What Causes Redness in the Upper and Lower Eyelids? How Does It Happen?

Baby's Red Eyelids: Causes, Treatment, and Preventive Measures

I. Causes

Red eyelids in infants are often caused by eczema, a common skin condition in babies that belongs to allergic or reactive diseases. The exact cause is sometimes difficult to determine. Infant eczema is also known as milk crust, and using antifungal medications to treat it can worsen the condition. It usually appears in babies aged two to three months and mostly affects the cheeks, forehead, eyebrows, and head, and can also spread to the trunk and limbs in severe cases. The initial symptoms include redness, followed by small, itchy bumps and blisters. When the blisters burst, fluid leaks out and dries to form a scab. The lesions often occur symmetrically.

Eczema can also manifest as a dry type with small, grayish-white scales on the bumps, or as a greasy type with yellowish, fatty fluid leaking from the bumps, which later forms scabs, especially on the top of the head, eyebrows, nose, and behind the ears, though the itching may not be as severe.

II. Treatment

If breastfeeding is the primary source of nourishment, mothers should be mindful of their diet and avoid foods that could trigger allergies or irritation. Normal babies may have some eye discharge in the morning when they wake up, especially when their eyelashes grow inward and irritate the eyeball. As the eyelashes naturally grow outward around one year of age, the discharge gradually decreases and does not require treatment. It can be gently wiped away with a warm cloth or a cotton swab dipped in boric acid solution, wiping from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner.

III. Daily Precautions

The skin of the eyelid is very thin and has less local fat, making it prone to water loss and dryness, which can lead to dermatitis. Frequent rubbing of the eyes or staying up late can also cause eyelid eczema with redness and itching. Some patients with conjunctivitis may also experience red, swollen, and itchy eyelids. It is important to apply moisturizers regularly to the child's skin, especially around the eyes.

IV. Dietary Considerations

Dietary adjustments, proper care, warmth, and avoidance of cold winds are essential. Keeping the area clean and avoiding irritants, increasing nutrition, and supplementing vitamins can help. Cold compresses can also be applied to the affected area. It is crucial to follow the guidance of a clinician for specific treatment plans. Infant eyelid redness is generally not a serious issue and can be effectively managed by attending to the child's dietary health and facial hygiene during bathing.

By taking these measures, parents can significantly reduce the occurrence of eyelid redness in their infants and alleviate any concerns they may have.