Skin CondItions Around The Eyes II

​​Skin Tags Small outgrowths of skin can be seen around the eyes and the eyelids in some individuals (Fig 6). Similar skin outgrowths are often seen on the neck and chest. These growths are skin coloured and harmless. Treatment is not necessary but they can be easily removed surgically for cosmetic reason.

​​These are small white or yellowish white skin growths often seen on the eyelids or temple (Fig 7). They are very small and resemble millet seeds. They can be removed surgically for cosmetic reasons.They represent obstructed sweat ducts.

​​Darkened pigmentation of the eyelids are common in many dark skin individuals. In many cases the darkening seems to vary with stress or lack of sleep. This condition is benign and may be inherited or constitutional. It is not a sign of any illness. Treatment is unnecessary. There is no effective treatment against the condition.

​​​This is a birthmark that occurs at birth or shortly after birth as a patch of blue black discolouration on one cheek, temple and eyelids (Fig 9). Usually one side of the face is affected although occasionally both sides of the face may be blue, and black discolouration is present on the white of the eye. The pigmentation of Naevus of Ota can be reduced by pigment laser surgery. Patients will require multiple treatments at two to three monthly intervals. Only the pigmentation on the skin can be treated.

​​These are vascular birthmarks (Fig 10). It can appear as a large red soft growth on the eyelids. The growth will continue to enlarge and grow as the baby grows but the growth will slowly regress spontaneously when the child is three to four years old. If the vascular growths are small, they can be left alone to await spontaneous regression. If large and encroaching on the eyelid, vision may be affected. They should then receive treatment. Treatment options include oral medication, injections and laser ablation.

​​​There is another vascular birthmark. They present as flat red patches on the eyelids and the skin of the cheek at birth (Fig 11). Unlike strawberry naevus, portwine stains never disappear spontaneously as the child grows older. The vascular birthmarks increase in thickness and small blebs of blood vessels may be seen. These growths do not regress on their own and treatment is necessary. Most portwine stains respond to the vascular laser. Patients will need multiple laser treatments at three monthly intervals to achieve optimal result.