Red under eyes can come from irritation, an allergic reaction or a skin condition such as eyelid dermatitis. Treat the cause first. Makeup can blend color, but Cleveland Clinic says eye makeup should stay off while eyelid dermatitis is present. Redness that lasts, swells, or hurts needs a doctor.
Last updated 3 October 2026. This article draws on guidance published by Cleveland Clinic and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It is a summary, not a stand-in for your own doctor’s advice.
What is behind red under eyes?
Cleveland Clinic’s page on eyelid dermatitis, a type of contact dermatitis, describes a red rash, scaly skin, swelling and itching. Makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, sunscreen), fragrances and essential oils are among the triggers it lists. People with sensitive skin or a weak skin barrier face a higher risk, it says.
According to Cleveland Clinic’s page on dark circles, eczema and contact dermatitis can widen the blood vessels under the eyes, and rubbing or scratching the eyes can leave the under-eye area swollen. That page covers dark circles and does not specifically discuss redness, so treat it as a clue rather than a full answer.
Could allergies explain the color?
They can play a part. Cleveland Clinic describes allergic shiners as dark, discolored circles under the eyes caused by nasal congestion from hay fever. The usual culprits it lists are pollen, mold, dust mites and pet dander.
Allergy medicines, whether over-the-counter or prescription, can help allergic shiners fade within a few weeks, it says. For skin-related causes, see our page on what causes redness around the eyes.
What helps before you cover it?
Cleveland Clinic offers these ideas for dark or puffy under-eyes (the compress tip comes from its allergic shiners page):
- Sleep more, with at least seven hours a night as its suggestion.
- Hold chilled spoons against the eyes to help shrink widened blood vessels.
- Rest a cold compress, wrapped in a thin towel, over the eyes for up to 10 minutes several times a day to ease puffiness.
- Put sunscreen on the face, with extra attention around the eyes, and wear sunglasses.
If a product is the likely cause, Cleveland Clinic’s eyelid dermatitis page says knowing the trigger and avoiding it can prevent a flare. It also advises against scratching or rubbing the eyelids. See our guide to dry skin under the eyes too.
Is it safe to cover red skin with makeup?
It depends on the skin. Cleveland Clinic’s dark circles page does suggest an under-eye concealer and foundation to even out skin color. For eyelid dermatitis, though, it says to go without eye makeup.
Cleveland Clinic also warns that covering a stye with makeup can delay healing. If your skin is red, itchy or swollen, hold off on cover-up and get it checked first.
When the skin is calm, the AAO shares these makeup safety tips:
- Add new eye makeup or eye care products one by one, particularly if you react easily.
- Keep makeup outside the lash line and away from the eye.
- Take off all eye makeup before bed.
- Do not lend or borrow eye makeup.
Our page on concealer for dry skin may help with texture, but check ingredients against your own triggers.
When does red under eyes call for a doctor?
Get in touch with a healthcare provider when:
- Eyelid dermatitis symptoms appear. Cleveland Clinic says to see your provider right away, rather than trying treatments at home.
- A dark circle or swelling shows up under only one eye. Cleveland Clinic suggests contacting a health provider.
- Allergy symptoms interfere with daily life, or serious ones such as anaphylaxis develop, which need emergency care (Cleveland Clinic).
Our page on controlling redness under the eyes is a companion read.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the skin under my eyes look red?
Often irritation or contact dermatitis. Cleveland Clinic names contact dermatitis, which includes eyelid dermatitis, as a cause of a red, scaly, itchy rash around the eyes. Triggers include makeup, fragrances and essential oils. Allergies and rubbing the eyes can also play a part. A doctor can find out which applies to you.
Can I wear concealer on red skin?
The answer turns on the cause of the redness. Cleveland Clinic’s dark circles page suggests an under-eye concealer to blend color, but for eyelid dermatitis it says to skip eye makeup. If the skin is itchy, swollen or sore, wait and have it checked first.
Do cold compresses help?
They may ease the look and feel of the area. Cleveland Clinic’s dark circles page suggests chilled spoons to help shrink widened blood vessels, and its allergic shiners page suggests a cold compress wrapped in a thin towel for up to 10 minutes several times a day to reduce puffiness. They do not address underlying triggers such as an allergy or dermatitis.
When is under-eye redness a reason to call a doctor?
Cleveland Clinic says to see a provider as soon as you notice eyelid dermatitis symptoms, and to call if a dark circle or swelling affects just one eye. It also says to get help if allergy symptoms disrupt daily life. Sudden severe allergy symptoms need emergency care.
Sources (all checked 3 October 2026)
- Cleveland Clinic, Eyelid Dermatitis, updated 25 October 2021.
- Cleveland Clinic, Dark Circles Under the Eyes, updated 25 May 2022.
- Cleveland Clinic, Allergic Shiners, updated 17 October 2023.
- Cleveland Clinic, Stye, updated 6 January 2026.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, How To Use Cosmetics Safely Around Your Eyes, dated 20 August 2024.
Written by the Dry Skin Tips editorial team. We do not claim medical review of this article. If you have a skin concern, see a qualified health professional.