Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Dry Eyelids

People who are suffering from dry eyelids, know how discomforting the condition can be. It is especially a cause of worry when the dryness is accompanied by constant itchiness. Then, it not only becomes a matter of constant annoyance, but the continual scratching also inflames the area all the more, and worsens the condition.

There are many different eye problems that can trigger dryness, and it is imperative that you understand the causes before getting down to self-medication and treatment.

• Blepharitis is the condition where chronic inflammation of the eyelids causes dryness. Additional symptoms include redness, itchiness, and irritation.
• Corneal problems can also be linked with the skin of the eyelids getting dry and flaky.

• Certain eye allergies and external triggers such as a bee sting, cosmetic usage, etc., can also be the causative factors.
• Malfunctioning of the lacrimal gland, that is the tear gland, leads to insufficient production of tears. The lack of tears leads to dryness and irritation not only in the eyes, but also on the eyelids.

• Oftentimes, while washing hair, shampoo ends up entering the eyes, thereby causing irritation, burning, and even dryness. We tend to forget that the eyes are one of the most sensitive organs of the body, and we invariably do not give them their due share of mild care.

• Eyelid dermatitis causes inflammation and tends to spread to other areas of the body that come in contact with the infected skin.

• Use of excessive eye makeup, such as eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, etc., can make the eyes prone to allergy and infection. Also, the use of faulty and old cosmetics, or, those that do not suit your skin can prove to be the triggers behind this reaction.

• Some people have the habit of eating food and then touching their eyes (or other parts of their face) without washing their hands. In such cases, contamination of the eyelid surface may be the reason behind this problem.
• Even other eye infections, such as pink eye or eye styes can cause dryness of eyelids due to constant itching and scratching.

• Itching
• Redness
• Irritation
• Swelling
• Soreness around eyes and other areas of the face
• Peeling of skin
• Pain
• Burning sensation

Eye Drops: For causes including blepharitis, dermatitis, or any other medical condition, one needs to consult an ophthalmologist to get properly diagnosed and treated. The ophthalmologist will most probably prescribe eye drops, which will help treat the root cause of the condition.

Aloe Vera: For people who would rather try out some home remedies, aloe vera is one effective option. Take an aloe vera leaf which is approximately of the length of your palm. Slice it lengthwise and take the thick pulp. Place the pulp on the affected area for a few minutes. Aloe vera is a natural germicide, hence, it helps soothe the irritation and infection. Placing the aloe vera leaf gives instant relief from itchiness and dryness. You can also use creams that contain aloe vera, but be careful to ensure that it does not enter your eyes.

Eye Moisturizer: Eye moisturizers are different from face moisturizers. They contain higher levels of moisture and therefore help provide an instant relief from the dryness. They are available at most stores, but be sure to read the ingredients and the instructions before using these products.

The best way to deal with this problem is to practice proper and regular eye care. Avoid using makeup and other cosmetics till the time the infection is healed. Also, if the symptoms worsen, it is imperative to get in touch with a trusted medical specialist and find out the underlying cause behind the problem, so that the right treatment is administered in time.

Disclaimer: This story is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a replacement for expert medical advice.