Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentComplicationsWhen to Seek CareManagement
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Complications
When to Seek Care
Management
Psoriasisis anautoimmune diseasethat 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.
Jodi Jacobson / Getty Images
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:
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 DifferenceThough 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.
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.
How to Recognize and Treat Psoriasis on the Face
Why Am I Getting Psoriasis on My Eyelid?
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:
Other possible treatment options include:
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:
Is Psoriasis Hereditary?
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 becausetopical medicationscan 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:
Medication Side Effects
Corticosteroids are the most likely to cause adverse side effects, and research has shown that they can increase the risk of developingcataractsorglaucoma.
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 ofvision lossif 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:UveitisDry eyesConjunctival hyperemiaPunctate keratitis
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:UveitisDry eyesConjunctival hyperemiaPunctate keratitis
Several of the eye conditions that can develop in someone with eyelid psoriasis can lead to vision loss, including:
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 aflare-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 anophthalmologist. They specialize in eye care and can examine the eye for potentially harmful conditions.
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 anophthalmologist. 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:
10 Psoriasis Self-Care Practices You Can Do at Home
Summary
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.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rajguru JP, Maya D, Kumar D, et al.Update on psoriasis: a review.J Family Med Prim Care.2020 Jan 28;9(1):20-24. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_689_19National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis on the face.Dopytalska K, Sobolewski P, Błaszczak A, et al.Psoriasis in special localizations.Reumatologia.2018;56(6):392-398. doi:10.5114/reum.2018.80718Agrawal RV, Murthy S, Sangwan V, Biswas J.Current approach in diagnosis and management of anterior uveitis.Indian J Ophthalmol.2010 Jan-Feb;58(1):11-9. doi:10.4103/0301-4738.58468National Eye Institute.Uveitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: tips for managing.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rajguru JP, Maya D, Kumar D, et al.Update on psoriasis: a review.J Family Med Prim Care.2020 Jan 28;9(1):20-24. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_689_19National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis on the face.Dopytalska K, Sobolewski P, Błaszczak A, et al.Psoriasis in special localizations.Reumatologia.2018;56(6):392-398. doi:10.5114/reum.2018.80718Agrawal RV, Murthy S, Sangwan V, Biswas J.Current approach in diagnosis and management of anterior uveitis.Indian J Ophthalmol.2010 Jan-Feb;58(1):11-9. doi:10.4103/0301-4738.58468National Eye Institute.Uveitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: tips for managing.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Rajguru JP, Maya D, Kumar D, et al.Update on psoriasis: a review.J Family Med Prim Care.2020 Jan 28;9(1):20-24. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_689_19National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis on the face.Dopytalska K, Sobolewski P, Błaszczak A, et al.Psoriasis in special localizations.Reumatologia.2018;56(6):392-398. doi:10.5114/reum.2018.80718Agrawal RV, Murthy S, Sangwan V, Biswas J.Current approach in diagnosis and management of anterior uveitis.Indian J Ophthalmol.2010 Jan-Feb;58(1):11-9. doi:10.4103/0301-4738.58468National Eye Institute.Uveitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: tips for managing.
Rajguru JP, Maya D, Kumar D, et al.Update on psoriasis: a review.J Family Med Prim Care.2020 Jan 28;9(1):20-24. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_689_19
National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis on the face.
Dopytalska K, Sobolewski P, Błaszczak A, et al.Psoriasis in special localizations.Reumatologia.2018;56(6):392-398. doi:10.5114/reum.2018.80718
Agrawal RV, Murthy S, Sangwan V, Biswas J.Current approach in diagnosis and management of anterior uveitis.Indian J Ophthalmol.2010 Jan-Feb;58(1):11-9. doi:10.4103/0301-4738.58468
National Eye Institute.Uveitis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: tips for managing.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
