Dry Patch Of Skin On Eyelid

What Is Allergic Contact Dermatitis

ACD is a type of allergic reaction. In this type of allergy, a substance contacts the skin, and later results in a rash. The rash from poison ivy is one example. The rash classically occurs 2-3 days later, but it may happen just a few hours later, or one week later. This delay is what makes ACD so hard to figure out.

Once the rash occurs, it may last for weeks, and sometimes up to 8 weeks. People may stop using the offending product for 1-2 weeks, but thats usually not long enough to see results.

Ad May Increase Your Risk For Some Eye Diseases

It seems that the more severe the AD, the higher your risk of developing certain eye diseases. At least, thats the finding from a 15-year study run in Denmark.

During this study, researchers looked at the medical records of adults in Denmark. In doing so, they discovered that those with AD had a higher risk of developing an eye infection called conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye.

Pink eye : Signs that you may have pink eye include:

• Pink color to your eye

• Watery, itchy eyes

• Eyes sensitive to light

• Wet, sticky or dry, crusty eyes

In this study, adults with AD also had a higher risk of developing the following eye diseases.

Inflamed cornea : This eye disease occurs when the eye becomes infected or inflamed. Warning signs include your eyes feeling:

• Painful or uncomfortable

When caught early and properly treated, keratitis can often be cured.

Cornea changes shape

The cornea of the eye is normally round, as shown here.

Frequently rubbing your eyes can change the shape of your cornea. As the cornea starts to change shape, it begins to bulge. It becomes cone-shaped. This change in shape can cause the following warning signs:

• Nearsightedness
• Sensitivity to light, especially when driving at night
• Constantly changing prescription for eyeglasses or contacts

Signs of keratoconus

If you have any warning signs of keratoconus, ask your eye doctor to take a close look at the shape of your cornea.

Remove Makeup Before Sleeping

The ingredients in your makeup can dry your skin if left overnight. Remove makeup around your eyes before you sleep.

Heres How:

• Apply eye makeup remover to a cotton pad.
• Press the pad on your skin very gently and drag it in an outward motion.
• Repeat this step until your skin is completely off the makeup.

Also Check: What Does Melanoma Look Like On The Leg

Talking To Your Eye Doctor

Here are some questions to ask your eye doctor about dry eyelids:

• Which over-the-counter moisturizers should I use on my eyelids?
• Do I need prescription strength medication to clear up my dry eyelids?
• What is the underlying cause of my dry eyelids?
• If treatment does not work, how long should I wait to contact you again? What will my next treatment options be?
• How long should it be before I find relief?
• Can you refer me to a dermatologist?
• What symptoms would warrant an immediate trip to the doctor?

Did you knowmost face lotions and moisturizers do not contain a sufficient amount of moisturizer for the skin around your eyes?

• J. Weizer, MD J. Stein, MD, MS Readers Digest Guide to Eye Care 131 105
• S. Moore, MD K. Yoder, MD Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness & Surgery Revised 5th edition 42-43

Other Causes Of Dry Skin On The Eyelids

If were going to talk about the causes of these day-to-day irritants than it is prudent to talk about ways that you can soothe the dry skin on your eyelids that wont go away because of daily exposure to irritants. For a day to day occurrence, its important to be gentle on your skin. Easy ways to help reduce dry eye and skin include using a humidifier to help add moisture to your room or house. Taking showers that arent stifling hot, but at a cooler temperature can help. If you cant give up those hot showers, then consider taking shorter ones. Moisturize your skin, but make sure that the products you choose do not contain fragrance. Many people react poorly to scented products, which can make you more prone towards dry skin on the eyelids.

Many substances that come into contact with the skin of our eyelids can become an irritant, and this can happen suddenly or over time. A dry patch of skin on your eyelid could be the result of any number of these problems, likewise, there is still the chance that you might have a medical condition which affects the eye itself.

You May Like: Carrot Seed Oil Benefits Skin

When To See A Doctor For Eyelid Dry Skin

If you experience dry skin on your eyelids, an eye doctor can help identify the source of the problem and provide any necessary medical treatment.

You should schedule a comprehensive eye exam if:

• Your symptoms worsen .

• The steps youve taken at home havent helped.

• Your vision or eyes are affected in any way .

Eye health is important to your general well-being, so its always a good idea to consult with an eye doctor if you notice any changes to your sight or eyes.

How To Treat Dry Eyelids

Your situation will help determine which treatment is best for you.

If your dryness is because of another condition, talk to your doctor about how to get it under control.

If you have contact dermatitis, learn your triggers and how to avoid them. Also try not to touch your eyelids unless your hands are clean.

If you have eczema, try to avoid triggers and use moisturizer often. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe steroid creams to control itching. They also might recommend antibiotic ointments or creams to fight infection.

If you have blepharitis, warm compresses and gentle eyelid scrubs can ease symptoms. Your doctor might also suggest eyedrops or antibiotics for infection or inflammation.

Lifestyle changes can help soothe your eyelids, too. For example:

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside your home.
• Take shorter showers or baths, and use warm water.
• Apply moisturizer several times a day, especially after bathing.
• Use gentle soaps and detergents instead of harsh products that can dry and irritate your skin.

Show Sources

Don’t Miss: Can Skin Cancer Be Inherited

How To Get Rid Of Dry Eyelids At Home

A person can often treat their dry eyelids at home with over-the-counter moisturizers. However, not all moisturizers are safe for the eye area. Some may cause irritation and stinging. It is important to read the product label carefully before applying any moisturizer near the eyes.

Some active ingredients in moisturizers include:

• olive or jojoba oil

To help with dry skin, the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends:

• moisturizing several times a day, including right after bathing
• using a humidifier
• avoiding bathing or showering for longer than 5 minutes
• using warm rather than hot water to bathe
• avoiding prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds
• washing with gentle cleansers and using skin products for sensitive skin

If a person has known triggers for contact dermatitis, avoiding those triggers can often help to reduce symptoms.

It is also a good idea to avoid touching the eyes. Contact dermatitis can happen when a person touches something with their hands, and then touches their eyelids or face.

What Triggers Allergic Eyelid Contact Dermatitis

Eyelid contact dermatitis follows direct contact with an allergen.

Allergy to cosmetics may be due to contact with allergens in:

• Hair dye, ie paraphenylenediamine allergy

Eyelid contact dermatitis is sometimes triggered by airborne allergens, such as dust mite and plant pollens. Compositae allergy is an example of an airborne allergen causing eyelid dermatitis.

Don’t Miss: What Causes Squamous Cell Carcinoma Of The Tongue

Dry Flaky Skin On Nose

Focusing on the dry flaky skin on your nose, it can show up as dry scales, blisters that crust over, skin peeling, sores, ashy patches, white dots, and marks. Also, the flaky skin on the nose can be rough and sometimes leathery.

For more emphasis, your face might develop dry flaky skin due to causes that are already been discussed in the relevant section of the post. These causes include contact dermatitis, environmental conditions, smoking, excess alcohol, certain medication and skin infection such as eczema, cancer, psoriasis, and rosacea.

Should I Take My Child To The Doctor

Yes, have the doctor take a look at your child’s eyes. While adults may try treating themselves for the condition before seeing a doctor, with a child it’s best to make sure it’s blepharitis you’re dealing with and to take care of it right away.

The doctor may recommend treatment or refer you to a pediatric ophthalmologist for a more thorough exam and to rule out more serious eye problems.

You May Like: Dogs With Dry Itchy Skin

Whats The Outlook For People With Eyelid Dermatitis

Eyelid dermatitis is treatable. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to clear up the contact dermatitis. But the condition can come back. Its a good idea to try to figure out what caused it so that you can avoid the trigger.

When can I get back to my normal activities like work/school?

Dermatitis shouldnt keep you from going about your normal daily activities. If its so painful and annoying that it interferes with your work or keeps you up at night, be sure to tell your healthcare provider.

Why Do I Have A Dry Patch On My Eyelid

Dry eyelids have several possible causes, including dermatitis and natural aging. They may occur when the top layer of the skin fails to retain enough moisture. People can usually treat dry eyelids at home by applying moisturizers and using warm, not hot, water to bathe.

Blepharitis | 2 Easy Steps To Banish Red, Crusty, Itchy Eyes | The Eye Surgeon

Read Also: Natural Moisturizer For Dry Skin

Protect Dry Skin From Sun Exposure

To protect dry skin around the eyes from sun damage, it is advisable to reduce sun exposure by wearing sunscreen and protective sunglasses outside. When using sunscreen on dry skin, ensure that the product used is effective at blocking UV rays and also contains moisturising ingredients that hydrate the skin.

Sunscreens which contain irritating perfumes and colourants should be avoided as these can cause irritation. Eucerin Sunscreens for dry skin offer effective sun protection with COLIPA- and EU-compliant UV filters, as well as antioxidant Licochalcone A to protect against UV-induced oxidation and premature ageing.

Eyelid Atopic Dermatitis Or Eczema

Eyelid atopic dermatitis, or eczema as it is more commonly known, is a chronic condition that occurs when there is a problem with the protective layer of the skin. This condition can happen on any part of the body including the eyelids. Eyelid eczema causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and irritated and often causes dry, red patches to appear. This dry patch on the eyelid can become extremely uncomfortable as well as unsightly.

Recommended Reading: Admire My Skin Hydroquinone Dark Spot Corrector Reviews

Dry Skin On Eyelids Patch Dermatitis Pictures Causes Get Rid Treatment & Home Remedies

Dry skin on eyelids is typically characterized by scaly, flaky or cracked patches on the skin. Occasionally, this might be accompanied by sores that wont go away. This post presents facts, pictures, causes, signs, and symptoms of dry skin on eyelids. Also, it outlines how to get rid of this condition using treatments and home remedies.

When To See Your Doctor

Temple recommends seeking out a doctor if:

• You have an underlying skin condition that you have not already sought professional help with
• The dryness around your eyes begins to affect your vision
• Over-the-counter treatments are not effective in tackling the issue
• Itchiness, flaking and/or redness worsen

Your dermatologist will assess the situation and suggest the best solution for your dryness issue.

Read Also: What Is The Name Of Skin Cancer

What Causes Dry Skin On The Eyelids

Although there are multiple reasons you could be suffering from dry skin on your eyelids, many are easy to spot. Medical conditions, for one, can be a leading cause, whether it is a side effect of a medical condition or the medications prescribed to treat an illness, the effect can be the same. Makeup is another common irritant that is regularly used by women on a daily basis, and this repeated use of a foreign and likely chemical-based material can irritate the eyes leaving a dry patch of skin on the sensitive skin of the eyelids.

What Are Dry Eyelids

According to Dr. Libby, dry eyelids refer to, irritated, flaky skin around the eyes, which occur from the skins normal barrier being disrupted. The dry skin then leads to a loss of hydration and moisture in the skin and inflammation follows.

Like all dry skin, most cases are easily detected when there is a change of texture and/or appearance. You will know if you have dry skin on the eyelids if you have dryness, redness, itching, flaking or swelling, Dr. Libby says. And, since the skin around the eyes is thin and often sensitive, these conditions may be more irritating on your lids than it would be on other parts of your body.

More From Women’s Health

Hadley King, MD, a dermatologist in NYC, says another way to identify if youre dealing with dry eyelids is to see how the skin reacts with a moisturizer. If there is inflammation and the flaking doesnt resolve with moisturizing, then it is likely dry skin and can include conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis or eczema.

Also Check: What Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Mean

Skinsmart Antimicrobial Eczema Therapy

Check The Latest Price

Backed by the National Eczema Association, this liquid isnt a hydrocortisone steroid, but rather an antimicrobial healing liquid designed to heal the skin. Although Eczema has multiple causes and its up to you find out what is causing yours, this liquid will work for many people suffering from chronic eye conditions.

A clear liquid that has no conditions of use means that you can apply this as needed without fear of suffering the effects that other products caution about from overuse. If you want to stay away from steroids or the constant need for antibiotics, then this easy to use spray just might be for you. FDA approved and gentle on the skin, this product is safe for everyone and is even safe for children one month or older.

Eczema may be caused by an imbalance of the bacteria on your skin, common bacteria found from these flare-ups is staph bacteria. This spray can remove Staph bacteria and help heal any damage it has left behind. This product doesnt have to be used solely by those suffering from Eczema either, it can be used for rashes, sunburns, or fungal conditions.

Dry skin on your eyelids wont go away? Try this because:

Dry Eyelids Causes And Treatment For Dry Eyelid Skin

• Talking to Your Eye Doctor

Dry eyelids affect many people, especially those who already have issues with dry skin. Dry, flaky skin can sometimes be embarrassing, especially if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis.

Dry, scaly, or flaky skin on your eyelids may be the worst of these conditions, as it can be extremely uncomfortable, irritating, and unattractive. Before applying lubrications, moisturizers, or lotions to your eyelids to relieve the dryness, it is important that you talk to a dermatologist to find the underlying cause.

Your dry skin could also be a sign of an underlying skin condition such as blepharitis. We will go over the symptoms, causes, and treatment methods for dry eyelids below, and we will also discuss other skin conditions that can cause this problem.

Also Check: Do You Apply False Lashes To Skin Or Lashes

What Is The Treatment For Eyelid Contact Dermatitis

It is important to avoid contact with irritants and known or potential allergens, to ensure that the skin is healthy and able to form a waterproof barrier.

• Avoid rubbing and scratching.
• Only touch eyelids with clean, rinsed hands.
• Wash eyelids with plain water or use a cream cleanser designed for sensitive skin.
• Avoid all contact with allergens detected by patch tests this is necessary life-long.
• Avoid eyelid cosmetics while the dermatitis is active.
• Wear protective wrap-round spectacles if exposed to cold, wind, dust particles etc. Spectacles can also make it easier to stop scratching and rubbing the eyelids.

Short courses of mild topicalcorticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors may be required to treat active inflammation. Severe contact dermatitis of the eyelids is usually treated with a short course of oral corticosteroids.

Eyelid dermatitis can be followed by postinflammatorypigmentation, one of the causes of dark circles under the eyes.

Identify And Avoid Irritants

If your dry eyelids are the result of an allergic reaction, figuring out what caused that reaction is key to getting relief. “It’s important not just to think about your own products, but also the products used by people around you,” Dr. Weng advises. See if you can pinpoint the source of your irritation.

Don’t Miss: Is Melanoma Itchy Or Painful

Are There Home Remedies For Dry Eyelids

If youre dealing with dry skin that just happens to be on your eyelids, try these tips:

• Moisturizing, moisturizing, and moisturizing! The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends applying moisturizer several times a day. That includes within 5 minutes of washing or bathing and whenever your skin starts to feel dry.
• Fragrance-frees the way to be! Avoid moisturizers, facial cleansers, or other face products that have strong scents or other unnecessary added chemicals.
• Embrace humidity. Using a humidifier can help add moisture to the surrounding air, helping skin stay hydrated.
• Avoid long, hot showers. Keep baths or showers short and sweet, and dont use super hot or super cold water. Instead, opt for lukewarm temps to prevent your skin from drying out.
• Be cool. Eyes feeling dry, irritated, or itchy? Gently applying a cold compress can help provide relief.
• No touchy! Try to keep your hands off your face as much as possible. Too much touching can bring the germs from your fingers right onto your skin, including your sensitive eye area.
• Be safe in the sun. To keep your skin healthy, always wear sunscreen and avoid too much sun exposure.
• Keep away from irritants. If there are things you know make your eyelids dry AF, steer clear! Avoiding known triggers can help prevent dryness from worsening, or sometimes even occurring in the first place.