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Dry and itchy eyelids may result from allergies, bacteria, or underlying skin issues. Alleviate dryness by adhering to a daily cleansing routine. Identifying the root cause of your eyelid dryness is essential. Consult an ophthalmologist or dermatologist to determine the appropriate course of action. While avoiding irritants like contact solution, makeup, or allergens can sometimes resolve the issue, more severe conditions may necessitate medication.
Steps to Follow
Cleansing Your Eyelids
Use a warm compress on your eyelids daily. A warm compress helps loosen oils and dirt on your eyelids, facilitating gentle cleaning without excessive rubbing. Soak a clean washcloth in hot water, then place it over your closed eyes for 5-10 minutes. Gently rub your eyelids with the washcloth before removing it.
- Ensure your hands are clean.
- If you have blepharitis, your doctor may advise cleaning your eyelids multiple times a day until the condition improves.
Cleanse your eyelids using warm water and a cotton swab. Dip a cotton swab in warm water and gently wipe around the edges of your eyes. To clean near your eyelashes, gently pull the eyelid away and wipe. This helps prevent eye damage.
- For a stronger cleanser, mix a few drops of baby shampoo in warm water. Cleanse your eyelids with this solution first, then rinse with warm water using a fresh cotton swab.
- An over-the-counter eyelid cleanser may be recommended by a doctor.
Use moisturizing eye drops to prevent dry eyes. If you experience dry eyelids, your eyes may also become dry throughout the day. Wash your hands and shake the eye drop bottle. Tilt your head back, pull down your bottom lid, and squeeze the bottle lightly to release a drop. Close your eye slowly and keep it shut for 1-2 minutes to allow the drops to work. Repeat the process for the other eye.
- You can purchase eye drops from your local pharmacy.
Combat dryness by using tea tree oil to eliminate mites. Tea tree oil is a natural and effective solution for mites. Gently scrub your eyelids with a cotton swab dampened with 50% tea tree oil.
- 50% tea tree oil is available over the counter at pharmacies.
Relax and treat dry eyelids with a green tea bag. Green tea offers a natural antibacterial treatment for various causes of dry eyelids. Soak a green tea bag in hot water, then place it over each closed eye for 5-10 minutes. Repeat the process on the other eye.
- You can also find topical green tea extract at pharmacies. Apply a drop or two to each eyelid and gently rub it in with a cotton swab or clean finger.
Hydrate the delicate skin around your eyes with a specialized moisturizer. Due to the thin and sensitive nature of eyelid skin, using regular lotion or moisturizer can pose risks. Opt for a gel or cream designed for the eye area to alleviate dryness.
- Since eyelid skin is sensitive, it may react differently to moisturizers. Consult a dermatologist for recommendations if you struggle to find a suitable cream.
Making Changes to Your Lifestyle
Avoid using contact lenses. Contact solution and lenses often cause inflammation leading to dry eyelids. Try wearing glasses for a few days to see if symptoms improve. Consult your eye doctor for alternative solutions.
- Don't wear contacts if you have an eyelid infection to prevent spreading bacteria to your eyes. Wait until the infection clears or consider LASIK surgery.
Take a break from wearing makeup. Mascara and eye makeup can irritate eyelids. Avoid expired products, which can worsen irritation. Makeup may harbor bacteria or trigger allergic reactions, exacerbating dryness.
- Avoid makeup when following a prescribed cleaning regimen for conditions like blepharitis.
- If bacteria cause your dry eyelids, consider discontinuing makeup use.
Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Omega-3s found in fish, nuts, seeds, and plant oils may alleviate skin conditions like rosacea affecting the eyelids. Consider adding these foods to your diet or try omega-3 supplements.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are not proven to relieve irritated or inflamed eyelids as of July 2019.
Avoid potential allergens. Common allergens causing eyelid reactions include makeup, nail polish, nickel, and hair dye. Identify and avoid new substances if experiencing recent eyelid irritation.
- Wear gloves and practice frequent handwashing when handling potential allergens.
Use dandruff shampoo to alleviate blepharitis. Blepharitis often accompanies dandruff. Treating dandruff with specialized shampoo can also relieve blepharitis symptoms.
- If experiencing dry, itchy eyelids with dandruff-like flakes, try washing hair with dandruff shampoo.
Medications for Managing Eyelid Issues
Consult an eye doctor if symptoms persist. If home remedies fail to alleviate dry, itchy eyelids, seek advice from an ophthalmologist or dermatologist. Your doctor can recommend appropriate treatments or prescribe medication.
- Describe all symptoms to your doctor for accurate diagnosis.
- Diagnostic methods may include visual examination, magnification, or skin swabbing for analysis.
Take prescribed medication targeting the underlying cause. Medication may be necessary for bacterial infections, allergies, or other health issues causing eyelid dryness. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
- Common prescriptions include antibacterial eye drops or topical creams.
- Steroid-based medications may be prescribed cautiously due to potential side effects on sensitive eyelid skin.
Discuss potential underlying conditions with your doctor. Conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis may contribute to eyelid dryness. Treating these conditions can alleviate symptoms.
- Dry eyelids typically do not impair vision. However, consult your doctor immediately if you experience vision changes, unresponsive symptoms, or unilateral symptoms, as these could indicate a more serious issue.
