My skin around my eyes gets irriated, what cause this?
AUG 18, 2014
Question:
My eyes get irritated from almost anything that I apply on the skin under my eyes, such as sunscreen and moisturizers. The product does not get into my eye -- just being near my eyes seems to irritate them. I use fragrance-free and paraben-free-type products for sensitive skin. I have been trying to figure what the ingredient(s) are that I am sensitive to, but have not been able to figure this out. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Answer:
After repeated allergic reactions, some patients develop an over-sensitization of mast cells (which release histamine causing itching and inflammation) and can lead to reactions to even the most seemingly benign substances. Even if the substance does not come in direct contact with the eye, some of the inflammation from surrounding eyelid can cross over into the conjunctiva and can cause eye irritation. I would see an allergist to determine if they can isolate the allergen to avoid. The second option is avoiding any substances near the eye until the mast cells become stable again.