What Causes Red Skin Around the Eyes?

Five common causes of redness around the eyes include:

1. Eczema
   • One of the most common causes of redness around the eyes. This is atopic dermatitis and is commonly seen in children in the age group of 5 to 10 years. This can develop in adults as well.
     • Symptoms vary from person to person but the most common ones include:
       • Dry or itchy skin
       • Swelling
       • Flushed skin
       • Bumps (present on the itchy skin)
   • Several factors can cause eczema, but some of the main reasons are genetic variations, environmental factors, and allergies. There is no cure for eczema, but doctors may suggest or prescribe oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to relieve itching and redness and to make your skin look a little softer.
2. Cellulitis
   • A common bacterial infection. It usually appears on the lower legs and face, but it can appear anywhere on the body. This includes preorbital cellulitis and orbital cellulitis.
     • The generic symptoms for this type of bacterial infection include:
       • Redness around the eyes
       • Swelling
       • Pain
       • Tenderness
       • Itchiness
       • Dryness
   • Taking oral medications (antibiotics) for five to seven days can reduce or completely relieve the symptoms.
3. Shingles
   • Also known as herpes zoster, these are caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Early signs include burning and itching around the area and shooting pain. This is usually on one side of the face. Anyone with chickenpox can develop shingles at any stage of their life.
     • The main symptoms include:
       • Pain
       • Flushed skin
       • Itchiness
       • Fever
       • Headache
   • If shingles appear on the face, it might affect your hearing and vision as well. Antiviral drugs are used to treat shingles.
4. Nonallergic rhinitis
   • Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nose. These are caused by generic allergies and other factors. If not caused by allergies, this inflammation is called vasomotor rhinitis. This is more like a dilation of blood vessels. Nonallergic rhinitis involves sneezing or a congested, drippy nose without any cause and can affect both children and adults.
     • Some triggers can cause nonallergic rhinitis, such as:
       • Spicy food
       • Perfumes
       • Fumes from paint
       • Stress and anxiety
       • Smoke
       • A sudden drop in temperature
   • Some causes are due to hormonal imbalance, during pregnancy or puberty
   • Symptoms include running nose or stiff nose, continuous sneezing, and in
   • In some cases, loss of smell is also noticed.
   • Treatment includes several medications which can help your symptoms, but there is no cure for nonallergic rhinitis. Nonallergic rhinitis is caused by a virus, and in most cases, it will be resolved on its own. The usage of humidifiers is recommended to get rid of some symptoms, and also usage of nasal sprays for relief was included in these treatments 
5. Rosacea
   • A chronic skin disease that mostly affects the face. When it affects the eyes, it is called ocular rosacea and can cause red, itchy, and swollen eyelids. It mostly affects people in the age group of 30 to 50 years. The eyes get stimulated easily by light, which causes blurred vision.
     • The symptoms include:
       • Red, burning, itchy and watery eyes
       • A feeling of having a foreign body in the eye
       • Blurred vision
       • Swollen eyelids
       • Recurrent eye infections
   • The treatment may include applying a warm, moist compress. Antibiotics are used to relieve the symptoms. Corticosteroid ointments and eye drops may reduce swelling and irritation.