red meat, refined sugars, and highly processed foods. However, avoiding certain foods can work for some patients and fail to succeed for other psoriasis patients.

Takeaway

Psoriasis is an immune condition that affects the skin. It can affect any part of the body, including the areas around the eye. Psoriasis around the eye makes the patient’s eye feel a dry, gritty sensation. Self-care procedures can bring relief to the eyes. However, a dermatologist can intervene when the symptoms get severe and painful.