Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBlepharitisAtopic DermatitisContact DermatitisUncommon CausesLifestyle Risk FactorsNext in Blepharitis GuideHow Blepharitis Is Treated
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Blepharitis
Atopic Dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis
Uncommon Causes
Lifestyle Risk Factors
Next in Blepharitis Guide
You may believe that dry, rough,scaly patches of skinon your eyelids are simply a result of aging or climate. There are, however, a number of common and uncommon causes of flaky eyelids to also consider.
A skin condition like eczema could be to blame, but so could a reaction to something you apply to the area. If over-the-counter ointments and moisturizers fail to improve your condition, you may have a problem that needs specific medical treatment.
This article looks at some of the possible causes of flaky eyelids and how they are treated.
Image Source / Getty Images
Blepharitisis a general term referring toinflammationof the eyelids. It causes flaking and scaling nearer to the eyelashes and usually affects both eyelids.
When you have this condition, your eyelids will appear greasy. The lashes will often stick together or crust over while you sleep. Itchiness is common.
People with blepharitis often say they feel grit beneath the eyelid. They may also experience eyelash loss due to constant rubbing and scratching. Red, watery eyes and extreme sensitivity to light are other possible symptoms.
Blepharitis has a few possible causes. These include:
Left untreated, blepharitis can lead to astye, which is a boil-like lump on the edge of an eyelid. It can also causeconjunctivitis(pink eye), orcorneal ulcers.
A tissue swab can help determine if there is a bacterial or fungal infection.Topical antibioticsorantifungalsmay be prescribed if an infection is identified. Steroid eye drops or ointments may reduce inflammation.These must be used with care as they can cause glaucoma and thinning of the skin of the already thin-skinned eyelids.
How Blepharitis Is Treated
People withatopic dermatitis (eczema)have outbreaks of red, scaly skin. Eczema can affect any part of the body. Symptoms can include:
It is uncommon for eczema to affect the eyelids only, but it can happen.
Eczema symptomscan come and go. The condition may flare up only to disappear for weeks, months, or even years at a time.
Itching is often the most prominent symptom. Excessive scratching can causeinflammationand bleeding. Over time, the skin may begin to thicken and develop a cracked, scaly appearance.
Topical steroidsare usually not recommended for eczema on the eyelids. This is because they can cause irreversible skin thinning andptosis(drooping eyelids).
If eczema symptoms are severe enough, your healthcare provider may prescribe a topical immune suppressant such as:
These medicines are safe to use on delicate skin like the eyelids.
Eyelid Psoriasis
Like allallergic conditions, contact dermatitis happens when your immune system mistakes an otherwise harmless substance for a threat. The immune system releases inflammatory chemicals at the contact site, causing tissues to swell and redden.
If contact dermatitis recurs, your healthcare provider may recommend apatch skin test. This test can help determine what, if anything, you may be allergic to. During a skin patch test, an adhesive patch that contains tiny amounts of different allergens is attached to your skin. If there’s any skin irritation after the patch is removed, it may mean you have an allergy.
Less commonly,oral corticosteroid drugsmay be used if the symptoms are severe or persistent. These drugs are usually reserved for outbreaks on larger areas of skin, however.
How to Treat Contact Dermatitis
There are several uncommon causes of flaky eyelids.
Rosacea
Rosaceais a common condition. People with this condition have areas of skin redness and tiny blood vessels called “spider veins” ortelangiectasiaon the face.
Rosacea most commonly affects the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin, but it can also develop on the eyelids. If this occurs, it can lead toocular rosacea, which causes swelling of the eyelids and dry, red, and swollen eyes.
The cause of rosacea is not known for sure. It is thought to be the result of both environmental and hereditary factors. People at greatest risk for developing rosacea include:
There are no tests to diagnose rosacea. Healthcare providers usually identify the condition based on your symptoms and the exclusion of other possible causes.
Conservative treatment includes consistent use ofsunscreen, and avoiding harsh soaps and cleaners that can damage the skin. Good lid hygiene, warm compresses, and artificial tears are used.Blepharitis from ocular rosacea may be treated with topical antiseptics and antibiotics.
Ocular rosacea may also be treated with oral antibiotic therapy.Topical anti-inflammatory agents may be used.
Psoriasis vs. Eczema vs. Rosacea: Know the Difference
Demodex
Demodex folliculorumandDemodex brevisare tiny mites that live in and around hair follicles of the face. They are usually harmless, but can sometimes cause symptoms in people with weakened immune systems.The mites can cause rosacea-like symptoms, including:
This condition can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC)tea tree oilor products derived from it.Cliradex contains terpinen-4-ol (T40) derived from tea tree oil. It’s applied as a foam or via a towelette.
Your healthcare provider may recommend hypochlorous acid and ointments. They may prescribe other products. A topical antibiotic may also be prescribed if the skin is cracking or oozing.
Flaky eyelids can sometimes develop as the skin ages. Over time, the meibomian glands may not work as well as they used to.
The skin around the eyes is among the most delicate on the human body. Even so, many people forget to apply sunscreen to the eyelids. Years of sun exposure can causepremature aging of the skin.
Over time, these things can cause dryness, sagging, roughness, and discoloration of the eyelids. If you also apply harsh chemicals such as alcohol-based makeup remover or bar soap to your eyelids, the skin can develop tiny cracks, flaking, and scaling.
False eyelashes and eyelash glue can also be a problem. When you expose the meibomian glands to adhesive products, you risk not only clogging pores but introducing bacteria with each reuse of the lashes.
Treat your eyelids gently with lotions and products intended solely for eyelid skin. Minimize UV exposure with a high SPF sunscreen andUV-protective sunglasses. Taking these steps will help your flaky eyelids heal gently, often without the need for special medications.
If problems persist despite these at-home interventions, ask your healthcare provider for a referral to adermatologistor an eye doctor who specializes in the eyelids.
How to Find the Right Dermatologist
Summary
Dry, rough, scaly patches of skin on your eyelids can have a number of possible causes. The most common include inflammation of the eyelids, and skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Less common causes include rosacea and demodex, a type of mite.
16 Sources
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