Debunking The Myth - Psoriasis On Your Eyelids

By DianeT

3 min read

"No one has plaques here" was what a doctor told me years ago about my eyelids. Many times, I have looked at my reflection in the mirror and saw flakes and had pain at times. Squinting my eyes and peering closer; if this is not psoriasis, what is it? Whatever a doctor told me back in the day, I took for gospel.

I will never forget these words from a doctor, “You might need to wash your face a little better, you have a few flakes on your eyelids.” This was an ophthalmologist that said these hurtful words to me so many years ago. The sad part about this is that I was too scared to tell him I had psoriasis.

Psoriasis appearing on the face and eyelids

I can’t remember when psoriasis first showed up on my face, to be honest. So many areas of my body have been covered in psoriasis and it has been decades.

Plaques on eyelids affect around 10% of all psoriasis warriors. It’s a body part that’s particularly tricky to care for given how thin the skin is, which makes it much more sensitive. We hear about so many beauty and cosmetic professionals supporting eye products that are gentle on the eyes and that’s precisely why.

Rubbing my eyes

A thing of the past was always rubbing my eyes when I was tired or when I just woke up. I tried to stop these old habits years ago. Years ago I had bad eyelid psoriasis; along with the pain.

It’s as though I have had a perpetual sty sitting on top of my eyelids and it would hurt to look upwards with my eyeballs. My family members and friends always remember me as a fantastic eye-roller. But not when my eyelids flare. I can’t do it.

For people who have double eyelids, you’d empathize with the slight irritation that comes with every blink because of the constant folding in and out of your creases. This has been more apparent for me when I’m experiencing a flare-up.

The eyelids tend to swell a little more and occasionally I can feel my eyelashes poking my eye. Not a very pleasant feeling.

Different creams for different types of psoriasis

I don’t mean to imply that your creams don't work; they sure do. There are just different corticosteroids that target various areas of your body.

Speak to your dermatologist if you haven't been prescribed one specifically for your eyelids because they cannot handle strong potent creams. Back in the day, I used baby oil on mine just to loosen up the flakes.

I know we sometimes wish we could close our eyes forever so that we don't have to feel the pain or a flake sticking out and poking our skin when we blink.

Your eyelids can be managed under the proper supervision; don’t give in or give up.

There are 2 things that I swear by whenever anyone asks me how I take care of my eyelids.

How I take care of psoriasis on my eyelids

Tender and loving care

First, never use a facial scrub near your eyes. You can apply it to the rest of your face but just avoid the area surrounding your eyes. The last thing you want is the micro-beads scratching or creating abrasion against your skin.

Hydrating eye lotion

One drop of a hydrating eye lotion dabbed gently onto your eyelids does wonders. Just lightly spread it from end to end. I enjoy the cooling sensation but consult your doctor before putting anything in your eyes.

What other uncommon or unlikely parts of your body have psoriasis that you think no one else would have? Comment and share. I have a "doozy" coming up in my next article. You won’t want to miss this one.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The PlaquePsoriasis.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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sarah9786 Member
OMG! Eureka moment or what! Thank you so much for sharing your experience in your article. I was also very embarrassed at the ophthalmologists and opticians by being told I had flakes in my eyelashes since I was a child but couldn't say I had psoriasis, whixh has always badly affected my scalp and made me very self concious. I have always put my sore and itchy eyelids down to too much screen use because I had also been told years ago that it doesn't affect your eyelids. This is something I'd just assumed to be true despite a very enquiring mind (!) and years of researching my own symptoms of psoriasis and arthritis. It also badly affects my ear canals, something I'm only now considering to be psoriasis thanks to your article so I plan to make a GP appointment for a derm referral tomorrow now! (I have been on Humira for 10 years so been signed off from dermatology to rheumatology onlu care) I honestly can't thank you enough. Xx
1. DianeT Moderator & Contributor
 Sarah9786, you really touch my heart with your comments. I know how you feel about being self conscious. I have had severe psoriasis my whole life and have had to question my doctors on some things that they have told me. Eye psoriasis is real and can get pretty bad. I have a few people in my psoriasis circle who have very bad eye psoriasis. Good luck on your doctors appointment. Take care, Diane
rasha Member
In addition to the psoriasis I have on my shins and back, I do have some redness and flaking above one eyelid (just under the eyebrow), some eyebrow flaking, like dandruff from the eyebrow, and a patch of redness and scaling at the top of the bridge of my nose. Now, I also have a history of seborrheic dermatitis, so I don't know if it's a remnant of that, or an expression of psoriasis. In any case, I try to exfoliate, then wash, then moisturize. SebaMed and Gold Bond Psoriasis Relief creams after a shower, and Aveeno a couple of times a day.
1. Jill.Brodie Community Admin
 Thanks for sharing what helps you @Rasha. We appreciate you being an active member of our community. Jill, Community Moderator
dinamay Member
I know what you mean about taking things to heart that doctors say. I used to be like that too. But in some ways, they’re as limited as us. A specialist doesn’t necessarily know very much outside his or her specialty! My worst experience in this regard was when my dermatologist and rheumatologist were more or less feuding with each other through me. Rheu wanted a certain type of skin test to decide what med she’d prescribe me. Derma got huffy and said no one was going to tell her what skin test was necessary. I decided it was time to find different doctors.
1. Jill.Brodie Community Admin
 Hi @DinaMay, thank you for sharing your story with us. I know that you are not alone in this experience as many of our community members have had to get second (sometimes third) opinion from various doctors. I am so glad you were an advocate for yourself. How has your psoriasis been lately? Jill, Team Member