Dealing with red, itchy, and inflamed skin around the eyes can be frustrating and uncomfortable. This delicate area, known as the periocular region, is prone to dermatitis, leaving many searching for a solution that is both safe and effective. While topical steroids are often a first-line treatment for skin inflammation, their use around the eyes comes with significant risks.

This post will explore the concerns surrounding topical steroid use for eye dermatitis. We will also introduce a promising alternative: beta-glucan. This powerful, naturally derived ingredient offers a gentler way to soothe inflammation, repair the skin barrier, and restore comfort to the sensitive skin around your eyes.

The Problem with Topical Steroids Around the Eyes

Topical corticosteroids are effective at reducing inflammation, which is why they are frequently prescribed for conditions like eczema and dermatitis. However, the skin around your eyes is exceptionally thin and vulnerable, making it more susceptible to the side effects of these potent medications.

Facial skin, and particularly the periorbital area, is at a higher risk for local adverse effects from corticosteroids. Using these creams near the eyes requires extreme caution due to several potential complications.

Serious Risks to Eye Health

Prolonged use of topical steroids near the eyes has been linked to serious ocular issues. The American Academy of Dermatology guidelines specifically advise minimizing periocular steroid use due to these concerns.

One of the most significant risks is an increase in intraocular pressure, which can lead to glaucoma. Some case reports show that periorbital steroid use can cause a form of secondary open-angle glaucoma that may be sight-threatening and might not fully resolve even after stopping the medication. There is also a potential, though less clear, risk of developing cataracts.

Damage to Delicate Skin

Beyond the internal risks to your eyes, topical steroids can cause visible damage to the skin itself. The thin skin of the face and eye area is more prone to steroid-induced side effects, including:

• Skin Atrophy: The skin can become even thinner, more fragile, and almost transparent.

• Telangiectasias: Small, widened blood vessels can appear on the skin's surface.

• Perioral Dermatitis: A red rash with bumps can develop around the mouth, nose, and eyes.

• Topical Steroid Withdrawal: Prolonged, inappropriate use of potent steroids can lead to a difficult and painful withdrawal syndrome when the medication is stopped.

These risks increase with the potency of the steroid, the duration of use, and whether the area is covered or occluded after application. Given these potential consequences, finding a safer alternative for managing long-term or recurring eye dermatitis is a priority for many.

A Safer Solution: The Power of Beta-Glucan

Enter beta-glucan, a polysaccharide (a complex sugar) found in the cell walls of oats, barley, yeast, and mushrooms. While you may have heard of its benefits when consumed in foods like oatmeal, its topical application is gaining recognition as a remarkable tool for skin health.

Beta-glucan works in multiple ways to soothe and heal irritated skin, making it an excellent alternative to steroids for managing facial and eye dermatitis.

How Beta-Glucan Calms and Repairs Skin

1. Reduces Inflammation: Beta-glucan has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Studies on animal models with atopic dermatitis showed that topical application of oat-derived beta-glucan significantly reduced skin lesions and inflammation. It helps calm the skin's immune response without the harsh side effects of corticosteroids.

2. Repairs the Skin Barrier: A healthy skin barrier is essential for keeping moisture in and irritants out. Dermatitis compromises this barrier. Beta-glucan helps accelerate its repair by signaling skin cells to function correctly, helping to restore normal keratinocyte differentiation and heal the disrupted barrier more quickly.

3. Boosts Hydration: Dryness is a common complaint with dermatitis. Beta-glucan is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin. Clinical trials have shown that formulations containing a similar compound, chitin-glucan, increased skin hydration, improved its ability to retain water, and reduced transepidermal water loss (the evaporation of water from the skin's surface).

Evidence Supporting Beta-Glucan

The benefits of topical beta-glucan are not just theoretical. Research is beginning to validate its use for sensitive and reactive skin conditions.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on contact dermatitis, a beta-glucan formulation significantly reduced allergic reactions in over 68% of subjects. This demonstrates its ability to modulate the skin's response to allergens and irritants.

Furthermore, its antioxidant properties help protect the skin from environmental damage, while its ability to support fibroblast activity can promote overall skin healing and resilience. The effectiveness of beta-glucan can depend on its molecular weight, with smaller molecules showing better penetration into the skin.

Making the Switch for Healthier Eyes

When managing inflammation around the eyes, the goal should be to find a solution that provides relief without creating new problems. The significant risks associated with prolonged topical steroid use—from skin thinning to potentially sight-threatening glaucoma—make them an unsuitable long-term option for this delicate area.

While there are situations where topical steroids or other pharmacological treatments, such as topical calcineurin inhibitors, may be necessary to control severe symptoms, beta-glucan stands out as a safer alternative for long-term management. It addresses the core issues of dermatitis by reducing inflammation, repairing the skin barrier, and deeply hydrating the skin. Its gentle, restorative action is backed by growing scientific evidence, offering an effective way to calm irritated skin safely.

If you are struggling with persistent redness, itching, or flaking around your eyes, consider incorporating a product with beta-glucan into your routine. It provides a path to soothe your skin and restore its health without the worries that come with using topical steroids.

Ready to find gentle relief for your eye dermatitis? Our by Dr Mom Beta Glucan cream contains only 8 ingredients and is hypoallergenic.Your skin—and your eyes—will thank you for choosing a safer, nurturing approach to healing.

References

Kim, Y. H., Kang, M. S., Kim, T. H., et al. (2021). Anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory effects of synbio-glucan in an atopic dermatitis mouse model. Nutrients, 13. 

Gao, S., Chen, Y., Zhao, J., et al. (2021). Oat β-glucan ameliorates epidermal barrier disruption by upregulating the expression of CaSR through Dectin-1–mediated ERK and p38 signaling pathways. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 183. 

Castelli, D., Colin, L., Camel, E., & Ries, G. (1998). Pretreatment of skin with a Ginkgo biloba extract/sodium carboxymethyl-β-1,3-glucan formulation appears to inhibit the elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis in humans. Contact Dermatitis, 38(3), 144–148.

Gautier, S., Xhauflaire-Uhoda, E., Gonry, P., & Piérard, G. E. (2008). Chitin-glucan, a natural cell scaffold for skin moisturization and rejuvenation. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 30(6), 459–469.

Sousa, P., Tavares-Valente, D., Amorim, M., et al. (2023). β-Glucan extracts as high-value multifunctional ingredients for skin health: A review. Carbohydrate Polymers, 302, 120392.

Du, B., Bian, Z., & Xu, B. (2014). Skin health promotion effects of natural beta-glucan derived from cereals and microorganisms: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 28(2), 159–166.