If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission.Eyelid dermatitis is a common condition that causes the skin on or around the eyelid to become dry, itchy, and irritated.The term may refer to, or seborrheic dermatitis on the eyelids. When the cause is an allergen or irritant, the condition is called eyelid contact dermatitis.This article discusses how to manage eyelid dermatitis, using treatments and home remedies.

1. Eyelid Dermatitis

It also looks at the symptoms and causes of the condition. The skin on and around the eyelid can become irritated and dry with eyelid dermatitis.For all kinds of eyelid dermatitis, people should keep the eye area clean and avoid touching it or scratching. This helps to prevent further irritation or infection.Where possible, it is helpful to identify and avoid contact irritants and allergens that can cause flare-ups. These can include:.

certain makeup brands. sunscreens.

perfumes. swimming goggles. eye drops. false eyelashes. contact lens solution.

airborne allergensTo treat eyelid dermatitis caused by atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis, and for immediate relief from symptoms, a person can:. Moisturize. Moisturizing creams can relieve dryness and itching. A wide range of creams is available with and without prescription. They are most effective for treating mild dermatitis. Use calcineurin inhibitors. This medication is used to treat inflammatory disorders, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

It can be applied as cream or taken orally. It should be used with caution, as it may suppress immune function. Calcineurin inhibitors are available to purchase in pharmacies, health stores, and. Use corticosteroids. Steroid-based creams can be applied directly to the eyelids to treat and reduce dryness. For widespread cases of dermatitis or eczema, corticosteroids can be taken in tablet form.

The strength of the medication depends on the severity of the symptoms. Corticosteroids are available to purchase in pharmacies and.People should use corticosteroid creams cautiously as they can lose some of their effectiveness if applied for too long.

When used close to the eye, there is a risk of if used for long periods of time.These creams can also induce certain short-term side effect, such as, hair growth on the treated areas, and thinning of the skin.Corticosteroid tablets are reserved for the most severe symptoms, as their side effects can be serious. Possible effects include,. Common forms of eyelid dermatitis include:. Allergic contact dermatitis develops because of an allergic reaction that causes inflammation of the skin, such as pollen in a person with.

Some cosmetic products or metals, such as nickel, are common causes of allergic skin reactions. Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by the eyelid coming into direct contact with a substance that damages the outer layer of the skin, such as certain types of makeup, soaps, and detergents. Atopic dermatitis is a form of eczema that can affect the eyelids. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that causes the skin to become inflamed and flakey. It often occurs on the scalp but can also affect oily areas of skin, such as the eyelids.It is unclear what causes conditions such as atopic dermatitis, though there seems to be a genetic component, and it can. Changing to hypo-allergenic eye makeup can help prevent irritation to the eyelid.The following actions may help to prevent outbreaks of eyelid dermatitis:.

Avoid scratching or rubbing eyelids. This can cause further damage to the skin and increases the risk of infection.

Make dietary changes. Can trigger eyelid dermatitis. Dairy products, in particular, can cause symptoms of atopic dermatitis to emerge. A person should consult a doctor before making any significant dietary changes. Try anti-itching products. Over-the-counter medications can reduce the urge to itch. A hot or cold compress may also help.

Avoid certain moisturizers. Products containing formaldehyde, lanolin, parabens, or with a fragrance, may cause additional irritation to the skin. Wear protective gear.

Shielding the eyes from potential irritants, using goggles or glasses, can help. Moisturize regularly. Using a moisturizer on the eyelids each day may prevent symptoms from developing. People should take care not to get moisturizer in the eyes. Use less soap. Taking shorter showers or baths will reduce the time skin is exposed to potential irritants. It may also help to use milder soaps, antibacterial soap, or soaps without fragrance.

Restrict makeup use. Using makeup around the eyes, such as eye shadow or mascara, can irritate the sensitive eye area.

Using less or switching to hypo-allergenic brands can be helpful.The causes, types, and triggers of eyelid dermatitis vary. It may be necessary to try several of these actions before finding the most effective ones. The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, and so the eyes are especially sensitive to irritation.While it is hard to predict who will develop eyelid dermatitis, certain factors may increase the likelihood of the condition developing. These include:. Age. Infants are more susceptible to certain types, such as seborrheic dermatitis, also called cradle cap. Genetics.

Skin conditions often run in families. Poor personal hygiene. Not keeping the skin clean can lead to the condition. Certain professions. These include any with frequent exposure to potential trigger substances, such as agricultural, construction, cosmetic, and beauty workers. Certain medications.

Medications, such a neomycin or, can be triggers. Medical conditions. Hay fever, or other skin conditions, such as acne or psoriasis.

It is possible to self-diagnose eyelid dermatitis if the cause is obvious. Through trial and error, it is possible to identify and avoid triggers without the need for medical attention.A doctor can often diagnose the form of dermatitis through a physical exam. They may ask about risk factors, such as hay fever.When an allergic reaction is suspected as the cause, a doctor may recommend a patch test. Here, a common allergen is placed on the skin to test for an allergic reaction.If an irritant is the suspected cause, a repeated open application test (ROAT) can be used.

This involves exposing the skin to the irritant over several days to test for problematic skin reactions.It can be more difficult to determine a specific irritant compared with an allergen. Rubbing or scratching the eyes can increase the risk of eye and skin infections.Some complications that may occur with eyelid dermatitis include:. Skin infections. Scratching or rubbing the eyes can make the skin vulnerable to infections. Eye infections.

Bacteria can get into the eye from repeatedly touching or rubbing the region, causing infections. Difficulty sleeping.

The symptoms of eyelid dermatitis can cause discomfort while sleeping. Other skin conditions. It is possible for eyelid dermatitis to occur before skin inflammation on other areas of the body. Neurodermatitis. Chronic scratching or rubbing can increase the urge to itch. Persistent scratching can cause the skin to become discolored and leathery. Eyelid dermatitis poses no serious health risks, though it can be uncomfortable and can interfere with daily life.In most cases, the symptoms are easily managed with treatment and by avoiding triggers.

Eyelid Dermatitis

It can, however, become a long-term and recurring condition.When triggers cannot be identified or avoided, treatment will be used to manage symptoms as best as possible.The effectiveness of treatments can depend on the extent of exposure to triggers, and the sensitivity of the skin.Using strategies to prevent symptoms, such as avoiding itching or rubbing the eyes, will help to improve and reduce the severity or onset of symptoms. A doctor or skin specialist can recommend actions that are most suitable for each person.

Do you ever experience dry flaky eyelids? Your eyelids are skin, after all, so it makes sense that they are prone to occasional skin irritations just like other parts of your skin. In fact, your eyelids are made of delicate, sensitive skin, meaning they may be more susceptible to dryness and flakiness. The thinnest skin on our body is found on the eyelids. There are many causes of dry flaky skin on the eyelids, such as allergies or skin disorders, but fortunately, there are plenty of over-the-counter treatment options to relieve the symptoms you may be experiencing, such as dryness, itchiness, or redness.The goal of this comprehensive article is to highlight the causes and symptoms of flaky dry eyelids, as well as to examine some of the popular treatment products that are on the market.

Your eyelids can return to their normal statesmooth and supplewhich will improve your appearance and skin health. Symptoms of Flaky Dry EyelidsDry flaky skin on the eyelids is actually a symptom of a condition called dermatitis. Dermatitis is a generic medical term that simply means ‘skin irritation or inflammation.’ Flaky skin on the eyelids is just one of the symptoms of dermatitis and points to a number of different causes.

However, it is important to be able to recognize all of the signs of irritation on the eyelids, including:. Itching – Irritation of the skin on the eyelids can cause you to itch. Scratching can then lead to cuts, redness, inflammation and other problems, most notably, infections. Pain – Irritation to the eyelids can hurt!

The pain can disrupt your life, make you unable to work, and impact your overall mood. You may also find yourself rubbing your eyelids in an effort to relieve the pain, but the rubbing could lead to even more redness and flakiness. Burning – You may experience a burning sensation if your eyelids are flaky and dry. The burning can range from mildly irritating to very painful. It could even make your eyes water and negatively impact your vision.

Dryness of the skin – Our skin, including the skin on our eyelids, must maintain a certain level of moisture to stay elastic, smooth, and healthy. But the skin can become dried out, which leads to flakiness, scaling, irritation, and redness. Flakiness – The skin on the eyelid is smooth, thin, and sensitive. When it becomes irritated, it can flake, meaning tiny pieces of skin dry and peel off.

The flaky eyelid skin may feel rough as well. Redness or rash – As with most cases of dermatitis, the skin on the eyelid could become red and may even display bumps or rash.

Skin rashes, particularly those on the sensitive eyelids, may itch and burn or be painful. Unfortunately, with rashes, the more you scratch and rub the skin to ease the itching and pain, the more the rash will spread, causing even more irritation and pain. Scaling of the skin – The dryness of the eyelid skin may even change the appearance and feel of the eyelid. The skin could take on a scaly look. Scaling skin is the loss of the outer layer of the skin which results in a cracked appearance, or a look that resembles fish scales. Swelling – Swelling or inflammation is a common symptom that accompanies pain, rash, itching, and burning. The affected area increases in size and, most often, increases in temperature, too.

Thickening of the skin – Particularly with chronic dermatitis or dry flaky eyelids, the skin may become thicker and less flexible. This is a result of scar tissue, albeit in small amounts, that form due to damage to the skin.The symptoms that you experience, including dry flaky eyelids, can impact one or both eyes. The irritation can vary in intensity, from a minor annoyance to severe pain and itching.

The condition of dermatitis may occur infrequently and last for only a short time, or it may be chronic. Additionally, the irritation could spread to the surrounding skin or stay isolated on your eyelids.

Causes of Dry, Flaky Skin on the EyelidsDermatitis of the eyelids may occur due to a number of causes. The skin on the eyelids may react after coming into contact with an irritant. In addition, the redness and flakiness could be the result of a skin disease or disorder.

Let us first look at irritants or allergens that could be the culprit when you experience flaky, dry eyelids. After that, we will discuss the skin diseases that may play a role when your eyelids are dry and irritated.Related: AllergensThe eyelids feature some of the most sensitive skin on the human body, yet we are often not as gentle with our eyelid skin as we should be. Many times, the allergens or irritants that cause dry, flaky skin on the eyelids were ones that we put there on purpose. Here are some of the common allergens that could cause irritation to the eyelids. Make-UpEye shadow, eye liner, and mascara are all popular types of make-up applied to the eyelids and surrounding area.

The contents of these make-up products, however, can be questionable and may lead to allergic skin reactions, especially for people who have sensitivity to substances that come in contact with their skin. It is good advice to be cognizant of the substances that you put on your eyelids. Strive to find make-up items with hypoallergenic or all-natural, chemical-free ingredients. LotionLotions are wonderful for hydrating dry skin, but you should know that not all lotions are created equal.

Some lotions on the market can contain harsh chemical ingredients. Others have strong perfumes or fragrances that may irritate the skin.

Select lotions that are specifically designed for use on the eyelids, as this is a sensitive area. Test out new lotions on other areas of your body, where the skin is less sensitive, before applying it to your eyelids. If all else fails, use a simple oil such as jojoba oil for moisturizing your skin. SunscreenYour eyelids are just as likely to get sunburned as other parts of your skin, therefore you should protect them by applying sunscreen when you will be out in the sun.

Beware, the type of sunscreen you use may cause your eyelids to become dry and flaky due to an allergic reaction. As you would with make-up and lotion, you should take care to purchase sunscreen that contains ingredients that are mild enough that they won’t cause an allergic response when used on the eyelids.

Zinc-only formulas are usually your best bet. Soap and ShampooAlthough you probably don’t apply soap or shampoo directly to your eyelids, your eyelids may be exposed to them and this can create an allergic dermatitis reaction. Residue that you rinse off after shampooing your hair or washing your face can easily come in contact with your eyelids. You can try to avoid getting shampoo or soap on your eyelids or look for products that are milder and less likely to cause a reaction on your sensitive eyelid skin. This may be tough to do, however, especially if you need to use a medicated or dandruff shampoo and an acne or medicated facial soap.

Eye DropsRed and irritated eyeballs can be soothed by using medicated eye drops. While these eye drops may help calm an allergic reaction in the eyeball, they could also cause the skin on the eyelids to react, which could, in turn, cause dryness and flakiness. Look for formulas that are preservative free. Contact Lens SolutionFor people who wear contact lenses, rinsing and storing your contacts in a contact lens solution is a daily practice. Contact lens solutions are designed to clean and hydrate lenses while being mild on the eyeball.

But exposure to some of these solutions may cause the skin on the eyelid to rebel, resulting in an allergic reaction. Often, a hydrogen peroxide cleanser, such as ClearCare, is the best for this. GogglesSwimming goggles, safety goggles, and other types of protective eyewear are designed to fit snugly around the eye area.

The rubber seal around the goggles can irritate the skin. Goggles may also make it difficult for dry, flaky eyelids to heal completely. When you continue to wear goggles day after day, you are reintroducing the allergen to the unhealed eyelid. PerfumePerfumes, colognes, and body sprays can inadvertently settle on your eyelids and provoke an allergic reaction on the skin. Of course, what do you do when you spray on body spray or cologne? You close your eyes. This means your eyelids may take the brunt of the spray.

As it is with lotions, perfumes and body sprays are available in a wide range of price points and the cheaper products are more likely to contain ingredients that may incite the skin on your eyelids to react. Airborne AllergensOften, allergens that may cause irritation and allergic responses on our eyelids can come from our environment. Smoke, either from cigarette smoking, fireplaces, bonfires, or work-related fires, is one of the leading environmental allergens, as is dust. Other airborne allergens can include chemicals from our homes or workplace, such as aerosol paints or harsh cleaners. Pet dander can also be a factor, particularly if you have a cat that likes to sleep on your pillow when you are not home.

Skin DisordersEyelid dermatitis can also be the end result of a skin disorder or disease. The condition may manifest itself on any part of your skin, including your eyelids. When the skin disorder impacts your eyelids, it can be particularly problematic because the skin is much more sensitive, and you may not be able to use a strong medicated cream so close to your eyes. Here are a few of the most common skin conditions or diseases that can cause dry, flaky eyelids.Eczema, or eczematous dermatitis, is a skin condition categorized by inflamed, dry, rough patches on the skin that may also be accompanied by blisters, itching, and a rash. There is no known cause of eczema. People suffering from eczema experience flare-ups from time to time that can strike anywhere in the body and range in severity. Eczema is not contagious.Psoriasis is a common and chronic skin condition.

It is a disorder in which the life cycle of skin cells is accelerated, creating a rapid build-up of skin in random patches. These patches become scaly, flaky, dry, and itchy. Psoriasis is incurable, but people can often control the symptoms and lessen to chances of flare-ups.Seborrheic Dermatitis affects mainly the head and scalp, seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder that creates blotchy, red, scaly patches of skin that flake. Physicians theorize that seborrheic dermatitis may be caused by a yeast or fungus, called malassezia that forms on oily secretions on the skin.

In some cases, the seborrheic dermatitis goes away on its own, without medical intervention. Other times, it requires medication.Rosacea causes redness, small bumps, and visible blood vessels on a person’s face and this can extend to the eyelids. Rosacea appears to be a hereditary condition. Although, flare-ups may be triggered by environmental factors such as exposure to smoke, heat, or various triggering foods. A rosacea flare-up may last for several weeks or even months.Bacterial Infection can affect the skin on the eyelids, leading to dry, flaky eyelids and other issues. Bacteria can settle on the surface of skin, enter through pores, or penetrate through cuts in the skin. The ensuing infection can spread through the surrounding area.

Bacterial infections can be treated with an antibiotic, either in pill or ointment form.Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids, usually caused by an abundance of bacteria that accumulate at the edges of the eyelids. Blepharitis causes redness, pain, swelling, and crusty discharge. The inflammation and infection is easily treated and the itchiness and dryness can be relieved with medication.Related:Eyelash Mites or Demodex, as much as we don’t want to think about it, our bodies play host to a number of unseen organisms, including eyelash mites and even lice. Among these can be demodex, a family of tiny mites that live on the skin adjacent to hair follicles. The mites prefer the eyelash area because of the high moisture. Your skin reacts to the mites by triggering an allergy-like reaction, with redness, itching, and swelling.

Make sure to use to help eliminate eyelash mites.Generic Treatment Options for Dry Flaky EyelidsTreating the specific skin condition can alleviate many of the annoying symptoms of dry eyelids, including dryness, itching, and flakiness. But there are less specific steps you can take to help ease the symptoms and prevent future flare-ups. Of course, common sense practices, such as keeping the skin clean, washing your hands, and removing contact with known allergens, should be taken. Additionally, dry, flaky eyelid treatment can include the following:Moisturizing – Creams, lotions, oils, and ointments, available over-the-counter and without a prescription, may be effective at relieving the dryness of the eyelid skin.Using Antihistamines – Over-the-counter antihistamines, as well as stronger, prescription ones, are effective at calming the body’s natural response to an allergen, including itching and swelling.Using Corticosteroids – A steroid cream or ointment can treat dryness and flakiness.

Simply apply the product directly to your eyelids. Prolonged use, however, is not recommended. Make sure to speak with your doctor about this.Related:Using Calcineurin Inhibitors – As a topical cream or an oral pill, calcineurin inhibitors are used to treat inflammatory disorders, which include psoriasis. 5 Specific Treatment Options for Dry, Flaky EyelidsIf you often find yourself saying, “My eyelids are dry and flaky”, you may be seeking a solution that will ease your discomfort and reduce the frequency of your flare-ups.