Can Earrings and Nail Polish Trigger Eyelid Eczema?
According to Google trends, in the past 30 days UK Google searches for 'eczema on eyelids' and 'eczema on eyelid treatment' have both been at breakout - aka increased by 5,000%! On top of this SkinToker Natalie O'Neill posted a video highlighting how gel or acrylic nails, and cheap metal jewellery could be triggering eyelid eczema. We spoke to Dermatologist, and founder of eczema-skincare brand Dermatology M, Dr Mazin Al-Khafaji to give us more insight.
Why would earrings/certain metals be a trigger for eczema?
Earrings and certain metals can trigger eczema, particularly allergic contact dermatitis, which is a common form of eczema caused by an immune system reaction to specific substances. Nickel is a common metal allergen found in many earrings, especially inexpensive jewellery. Cobalt and chromium (sometimes used in alloys with nickel) can also cause allergic reactions.
Even gold jewellery can trigger reactions if it contains nickel or other mixed metals. Some people react to oxidation, coatings, or plating on metal earrings.
Why would nail polish/gels/acrylic nails be a trigger for eczema?
These can trigger eczema for several reasons, mainly due to chemical allergens, irritants, and skin barrier disruption. The most common reason is Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Also, Formaldehyde (found in some nail polishes and hardeners) can be a skin irritant. Acetone (used for gel/acrylic removal), Toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)is very drying and can damage the skin barrier.
Would removing earrings/nail polish completely soothe eczema flare ups, or would topical skincare still be needed?
Removing the trigger (earrings, nail polish, or acrylics) can help stop the reaction from worsening, but it usually isn’t enough on its own—especially if the skin is already inflamed. Topical skincare is still needed to heal the skin and restore the barrier.
What should you avoid when it comes to eyelid eczema?
Avoid harsh makeup (especially avoid waterproof mascaras, eyeliners, and eye shadows, as they contain strong preservatives and removers that can irritate eczema).
Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol-based sanitizers, or other potential allergens.
Avoid rubbing or scratching the area.
Avoid contact lenses.
Don’t Expose Eyelids to Allergens or Irritants
Avoid nickel in metal eyelash curlers, rings, or jewellery as these can trigger eczema.
Avoid nail polish/acrylic nails can transfer allergens to the eyelids via touch.
Avoid hair dyes (especially black or dark shades) as they can cause cross-reactions if you have a PPD (para-phenylenediamine) allergy.
Avoid eye-masks and face masks.
Avoid even mild steroid creams or ointments.
Avoid over washing area or using hot water - lukewarm water is best.
Avoid mineral oil or creams with fragrances from essential oils, but do moisturise regularly
