It is common to experience a burning sensation when tears come into contact with skin, particularly during intense crying or when eyes are irritated. While tears are essential for eye health and harmless, certain factors can alter their composition or irritate the surrounding skin, causing this discomfort.
The Chemistry of Tears
Tears are more complex than saltwater, composed of three distinct layers protecting and lubricating the eye. The outermost lipid (oily) layer smooths the tear surface, preventing rapid evaporation. The thickest aqueous (watery) layer contains water, electrolytes, and proteins, cleansing the eye and providing moisture. The innermost mucin layer helps the watery layer spread evenly and adhere.
Healthy tears have a maintained pH, which is slightly acidic to neutral. They also contain various electrolytes, contributing to their slightly salty taste. Proteins like lysozyme and lactoferrin offer antibacterial properties that defend against infection. This balanced composition allows tears to function without irritating the delicate skin around the eyes.
Common Reasons Tears Burn
Various factors can disrupt the normal balance of tears or increase skin sensitivity, causing a burning sensation. One common cause is dry eyes, where insufficient tear production or rapid evaporation makes tears more concentrated. This increased concentration, especially of salts, can irritate the eye and surrounding skin. Dry eye symptoms often include stinging, burning, or a gritty sensation.
Allergies are a frequent culprit, as allergens trigger an immune response that releases histamines. Histamines can make tears more inflammatory, causing redness, itching, and a burning sensation in the eyes and skin. Environmental irritants like smoke, dust, pollution, or chemicals can also directly irritate the eyes. When these irritants come into contact with the eyes, reflex tears wash them away, and irritating substances can cause a burning or stinging sensation.
Inflammation or infection around the eye can alter tear quality and increase skin sensitivity. Conditions such as blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, can lead to poor tear quality and a burning or gritty feeling. This can further irritate the eye surface and skin.
Excessive tearing, medically known as epiphora, can also result in burning skin even if the tears themselves are normal. Constant exposure to moisture can compromise the skin barrier, leading to irritation, redness, and a burning sensation. This is particularly noticeable around the eyelids and cheeks where tears frequently flow.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While occasional burning from tears is often temporary, persistent or worsening symptoms may indicate an underlying issue requiring professional attention. Consult a healthcare provider if the burning sensation continues despite home remedies or if it is accompanied by other concerning signs, including pain, redness, or swelling in or around the eye.
Changes in vision, such as blurriness or light sensitivity, also warrant a medical evaluation. If there is any atypical discharge from the eye, or if the burning is associated with other systemic symptoms like fever or unexplained fatigue, medical advice is important. A healthcare professional can determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.