How To Soothe Irritated Skin (Rashes) Around The Eyes – 13 Home Remedies

Natural hacks to help heal the delicate skin and nourish it back to health.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Zeel Gandhi, BAMS
Written by Shaheen Naser, MSc
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

Rashes around the eyes can occur due to allergies or inflammation. The irritated skin around the eyes reacts to a trigger substance, leaving rashes all across the affected area. But certain remedies for eye rash treatment will help you get rid of the itching, stinging, or burning. However, if not treated on time, the skin around the eyes turns dry, red, and scaly. We have compiled a list of 13 remedies to help manage the symptoms and heal the rash. Read on to know more.

Causes Of Rash Around The Eyes

Eye rashes can be due to various reasons. The most common ones are given below:

  • Allergens or irritants in skincare or beauty products
  • Ill-fitting contact lenses
  • Unclean eye makeup
  • Rubber from swimming goggles or snorkelingi  XA type of water activity that involves the use of a snorkel or a breathing mask with an attached tube while swimming underwater. masks
  • Bacterial infection
  • Dermatitis or eczema
  • Lyme diseasei  XA bacterial disease spread through tick bites and is usually characterized by fever, fatigue, and a skin rash.

If you have developed a rash around your eye, try one of the self-care remedies listed below to soothe the rash at home. But if the condition worsens, consult a doctor immediately.

This can help to relieve itching, redness, and bring you the much needed respite. Further, it is crucial to take care of your eye health to avoid serious complications.A study undertaken on 17,401 patients hospitalized over the observed period revealed that around 13.1% of them had skin lesions that is the areas of the skin which look different from surrounding areas, and make appear as bumps, patches, or reflect a change in texture or color. It was found to be the main reason for hospitalization. Moreover, 97.5 percent of them were found to be infectious in etiology.

How To Get Rid Of Rash Around Eyes

There are so many non-prescription remedies or holistic remedies that may help treat eye rashes. These home therapies are easy to follow and help reduce irritation and inflammation associated with rash around the eyes.

1. Essential Oils

Essential oils for rashes around the eyes
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Image: Shutterstock

Lavender oil soothes irritation and improves circulation in the affected area (1). Castor oil and coconut oil reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected area. These oils also nourish and hydrate the skin (2), (3).

You Will Need
  • 1 drop lavender essential oil
  • 1-2 drops coconut oil OR castor oil
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix the oils and apply the mixture on the rash carefully. Use a Q-tip if required.
  2. Leave this on for a few hours.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a day.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is known to reduce inflammation and irritation. It acts as an astringent when applied topically and helps regulate the skin’s pH. It also has antimicrobial properties (4), (5). These properties can help kill the bacteria causing the infection in the affected area if the rash develops due to an infection. However, there are limited scientific studies to prove that ACV can help treat rashes.

You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix the water with the vinegar to dilute it.
  2. Dip the cotton ball in this mixture and gently wipe the rash with it.
  3. Do not wash off the vinegar.
How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this 2 times a day.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera for rashes around the eyes
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Aloe vera is known to have astringent properties. This natural treatment soothes the rash and reduces inflammation (6).

You Will Need
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh aloe vera pulp
  • Coldwater
  • Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix aloe vera pulp with cold water.
  2. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and place it on the affected eye for 5-10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this 2-3 times daily.

4. Cucumber Slices

Cucumber is another soothing remedy for eye rashes. It cools and soothes inflamed skin (7). This folk remedy also hydrates the skin and nourishes it. This can, in turn, speed up the healing process.

You Will Need
  • Cucumber
  • Coldwater
What You Have To Do
  1. Cut the cucumber into thick slices and soak them in cold water.
  2. Place these cold cucumber slices on your eyes.
  3. As soon as the slices become warm, discard them and place another couple of slices on your eyes for a few more minutes.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a day.

5. Chamomile

Chamomile for rashes around the eyes
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Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and healing compounds that soothe rashes and inflammation around the eyes (8). This home treatment is safe to use around and on the eyes. You can also use it to wash your eyes.

You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers
  • A cup of hot water
  • Cotton pad
What You Have To Do
  1. Add the dried flowers to the hot water cup and steep the liquid for a few minutes.
  2. Let the solution cool down. Soak a cotton pad with it and place it on the affected area.
  3. Keep this on for 5-7 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times a day.

6. Cold Compress

This is the most soothing rash remedy of all as the coldness of the ice helps in reducing irritation caused by rashes. This DIY remedy also reduces swelling and redness around the eyes (9).

You Will Need

An ice pack

What You Have To Do
  1. Gently place the ice pack on the affected skin.
  2. Apply very little pressure and hold it in place for 5-7 minutes.

You can also make an ice pack by wrapping a few ice cubes in a clean cotton towel.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a day.

7. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel for rashes around the eyes
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Witch hazel possesses astringent and anti-inflammatory properties (10). These properties can help in reducing swelling and soothing the rash.

You Will Need
  • Witch hazel solution
  • Cotton ball
What You Have To Do

Dip a cotton ball in the witch hazel and dab gently around the eyes.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply this 2-3 times in a day.

8. Frozen Peas

Frozen peas or ice can help to reduce swelling by constricting blood flow in the local blood vessels (11).

You Will Need
  • Frozen peas packet
  • A soft towel
What You Have To Do

Wrap the frozen bag in a towel and place it on the eye for 10 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a day.

9. Rose Water

Rose water for rashes around the eyes
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Rosewater helps in soothing rashes around the eyes. This herbal remedy has been used traditionally as a toner that stimulates blood flow and heals rashes and scars (12). Scientific studies show that rose petal extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that may help fight rashes (13).

You Will Need
  • Rosewater
  • Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
  1. Soak the cotton ball in the rose water.
  2. Squeeze out the excess and place the cotton ball on the rash. It is best to use chilled rose water.
How Often You Should Do This

You can repeat this 2-3 times a day.

10. Potato

Potato has anti-inflammatory properties (14). These properties may help reduce pain and soothe irritation. The mild bleaching properties of potato can reduce dark circles (15).

You Will Need

Potato

What You Have To Do

Cut a thick slice of potato and place it on the rash for 10-15 minutes. You can prepare a poulticei  XA moist, semi-solid, medicated concoction wrapped in a cloth and applied at the site of injury to relieve pain and edema. with grated potato instead of directly placing a slice on your eyes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a day.

11. Saline Solution

Saline solution (or artificial tears) helps to clean the eyes and is an ideal remedy when the rash is due to an eye infection. This home solution will wash away impurities and pathogens from the eyes.

You Will Need

Saline solution (for eyes)

What You Have To Do

Pour 2-3 drops of the solution in the affected eye.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every morning and evening.

12. Humidifier

In case the rash is due to eczema, a humidifier will prove to be a life-saver for you (16). Dry weather conditions can aggravate eczema rashes. A humidifier helps in maintaining the moisture in the air. This will keep the skin more hydrated and reduce itching and irritation at the site of the eczema rash.

13. Honey

Honey is a natural humectant with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (17). It can help soothe eye rashes by reducing inflammation and irritation. Further, honey’s hydrating properties can prevent dryness, while its antibacterial effects provide protection against infection (18). When applied on the affected area, it creates a protective barrier, which helps alleviate discomfort and expedite the healing process.

You Will Need

  • Raw, organic honey

What You Have To Do

  1. Gently apply a small amount of raw honey on the affected area around your eyes.
  2. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat the area dry.

How Often You Should Do This

2 times a day.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Green tea is one of the traditional remedies, which is believed to ease irritated skin. Place used green tea bags in the refrigerator for 10 minutes and then on the irritated skin around the eyes for a soothing effect.

Apart from these home remedies, it is necessary to follow simple hygienic routines to keep your eyes and the skin around them rash-free. Here are some prevention tips.

Prevention Tips

  • The best thing you can do to avoid eye rashes is to maintain hygiene.
  • Discard old eye makeup products, like eyeliners, mascara, and eyeshadow, past their expiry or ‘use by’ date.
  • If you wear contact lenses, clean them thoroughly every day. Doctors recommend changing the solution used to clean the contact lenses every day.
  • Apply skin moisturizer around the eyes with your ring finger (as it has the least pressure) every night before going to sleep.
  • Before using any new makeup or skincare products, do a patch test on your hand. This will give you clarity about the suitability of the product for your skin. Do this without fail before using any product on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
  • Stay away from areas with potential allergens, such as gardens, parks, and swimming pools.
protip_icon Did You Know?
Electronic screens create an electrostatic field that absorbs the surrounding dust and aggravates the rashes. Take a break from screens at least every 30 to 45 minutes.

Infographic: How To Soothe A Rash Around The Eyes: Top 6 Remedies

Eye rashes can be painful and frustrating to deal with. Thankfully, there are many soothing remedies you can try to soothe and manage these rashes before they worsen. Among the 13 natural remedies mentioned, we’d like to stress on the most important ones that you should definitely be aware of.

Check out the below infographic to learn which are the top 6 natural treatments to soothe eye rashes.

how to soothe a rash around the eyes top 6 remedies (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Eye rashes are often a result of an allergic reaction or an inflammation and may present as itchy, irritated, dry, and red eyes. The rashes around the eyes may be triggered by allergens or irritants present in skincare or eye makeup products, swimming goggles, ill-fitting contacts, infections, or medical conditions like Lyme disease. Alternative remedies for eye rashes include the use of natural ingredients like essential and natural oils, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, cucumber, witch hazel, potato, rose water, ice packs, and saline water. Consult your opthalmologist if the rashes worsen or you experience severe symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a rash around the eyes serious?

A rash around the eyes can get serious because of the sensitive organ present next to it. If the rash extends to the eyeball, causing issues with vision, it can lead to serious complications.

When should I see the doctor?

If the rash is obstructing your vision or has started bleeding, consult your physician immediately. Also, if any of the home remedies have failed to work even after using them for a few days, it’s time to pay an ophthalmologist a visit for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Is Vaseline good for eyelid dermatitis?

Yes. Vaseline or petroleum jelly can help deal with dry, flaky skin associated with eyelid dermatitis. It is packed with hydrating properties that can soothe sensitive skin.

Can I put hydrocortisone cream near my eye?

You may do so only under the prescription and guidance of your healthcare provider. Eyelid skin is thinner and more sensitive than facial skin. Thus, only mild topical steroid cream containing 0.5-1% hydrocortisone should be used.

How long does it take for eyelid dermatitis to heal?

A full recovery from eyelid dermatitis takes around 4 days of treatment.

Is eyelid dermatitis contagious?

No, it is usually caused due to irritants and not a contagious agent.

Key Takeaways

  • Maintain good hygiene and avoid touching your eyes frequently to prevent the eye rash from spreading.
  • Use a soothing cold compress and apply aloe vera pulp, cucumber slices, and rose water to soothe the eye area.
  • Always conduct a patch test before using any new makeup, as this may also lead to the development of eye rashes.
  • Use a saline solution to clean the eyes during any rash infection.
home remedies for eye rash_illustration

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Uncover the causes behind that pesky burning sensation around your eyes with this informative video! Check it out and discover expert advice to soothe and manage it.

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

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  2. Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Aerial Parts of Periploca aphylla and Ricinus communis, ISRN Pharmacology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3418662/
  3. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities of virgin coconut oil, Pharmaceutical Biology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20645831
  4. Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect, Medscape General Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/
  5. Authenticating Apple Cider Vinegar’s Home Remedy Claims: Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral Properties and Cytotoxicity Aspect, Natural Product Research, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29224370
  6. ALOE VERA: A SHORT REVIEW, Indian Journal of Dermatology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
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  7. Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber, Fitoterapia, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
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  8. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future, Molecular Medicine Reports, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
  9. Itching, MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://medlineplus.gov/itching.html
  10. Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells, Journal of Inflammation, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3214789/
  11. Cold and compression in the management of musculoskeletal injuries and orthopedic operative procedures: a narrative review, Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3781860/
  12. Pharmacological Effects of Rosa Damascena, Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
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  13. Skin anti‐inflammatory activity of rose petal extract (Rosa gallica) through reduction of MAPK signaling pathway, Food Science &Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
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  14. Anti-inflammatory properties of potato glycoalkaloids in stimulated Jurkat and Raw 264.7 mouse macrophages, Life Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
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  15. Health Benefits and Cons of Solanum tuberosum, Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies.
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  18. Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/#
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