Dry Flaky Eyelids

The eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of the face. They are easily affected by irritants that are always coming their way. However, one of the most annoying conditions that a person may land up with is dry flaky eyelids. Although this eye problem is not as common as conjunctivitis or an eye stye, anyone who has suffered or is suffering from it will definitely know how annoying it is. Given below are the various causes that can lead to dry and flaky eyelids and ways to deal with this condition.

Causes and Treatment

• When there is inflammation of the skin of the eyelid, then it is known as blepharitis. Although the severity and duration of this condition depends on many factors and is variable in nature, it almost always leads to red, dry and flaky eyelids. It may simply be allergic in nature or it may be caused due to a staphylococcal infection. The treatment for blepharitis will include treating the underlying cause or infection. If the condition is merely due to severe dryness, then by using some moisturizer, especially one that contains aloe vera, can help in treating dry skin on eyelids brought on by this condition.
• Irritation of the cornea may lead to dry and flaky eyelids, along with redness and itchiness. Eye drops can help in soothing dry eyelids due to corneal irritation.
• Sometimes, a person may have an allergic condition, like a bee sting, which could lead to swelling and dryness of the skin of the eyelid. The treatment for an allergic reaction will consist of making use of antihistamines.
• The tear gland, also known as the lacrimal gland is responsible for production of tears, which helps to lubricate the eyes. It also helps to prevent the development of dry scaly eyelids. However, if there is a problem with this gland, which is leading to insufficient production of tears, then it may lead to dryness of the eyes and dry and flaky eyelids, along with accompanying redness. Artificial tears or certain drugs can help in mitigating the symptoms of dry and flaky skin on eyelids due to malfunctioning of the tear gland.
• Eyelid dermatitis is a condition, which is basically atopic dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis. This condition is usually spurred on by the eyelid coming in contact with allergens like insect sprays, epoxy hardeners, etc. This may also develop as a reaction that happens due to bad hygiene, as in, if a person's hands are dirty and then he frequently touches his eyes with those dirty hands. By being a little extra careful about personal hygiene and by not contaminating the eyes with dirty hands (by frequently washing the hands), one can prevent irritation of eyes due to contamination.
• At times, people tend to be very careless with eye makeup products that they use. Hence, if a person uses eye makeup that has expired or that contains an ingredient that the person is allergic to, then she may develop dry flaky eyelids. In such cases, it is always better to ensure that you do not use any cosmetic products for more than a year. Also, try to see the ingredients for anything that you may be allergic to. At the end of the day, do not forget to wipe the eye makeup and clean it up completely with the help of cotton and cleansing milk. Any makeup left overnight can become a source of infection.

This is a painful and disturbing condition to deal with. However, it is usually spurred on by an underlying cause. To keep this condition at bay, take good eye care by regularly using eye creams and moisturizer.