There are, however, a number of common and uncommon causes of flaky eyelids to also consider.
This article looks at some of the possible causes of flaky eyelids and how they are treated.
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Blepharitis
Blepharitisis a general term referring toinflammationof the eyelids.
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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.
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.
It can also causeconjunctivitis(pink eye), orcorneal ulcers.
Atopic Dermatitis
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.
Eczema is thought to be due to environmental factors and genetic predisposition.
The environmental factors may helptrigger the condition.
Eczema can usually be diagnosed by sight alone.
Treatment may involve:
Topical steroidsare usually not recommended for eczema on the eyelids.
This is because they can cause irreversible skin thinning andptosis(drooping eyelids).
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitisis a red, itchy rash.
It is due to direct contact with anallergenor irritant.
The rash can develop over the course of minutes or hours and persist for two to three weeks.
The immune system releases inflammatory chemicals at the contact site, causing tissues to swell and redden.
This test can help determine what, if anything, you may be allergic to.
If there’s any skin irritation after the patch is removed, it may mean you have an allergy.
In most cases, contact dermatitis symptoms can be resolved simply by avoiding the allergen.
In some cases, a mild0.5% hydrocortisone creammay be used to treat an outbreak.
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.
Uncommon Causes
There are several uncommon causes of flaky eyelids.
Rosacea
Rosaceais a common condition.
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.
Ocular rosacea may also be treated with oral antibiotic therapy.Topical anti-inflammatory agents may be used.
Demodex
Demodex folliculorumandDemodex brevisare tiny mites that live in and around hair follicles of the face.
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.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
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.
False eyelashes and eyelash glue can also be a problem.
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.
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 pop in of mite.
If symptoms persist, have your healthcare provider refer you to a dermatologist.
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