ABSTRACT

The eyelids are one of the most sensitive regions of the body, making them very susceptible to contact dermatitis. The accordion-like movement of the upper eyelid during blinking may lead to potential allergens becoming trapped and retained between the folded skins when the eye is open. Similar to the face, the eyelid region can be more easily approached by considering categories of allergen exposure. The term is most often used when talking about eyelid dermatitis in relationship to gold. Data from the North American Contact Dermatitis Group published in Dermatitis on isolated eyelid contact dermatitis revealed that gold was the most frequently encountered allergen producing a positive patch test. The “inadvertent” allergens are an easily forgotten but important cause of eyelid dermatitis. The eyelids are frequently rubbed and touched, which leads to transfer of substances from the hands. In this manner, the eyelids may be exposed to a multitude of potential allergens.