Seven Common Allergen Groups Causing Eyelid Dermatitis: Education and Avoidance Strategies

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Contact Dermatitis Research

Background:

• Eyelid dermatitis is frequently linked to allergic reactions.
• Periorbital allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) recurrence poses a management challenge.
• A clear approach to managing recurrent periorbital ACD is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify common allergens responsible for eyelid involvement in patients with periorbital dermatitis.
• To establish an effective management strategy for recurrent periorbital ACD.
• To address a gap in the literature regarding eyelid ACD allergens.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 215 patients diagnosed with periorbital dermatitis undergoing patch testing.
• Comparison of positive reaction rates in patients with and without eyelid involvement.
• Comparison of findings with North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) and Mayo Clinic Contact Dermatitis Group (MCCDG) data.

Main Results:

• Shellac, benzalkonium chloride, acrylates, and surfactants were more common allergens in the study population compared to general populations.
• Top allergen groups for periorbital ACD included metals, shellac, preservatives, topical antibiotics, fragrances, acrylates, and surfactants.
• Tixocortol pivalate and budesonide were the only corticosteroids eliciting positive reactions.

Conclusions:

• Seven key allergen groups contributing to eyelid ACD were identified.
• Allergen avoidance, guided by counseling and online resources, is a primary management strategy.
• Patch testing is recommended for patients unresponsive to avoidance measures.