Psoriasis on Eyelid: What Your Dermatologist Wants You To Know

Having dry, red, flaky skin around your eyes may indicate psoriasis on your eyelid or around your eye. However, it could also be a sign of another condition. Having a proper evaluation by a healthcare provider is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that happens when your immune system is overactive and causes your body to produce skin cells at a rapid rate. The extra skin cells build up on the skin and can cause redness, flaking, and sometimes itching. 

While the area around the eye is not the most common area for psoriasis to present, it does occur and can be uncomfortable and frustrating. In severe cases, psoriasis around the eye can also affect vision and lead to other conditions that require co-management with an ophthalmologist.

Read on to learn what causes psoriasis on the eyelid, symptoms, how health experts diagnose it, and more. 

What Causes Psoriasis on the Eyelid

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that is more common in adults than in children. It affects about 1-3% of the adult population, and only about 10% of people with psoriasis present with it on the eyelid or around the eye. 

Psoriasis happens when your immune system is overactive and sends faulty signals to your skin. Usually, skin cells grow and shed in a steady balance over the course of a month. However, with psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly tells skin cells to grow in several days. 

This rapid skin growth leads to a buildup of cells on the skin’s surface, forming thick, scaly patches. Around your eye, where your skin is thin and delicate, psoriasis can cause redness, irritation, and flaking.

While genetics plays a role, the underlying cause of psoriasis remains unclear. However, researchers have discovered triggers that may cause flares. Common triggers include:

• Stress
• Infections like strep throat and HIV
• Some beta-blockers, lithium, antimalarials, and NSAIDs
• Living with obesity
• Smoking
• Cold and dry weather
• Heavy alcohol use

Symptoms of Psoriasis on the Eyelid 

While psoriasis is a chronic condition, symptoms can come and go and change in severity. They can also vary slightly from person to person. If you have psoriasis on your eyelid, you may notice symptoms around your eye, such as:

• Dry skin
• Redness
• Silvery-white scales
• Itching or burning
• Bleeding if the scales are removed

It’s common for psoriasis on the eye to cause another condition called blepharitis, which causes red, swollen, itchy eyelids. The skin around the eyelashes can also be dry and flaky like dandruff.  

Psoriasis may also increase the risk of other eye conditions, including:

• Dry eye syndrome
• Conjunctivitis
• Cataracts

If you have psoriasis on your eyelid, you may experience it on other areas of your body. Common areas for psoriasis to present include:

• Scalp
• Knees
• Elbows
• Trunk

Diagnosis

If you think you are experiencing psoriasis on your eye, it’s essential to seek guidance from a dermatologist or ophthalmologist to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, as the eyelid is a sensitive area.

Your medical provider will begin by examining the skin around your eye. They will ask about your symptoms, including when they started, whether they come and go, and if you have any other skin issues or a family history of psoriasis. If you have psoriasis on different parts of your body, this can help further support the diagnosis. 

In rare cases, your provider may perform a biopsy, which involves taking a small skin sample to examine under a microscope. This can help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. 

Based on their findings, your provider will recommend a treatment plan tailored to relieve symptoms and manage flare-ups.

Treatment Options for Psoriasis on the Eyelid

There is no cure for psoriasis, and treating psoriasis on the eyelid is very delicate.

Your healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan based on the severity of the psoriasis on your eyelid. 

Topical therapies are often the first line of treatment and may include a low-potency corticosteroid cream or ointment to reduce inflammation and irritation. Other options include vitamin D-based creams, or phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors, although these need to be used with caution around the eye. 

If your psoriasis is severe, your healthcare provider may recommend an oral medication such as methotrexate or biologic treatments. These medications target the immune system and reduce inflammation throughout the body. 

Connect with a Zest dermatologist to start treating scalp psoriasis today!

Psoriasis vs. Other Eyelid Conditions

Several other skin conditions can cause redness, flaking, and irritation on the skin, including the eyelid. However, there are key differences that can help healthcare professionals distinguish psoriasis on the eyelid from other problems. 

Eczema

Eczema and contact dermatitis (a type of eczema) are inflammatory skin diseases that can cause dry and itchy skin. Researchers are still learning what causes eczema and believe it is related to the skin’s microbiome—the microorganisms that live on your skin. Environmental allergens may also play a role. One difference between psoriasis and eczema is that eczema typically weeps clear fluid when you scratch the affected skin, whereas psoriasis may bleed.

Connect with a Zest dermatologist to start treating eczema today.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is another common eyelid condition. It is usually caused by having too much bacteria on your eyelid by your eyelashes. Blepharitis leads to swollen, crusty eyelids. The eyes may burn, sting, or feel sensitive to light. 

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is another common inflammatory condition. It can develop on the scalp, inside the ears, or on other areas of the face, such as the eyelids. However, it usually has greasy, yellowish scales rather than the silvery, dry scales of psoriasis. 

Connect with a Zest dermatologist to start treating seborrheic dermatitis today. 

When to Seek Medical Attention 

If you experience persistent redness, scaling, or irritation around your eyes, it’s important to seek medical attention. 

It’s especially important to seek professional healthcare advice if you notice eye pain, swelling, or sensitivity to light, as these may indicate an infection. 

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further irritation and protect your eye health. 

FAQs

How do I get rid of psoriasis on my eyelids?

While there is no cure for psoriasis, it can be managed with treatments, such as medicated ointments or oral medication to reduce symptoms. However, it is critical to seek advice from a healthcare professional rather than trying to treat it on your own. The eye is very delicate and requires eye-safe treatment options.  

What is the best eye cream for psoriasis on eyelids?

Your healthcare provider may prescribe a corticosteroid cream that reduces inflammation and soothes the irritated skin. However, the most suitable treatment depends on the severity of the psoriasis on your eyelid and is best determined by a healthcare professional.

Is vaseline good for psoriasis on eyelids?

Yes, Vaseline (petroleum jelly) can be helpful for psoriasis on the eyelids by providing a protective barrier that locks in moisture and soothes irritation. However, it may not be ideal for everyone. Some people may find it too heavy or irritating. Before applying to your eyelid, it’s best to apply vaseline to another area of your skin to make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin.