Dry eyelids are a common condition that can affect anyone irrespective of age. Its symptoms include a dry flaky eyelid, and, in most cases, the under-eye area also appears flaky. Other symptoms include discoloration, itchiness, and soreness. In some cases, a person may end up with swollen eyes as a side effect.
What causes dry eyelids?
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There are several factors that can cause this problem. Common triggers include irritants in cosmetics, harsh shampoos that run on the face causing irritation, facial cleansers containing ingredients that irritate the skin, soaps, and sunburn.
Atopic contact dermatitis is the term used to refer to this condition when resulting from an allergic reaction.
Also, the eyelids are susceptible to irritation (irritant contact dermatitis). It is important to note that the factors that cause allergic contact dermatitis are also the same substances that may trigger irritant contact dermatitis. The only difference is that in the former, your body initiates an immune response.
There are medical conditions that can trigger dry eyelids. These conditions include:
- Psoriasis
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Blepharitis
People with eczema and dry skin are likely to suffer from dry eyelids. This is because the dry nature of their skin makes them susceptible to irritation.
At the same time, there are people who end up with this skin problem due to exposure to harsh weather, either winter or the summer sun. Exposure to dust may also trigger contact dermatitis.
How to deal with them
It is important to make your own observations on what may be the cause of the condition. For instance, if you notice that the foundation you use is causing the irritation, then it is advisable to avoid using it. Take notes of the products you use on your skin and look up the ingredients. These include shampoos, and other personal care products that may have come into contact with your eyelids one way or another. Simply, put try to identify what may be the likely trigger for the dry eyelids.
There are several home remedies you can try out:-
Maintain eye hygiene and avoid the irritant
Avoiding any of the products that may be causing the condition is the best approach to treatment. It is advisable to avoid makeup or harsh shampoos that may get to the face and irritate the skin. At the same time, it is advisable to maintain eye hygiene. For example, you can take a clean hand towel or cloth, dip a portion of it in warm water, and gently wipe your eyelids. Opt for baby shampoo when cleaning your eyes. This will prevent any further irritations. Lastly, avoid touching your eyelids with dirty hands.
Consult your eye doctor to determine whether the condition is due to an underlying condition. This is especially important if you cannot get to the root cause of the dry eyelids. There are some creams or medications that the doctor may recommend depending on the nature of the issue. For example, you may be advised to apply a 1% hydrocortisone cream for several days to see if the symptoms abate.
Alternatively, you try putting cucumber slices on the eyelids for about 5-10 minutes before you sleep. The acids contained in cucumber (ascorbic and caffeic acid) aid the skin in water retention. Cucumbers are also a great way to rejuvenate the skin.
There are great moisturizers in the market designed specifically for the eye area. You can get one and apply on the eyelids after cleaning them (remember to always wash your hands before touching your eyelids).
Consider home remedies such as milk, tea bags, and Aloe Vera
There are other great home remedies that you can try to soothe the dry eyelids. One of these remedies includes wiping the eyelids using warm milk. Milk is a great ingredient for the skin due to its soothing capabilities. Milk can help reduce allergic reactions and irritation. Alternatively, you can try out natural oils such as virgin coconut oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil. These oils provide the skin with a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture.
Aloe Vera gel is a great ingredient to help deal with this condition. Aloe Vera is rich in vitamins. Moreover, Aloe Vera is highly moisturizing making it a great remedy for introducing moisture to the dry skin around your eyes. Go for Aloe Vera in its purest form, that is, the plant itself. This is advisable as it prevents your skin from becoming irritated by the industrial ingredients placed on Aloe Vera products. Alternatively, you can opt for the Aloe Vera gel found in health stores.
Tea bags are another great option for getting rid of dry eyelids. Whether you go for the green on black tea bags, tea bags, in general, are rich in antioxidants and are a great way of rejuvenating the skin. You can submerge the tea bags in hot water. Later, remove the tea bags from the hot water and give them time to cool. Place the tea bags on your eyelids once they have completely cooled.
Avoid rubbing your eyes as it may make the situation worse.
References:
- http://lifecellproducts.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-putting-cucumber-on-eyes/
- https://www.eyehealthweb.com/dry-eyelids/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/eyelid-dermatitis#outlook
- https://bioeffect.co.uk/thebuzz/how-to-treat-dry-skin-around-the-eyes/#
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/221060-what-are-the-treatments-for-dry-eyelids/
- https://www.positivehealthwellness.com/pain-relief/5-home-remedies-dry-eyelids/