This is a very common condition usually affecting both lids, but occasionally only one eye is involved. Contact dermatitis can be caused by exposure to a sutstance to which the patient is allergic. Some materials also act as irritants and, although they do not cause true allergic reactions, their symptoms may be identical to those for allergic dermatitis.
Cannon irritants are soaps, acids, solvents, and detergents.
Symptoms include redness, and swelling of the lids, sometimes a watery discharge is noticed. Crusting and weeping lids may also develop. Topical ointment, which reduces swelling, redness and irritation, applied two or three times daily. Ointment also soothes the cracked skin that often accompanies the allergy. Oral antihistamines help to control the itching and swelling as well.