Psoriasis on the Eyelids: Symptoms, Risks & Treatment Options

About 3% of people in the United States have psoriasis, a chronic condition that affects your skin and causes rapid cell growth and buildup.¹ It may develop on your eyelids or other areas. While there is no cure, you can manage it with at-home or prescription eyelid psoriasis treatment.² 

Can Psoriasis Affect Eyelids?

Yes. While rare, psoriasis can develop on your eyelids.³ There are several types of psoriasis with different appearances, but the condition can affect any part of your skin, especially your face.⁴ Psoriasis can also affect your eyes and lead to vision-related symptoms, known as ocular psoriasis.⁵ 

Eyelid Psoriasis Causes

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease where your immune system overreacts and makes chemicals that cause skin cells to multiply too fast. Dead skin cells build up, leading to inflamed and scaly patches called plaques.⁶

It’s unclear what causes this reaction, but research suggests genetics or environmental factors. Certain factors can increase your risk of developing it, including:⁷

• Strep infections
• HIV 
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Some medications for heart disease or malaria

Stress, illness, weather, and skin injuries can also trigger a flare-up.⁸  

Eyelid Psoriasis Symptoms

Eyelid psoriasis may be mild or severe and uncomfortable. Patches may develop around your eyes and on your eyelids and eyebrows. Your eyelid may curve upwards or sag down.¹⁰

Symptoms include:¹¹

• Flaky skin or scales
• Itchy skin
• Dry skin
• Red, swollen skin
• Pain
• Scales over eyelashes
• Blurred or impaired vision

It may be hard to tell the difference between eyelid psoriasis vs. eczema. The symptoms are similar, but eczema develops from contact with a skin irritant or allergen. Eczema also causes a rash with burning or blistering and is often much itchier than psoriasis.¹² 

Eyelid Psoriasis Treatment

The focus of psoriasis treatment is to lower inflammation and slow skin cell growth and shedding. Treatments vary, depending on how widespread the psoriasis is and whether it affects other areas like your joints.¹³

You can often manage mild or occasional flare-ups at home with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and self-care practices. Good hygiene practices can help prevent skin injuries, scratches, and infections.¹⁴ 

You can:¹⁵

• Wash eyelids with a sensitive skin cleanser
• Apply an OTC cream to moisturize the skin
• Apply a warm compress to ease pain and swelling

Specific OTC creams that may help include:¹⁶

• Coal tar creams for flaking skin
• Oil-based moisturizers
• Unscented products

If you have severe symptoms, your doctor might prescribe medications or other treatments, such as:¹⁷

• Tacrolimus ointment¹⁸
• Topical steroid creams
• Sunlight or UV light therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Immunosuppressive drugs like methotrexate

When to See Your Doctor

You can often treat mild eyelid psoriasis at home with OTC medications. However, if your symptoms are severe, don’t go away with home treatment, or develop into vision-related symptoms, see your doctor. Learn more about skincare and skin conditions at My Skin Treatment. 

SOURCES:

1. Cleveland Clinic: “Psoriasis on the Eyelids.”
2. Cleveland Clinic: “Psoriasis on the Eyelids.”
3. Cleveland Clinic: “Psoriasis on the Eyelids.”
4. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: “Psoriasis.”
5. American Academy of Ophthalmology: “Ocular Manifestations of Psoriasis.”
6. Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Psoriasis.”
7. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: “Psoriasis.”
8. National Psoriasis Foundation: “Causes and Triggers.”
9. Cleveland Clinic: “Psoriasis on the Eyelids.”
10. Cleveland Clinic: “Psoriasis on the Eyelids.”
11. Cleveland Clinic: “Psoriasis on the Eyelids.”
12. Cleveland Clinic: “Psoriasis on the Eyelids.”
13. Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Psoriasis.”
14. Cleveland Clinic: “Psoriasis on the Eyelids.”
15. Cleveland Clinic: “Psoriasis on the Eyelids.”
16. Cleveland Clinic: “Psoriasis on the Eyelids.”
17. Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Psoriasis.”
18. Cleveland Clinic: “Psoriasis on the Eyelids.”