I've had a reaction to my mascara. i stopped using it. the area round my eyes is red dry burning and itchy. can i put anything on or around them?

Vaseline : You made the correct decision to discontinue the mascara product. You're obviously sensitive to some ingredient in it. Nonprescription products are usually contraindicationed around the eyes and eyelashes. As an option to soothe the flaking skin, try using some Vaseline by carefully smoothing a small Amount into the skin and eyelash area. Note that if this doesn't help resolve your symptoms, C MD.

Good start: Stopping the cosmetic is a good start. Washing the skin with soap to get rid of any of the mascara left on the face. Use bland emollients and wait 12-24 hours. If the skin is still bothering you by then, you could try a very light application of 1% cortisone cream available over the counter in any drugstore. If that fails, then see your ophthalmologist.