Eyelid Psoriasis

Learn about the symptoms, risks, and treatment

Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that has no known cause. When people develop psoriasis, they experience a skin rash that appears as plaques or scales. The plaques can be itchy and sore or crack and bleed. Typically, the skin symptoms develop on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp, but they can occur on any area of the body.

In rare cases, psoriasis can develop around the eyes and on the eyelids leading to redness, dryness, and impaired vision. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for psoriasis that affects the eyes.

Eyelid Psoriasis: Symptoms and Appearance

Psoriasis can affect various parts of the eye, including the eyelid. When it develops in that area, a person may experience:

• Scales or plaques forming on the eyelids

• Inflammation or irritation

• Burning

• Itching

• Swollen eyelids

• Drooping eyelids

• Eyelashes that begin to droop down into the eye

• Redness

• Crusting around the eyes

These symptoms make the eyes appear red, swollen, and as if the eyelids or eyelashes are drooping.

Eyelid Psoriasis or Eczema: How to Tell the Difference

Though eczema and psoriasis may seem similar, there are ways to tell the two apart. Eczema is often intensely itchy, leading to excessive scratching. People with eyelid psoriasis may cause some itching, but not to that extent.

Related: Psoriasis on the Face

Why Am I Getting Psoriasis on My Eyelid?

The cause of eyelid psoriasis isn’t known, as is the case with other types of skin disorders. It develops when the immune system attacks healthy skin cells by mistake, leading the body to react by rapidly creating more skin cells.

It’s rare for psoriasis to develop on the eyelid, and there is no known reason why some forms of psoriasis involve the eyelids while others do not.

That said, some research has found that when people develop psoriasis on any area of the face, including the eyelids, they are often experiencing a more severe flare-up of the disease.

Eyelid Psoriasis Treatment

Treating psoriasis on the eyelids isn’t as straightforward as treating it on other areas of the body because the eyes are sensitive. Eye psoriasis can be treated using topical medications, such as:

• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation

• Vitamin D analogs to slow down the production of new skin cells

• Calcineurin inhibitors to suppress the action of the immune system, which drives the symptoms

• Nonsteroidal topical ointments to reduce itching or irritation

Other possible treatment options include:

• Phototherapy to reduce inflammation and itching

• Oral medications designed to suppress the immune system

Your medical provider will determine the safest drug for you based on your specific case.

Treating Eyelid Eczema at Home

If you want to try an at-home approach, you can try the following:

• Washing your eyelids softly with warm water and baby shampoo

• Using over-the-counter eyelid cleaners

• Using wet dressings to place over your eyelids to soothe symptoms

Learn More: Prognosis of Psoriasis: What Factors Play a Role

Can You Put Psoriasis Cream on Your Eyelid?

Though using psoriasis cream on your eyelids is considered safe, following your medical provider’s directions is essential.

That is because topical medications can cause adverse effects if misused. That is especially true for corticosteroid creams and ointments.

Eyelid Psoriasis Complications

Eyelid psoriasis poses a risk of adverse complications because of its symptoms and treatments. Some possible complications include the following:

Eye Conditions

Eyelid psoriasis can cause issues with many other parts of the eye. Because of that, eye conditions can develop, such as:

• Uveitis and iritis: Inflammation of the iris and middle layer of the eye surface (the uvea)

• Pink eye (conjunctivitis): Inflammation or infection of the membranes that line the eye

• Dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca): A lack of moisture in the eye that can lead to vision problems

• Conjunctival hyperemia: Redness and dilation of blood vessels in the eye that can lead to eye pain, sensitivity to light, excessive tears, and mucus

• Punctate keratitis: Corneal surface cells die, causing redness, sensitivity to light, and decreased vision

• Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid

Medication Side Effects

Medications for eyelid psoriasis have side effects that could severely impact your eye health. That is why it’s vital to use them only as directed by your healthcare provider.

Corticosteroids are the most likely to cause adverse side effects, and research has shown that they can increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma.

Can Eyelid Psoriasis Cause Vision Loss?

Eyelid psoriasis isn’t always severe, but it can be. When people develop psoriasis around their eyes, they are at an increased risk of vision loss if they do not seek the proper treatment quickly.

That is because some of the aforementioned conditions can progress to vision loss if not addressed.

What Eye Conditions Developed After Eyelid Psoriasis Cause Vision Loss?

Several of the eye conditions that can develop in someone with eyelid psoriasis can lead to vision loss, including:

• Uveitis

• Dry eyes

• Conjunctival hyperemia

• Punctate keratitis

When to Seek Care

You should seek treatment for eyelid psoriasis at the first sign of symptoms. It will be easier to treat the sooner you begin, and you will be less likely to develop severe complications if you undergo therapy early on during a flare-up.

Do I Need to See an Eye Doctor for Eyelid Psoriasis?

Though it’s not always the case, if you notice any changes in your vision or have particularly severe eyelid psoriasis, you should see an ophthalmologist. They specialize in eye care and can examine the eye for potentially harmful conditions.

Tips for Managing Psoriasis Around the Eyes

To manage your eyelid psoriasis, you must:

• Manage your stress levels

• Follow treatment plans accordingly

• Avoid common psoriasis triggers such as sunburns or skin injuries to the eyelid

• Keep your skin moisturized

• Eat a healthy diet that contains anti-inflammatory, whole foods

• Establish a skin care routine

• Avoid picking at the scales or plaques

Learn More: How to Start a Psoriasis Self-Care Routine

Summary

Eyelid psoriasis is a rare form of the disease. Though it can be treated using typical psoriasis therapies, it's not as straightforward because of how sensitive the eye area is. Effective treatment involves following your medical provider's directions carefully and managing your flare-ups by limiting stress and taking care of the skin around your eyes.

Without the proper treatment, a person with eyelid psoriasis is at an increased risk of eye diseases that can lead to adverse effects such as vision loss. To avoid these complications, speak to your healthcare provider as soon as you notice symptoms.