Dry Eyelids

What are dry eyelids?

Dry skin on your eyelids can make them scaly, itchy or flakey. Some people develop rough, red patches. Many common environmental factors can contribute to dry eyelids. In some cases, they might be a sign of a medical condition affecting your skin or your eyes.

Are dry eyelids related to dry eyes?

Some of the same conditions can cause both dry eyelids and dry eyes. But lots of people just have one or the other. Having dry eyelids is not the same as having dry tear ducts. A lack of tears can lead to dry eyes, but it doesn’t affect the outer side of your eyelids.

What makes your eyelids dry?

The skin on your eyelids is thinner than anywhere else on your body. It doesn’t have the same protective fat layer beneath it that your other skin does. This makes it more vulnerable to environmental conditions that may cause dryness.

Eyelid skin also has a relatively high concentration of blood vessels, which makes it more sensitive to irritants in the environment that might cause an inflammatory reaction. In some cases, this reaction might look like dry skin patches.

What environmental factors might contribute to dry eyelids?

Common environmental factors that might contribute to dry eyelids include:

• Weather. Cold and heat, wind and sun can be harsh on your eyelids.
• Climate. Low humidity, whether indoors or outdoors, can dry out your skin.
• Pollution. Environmental toxins, like smoke or chlorine, can irritate skin.
• Aging. Collagen and skin oils naturally decline with age.
• Products. Cleansing and skin care products may dry or irritate the skin.
• Allergens. Pollen, dust, metals or cosmetics may provoke an allergic reaction.

What medical conditions are associated with dry eyelids?

Dry eyelids are sometimes a symptom of:

• Eyelid dermatitis. Eyelid dermatitis (eyelid eczema) is a type of contact dermatitis, a skin reaction to something it’s come into contact with. Irritants or allergens in your environment may cause it. Dermatitis is the reaction. It usually means a skin rash, which may be dry and itchy.
• Atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that makes your skin hyperreactive to irritants and allergens — including internal ones, like food allergens. It can cause dry, itchy rashes to erupt in various areas, especially sensitive areas like your eyelids.
• Psoriasis on the eyelids. If you have psoriasis, you might develop dry, itchy patches on your eyelids, called plaques. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes dead skin cells to build up on your skin. It usually affects more than one area. Occasionally, it might target your eyelids.
• Anterior blepharitis. Blepharitis is inflammation at the edges of your eyelids. While posterior blepharitis affects the inside, anterior blepharitis affects the outer lash line. Inflammation here can look different ways. It can be red, sore and swollen, or it might be itchy, crusty and flakey.

How do you treat dry eyelid skin?

If dry eyelid skin is your only symptom, you can probably treat it at home with some basic skin care. If you have a chronic skin condition, like atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, or if your eyes are also irritated, you might need to consult your dermatologist or eye specialist.

To care for your dry eyelids at home:

• Cleanse gently. Hot water can be harsh on your skin. Consider a gentler approach while your eyelid skin recovers. Lower the temperature and limit your shower time. Also, make sure to use a soap-free cleanser designed for sensitive skin.
• Adjust your climate. Use a humidifier inside if you live in a dry climate, or if your indoor air conditioner or heater is making your indoor climate too dry. Avoid too much exposure to sun, wind and hot or cold temperatures outdoors.
• Avoid cosmetics. Give your eyelids a temporary break from makeup and skin products, except for gentle moisturizers. After your skin’s recovered, you can gradually reintroduce these products. But notice if any cause a reaction.
• Apply a gentle moisturizer. The best moisturizers for eyelids are lightweight gels or creams that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) for dry eyelids. 

When should I see a healthcare provider about my dry eyelids?

If your dry eyelids don’t improve with self-care, or if you have other symptoms besides dry eyelid skin, it’s time to check in with a healthcare provider. You might need specific treatment for an allergy, skin condition or eye condition, like blepharitis.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Your eyelid skin is extra sensitive, which is why it might be the first to show signs that something in your environment is stressing your skin. Dry eyelids can be irritating, but they’re very treatable. If self-care doesn’t work, a healthcare provider can help.