Dry eyelids

General

Dry eyelids are often very uncomfortable for those affected because the skin on the upper edge of the eyelid is very thin and sensitive.
The dry skin can also cause annoying itching. The causes for the development of dry eyelids can be varied.

causes

Dry eyelids can result lack of care arise.

This can be especially true wrong care products or a wrong detergent of the skin remove the moisture.
The skin is important in the evening to clean. The everyday dirt and make-up are removed from the skin. But the daily use of Soap can quickly dry out and irritate the skin, especially on the sensitive edges of the eyelids.
It is therefore particularly important to apply a skin afterwards moisturizing cream to maintain.

Furthermore, dry eyelids result from too strong friction. Often you rub your eyes several times when you are particularly tired. Since the skin around the eye is very sensitive to mechanical stimuli, it can quickly become too dryness and minor wounds come. Also Allergies Against make-up products, skin care products, flowers, grasses or pollen and certain foods are possible causes of dry eyelids.

Long work phases in front of the PC also strain the eye very much. The eye is on the screen for hours and the Musculature the eye is stressed very monotonously. As a result, the eyes may not be adequately rinsed with the tear fluid and the skin around the eye may also become too dry.

Dry and reddened eyelids arise particularly often in the context of a Neurodermatitis. This is a general dryness of the skin all over the body. It is particularly common around the eyes and lips. With an existing Neurodermatitis Caring for the skin is particularly important and often requires special care products depending on the extent of the disease.

Figure dry eyelids

Figure dry eyelids

Dry eyelids

  1. Outer lid band -
    Palpebral ligament
    lateral
  2. Upper lid plate -
    Superior tarsus
  3. Lower lid plate -
    Inferior tarsus
  4. Inner lid band -
    Palpebral ligament
    medial
    Therapy:
    A - get rid of makeup,
    Use eye creams
    B - Bepanthen eye ointment,
    chilled chamomile tea,
    Creams containing aloe vera
    C - Homeopathic Remedies
    (Globules, clay,
    Arsenicum album)

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

Thyroid disorders - a cause of dry eyelids

The thyroid can sometimes have a possible cause of dry eyelids or. dry skin in general be.

If the thyroid becomes ill, it usually either produces it too many or too little thyroid hormones (called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)), both of which have different effects on the body. The thyroid hormones stimulate the metabolism of the body in the higher sense, a deficiency throttles it, however, an overproduction lets it run at full speed.

In the case of an undersupply of thyroid hormones, i.e. one Hypothyroidism, often fall dry areas of skin, dry hair and brittle nails The dry skin can also show up in the area of ​​the eyelids. Also the eyes in itself can dry be and thereby to burn swelling of the eyelids is also possible.

You might also be interested in: Hypothyroidism Symptoms, Brittle fingernails - what's behind it?

Neurodermatitis - a cause of dry eyelids

Neurodermatitis is one chronic skin disease, which is characterized by the fact that skin inflammations of different strengths occur in bouts, particularly pronounced in so-called Predilection sites, i.e. on preferred areas of the skin.

The cause is presumably that the skin of the person affected is disturbed Barrier or protective function disturbed (This component may be inherited) and the function of the immune system in the skin itself is misdirected - the latter means that on the one hand it reacts over-sensitively to non-pathogenic substances in the environment and on the other hand it also reacts against the body's own structures, which means that that it is autoimmune processes acts.

This is often the case with adults in particular face, of the Neck and the Flexors of the arms and legs (elbows and hollows of the knees) most affected.

The skin in atopic dermatitis arises very dry, reddened, scaly such as very itchy and irritable.

In addition to the mouth area, the face is also particularly strong Eye areas affected, so that sometimes very dry eyelids can be noticed.

A characteristic sign of neurodermatitis are the so-called Dennie Morgan wrinkles, which is one or even two wrinkles below the lower eyelid caused by the chronically irritated, excessively dry skin on the eyelids.

Read more on the topic: Skin care for atopic dermatitis

Allergy - a cause of dry eyelids

Dry eyelids can be under a allergy occur, for example at Hypersensitivity reactions against pollen, grass, trees or ingredients in cosmetics and care products.

If they are the expression of an allergic reaction, the eyelids are often not only dry, but also due to one severe itching and / or a Burn excellent, and the skin of the eyelids is not uncommon reddened, swollen, scaly, and tender.

An allergy is one Immune system reaction on actually non-pathogenic foreign substances that are falsely fought with an immune response and inflammatory reaction.

You might also be interested in: Allergy symptoms

Reaction to ingredients in makeup - a cause of dry eyelids

Dry eyelids can also be the result of a reaction or Hypersensitivity reaction Be on certain ingredients of cosmetics used in make-up:

Especially contained in make-up or cosmetics Fragrances and preservatives can irritate the sensitive skin around the face and eyes / eyelids and lead to hypersensitivity reactions.

These are as a kind allergic reaction to see on the respective product, whereby the immune system recognizes the ingredients as foreign and combats them by means of a more or less strong inflammatory reaction:

the consequences can vary in severity - from dry skin and dry eyelids to inflamed, red, sometimes burning, itchy skin.

Fungal infection - a cause of dry eyelids

Dry eyelids can also be related to a Fungal infection be in that area of ​​the body.

If this is the case, it is an infection with a Skin fungus, which may also be in the area of ​​the eyelids, here possibly straight in the area of ​​the eyelashes occurs and can cause mild skin inflammation. In the area of ​​the eyelashes, the fungus attacks the hair follicles and the hair follicle and spreads from there.

The skin of the eyelids is then mostly reddish and scales easily, works more dry, from time to time but possibly also something oozing by the appearance of small blisters that can burst. An accompanying itching is by no means rare.

Read more on the topic: Skin fungus - The fungal infection of the skin

Symptoms

Dry eyelids can be caused, for example, by incorrect care products or allergies to make-up.

Dry eyelids are often noticeable in the evening or in the morning.

Depending on the cause, one will show on the upper eyelid roughened skin surface. Dry skin is also often accompanied by itching and redness. The itching also drives the person concerned to close the eye more often rub which causes the redness.
The thin skin around her eyes around is also particularly sensitive and often reacts to mechanical stress small cracks in the skin and swelling. If the corners of the eyes are affected, this can cause pain (Pain in the corner of the eye) accompanied.
Dry eyelids showing through Allergies caused, often show up with a simultaneously occurring swelling and itching.
At Neurodermatitis Patients' eyes are often severely affected by the disease. The upper eyelid is reddened, itchy and burns. Small open wounds can develop. The skin shows up wrinkled and scaly. The dry skin that eventually rubs against each other on the upper eyelid can also eventually cause mild pain.

Dry eyelids combined with dry lips

Kicking dry eyelids often with dry lips on, especially im winterwhen the skin is exposed to the constant, extreme alternation of cold, humid outside temperatures and warm, dry inside temperatures.

The skin around the eyes and mouth as well as the nose are very sensitive, and there is also that in the immediate vicinity Mucous membranes that react particularly sensitively to temperature fluctuations, fluid loss and dry room air (heating air).

The skin of the lips is a so-called skin Transition area from the lining of the mouth to the outer skin of the face. In this area is the protective horny layer yet not so thick and well developed, like that of the "normal" skin of the face, so that it is clear that this area is more sensitive to stimuli and extreme situations than other areas of the skin.

It is not uncommon for the lips, especially in winter, to appear brittle and cracked sometimes even burst and bleed properly.

Read more on the topic: Dry lips - these are the causes Dry lips in winter

Dry eyelids with scales

When the skin becomes dry, it often looks cracked and flaky, and sometimes small flakes can even be properly observed. The reason for dandruff in dry skin is that Detachment of the top layer of skin, more precisely the horny layer, which cannot be supplied with enough fluid or not at all.

The horny layer of the skin is made up of dead skin cellsthat are peeled off at regular intervals as part of skin renewal anyway.

If the skin is excessively dry and there is a lack of fluid in the skin, the skin cells cannot be adequately supplied with nutrients, die faster and the skin as a whole is forced to relax "to replicate" faster and more often. The result is that a visible peeling arises.

However, dry skin and dry, flaky eyelids cannot always be the result of simple fluid loss - sometimes it can other causes behind it, causing the top layer of skin to peel off and fall off.

Inflammatory reactions of the skin of any kind, whether allergic, infectious, or autoimmune, can affect the skin in such a way that it becomes dry, brittle, cracked and flaky - mostly in the healing stage.

You might also be interested in: Cause of dandruff

Dry eyelids and itching

Dry eyelids can sometimes become too severe itching tend, depending on the underlying cause and how severe the dryness is.

Often times, due to the dryness, the skin of the eyelids feels curious; excited what it is, it can flake and tear easily, both of which can cause itching. In addition, e.g. also inflammatory or allergic Skin diseases often have itching as a symptom.

Despite the itching, it should Scratch in the dry eyelid area as best you can be avoidedso that no open skin areas are provoked. These form Entry gates for pathogensso that, for example, bacteria can trigger an additional infection in this area (Superinfection).

Dry eyelids and wrinkles

Is the skin of the eyelids dry, this often works less tight and elastic.

If it loses moisture and becomes brittle, cracked and flaky, you can see the natural relief of the skin on the one hand, and on the other Wrinkles stand out more clearly.

Especially in the area of ​​the eyelids, dry skin is often noticeable in that around the eye and on the eyelid itself small skin wrinkles arise that were previously less visible or not present at all.

You might also be interested in: Wrinkle treatment

Dry eyelids in winter

In the winter time, many people complain dry skin, not just in the face and eyelids area, too other parts of the body (e.g. the arms or lower legs) can be affected.

The reason for this are the "Skin-unfriendly" weather conditions in winter: the lower humidity generally dries the skin out faster, but the constant one is much more serious Change between the cold, sometimes icy air outside and the dry, warm heating air inside.

The cold leads to the superficial blood vessels of the skin narrow, so contract so that less blood can flow through it.

At the same time, this also means that the skin is supplied with less blood, although this actually transports all the important nutrients for healthy skin.

The dry heating air alternately ensures that the Protective film of the skin attacked, less sebum is formed in the sebum glands and the protective layer cannot be optimally regenerated.

In addition, wind and rain remove the protective grease film so that moisture can be lost more easily through the surface.

Just that Skin on the face and eyelids is usually not protected from the weather in winter and is therefore most strongly attacked.

You might also be interested in: Dry skin on the face, Cracked hands - causes and treatment options

Dry eyelids during pregnancy

Dry skin or areas of skin - also on the eyelids - are not Rarity in pregnancy, although one could almost assume exactly the opposite, since it is known that pregnant women often much water in the body and in the skin store.

The problem is that the water stored in the skin is almost exclusively in the Subcutaneous fatty tissue builds up, which makes the skin appear firmer, but the moisture in the outer layers of the skin is missing, so that it can also be dry at the same time.

In addition, the hormonal changes During pregnancy, it also generally leads to changes in the skin, so that these circumstances alone can lead to dry, rough, cracked skin - blemished skin, dry eyelids and increased acne can occur on the face.

Read more on the topic: Dry skin during pregnancy, Dry lips during pregnancy

Dry eyelids in toddlers

Toddlers are often sensitive to their environment, especially because of you immune system is not yet mature.
The children's skin can also quickly become infected with various substances contained in Detergents, care products but also in Food contained is irritated.

In young children, a allergy stuck. There may be signs of this, for example frequent rubbing be of the eyes. Furthermore, allergies also redden and puffy eyelids on what shows up especially in the morning.
In general, parents with Diseases of the eye the child always has one doctor should seek out. In order to clarify an allergy, various allergy tests can be carried out even at a young age. Parents should then make sure that the Allergen is kept away from the child.

Dry eyelids can be the result of an even in young children Neurodermatitis be. The treatment of neurodermatitis in a young child should be accompanied by a specialist doctor. Parents can treat the affected skin with a fatty eye ointment With Dexpanthenol apply lotion regularly.
Often this quickly shows an improvement. The course of the disease should be checked more often in small children.

Dry eyelids can also be an indication of a incipient cold be that with fever goes hand in hand. Parents should then ensure they are drinking enough fluids. It may then also be necessary to see a doctor.

diagnosis

Dry eyes are quickly recognized by the person concerned.
If the symptoms persist and show up despite their own Treatment with moisturizers no improvement, the patient should consult a dermatologist for advice.

Since dry eyelids can arise from a variety of causes, it makes sense to see a doctor who will find out the reasons.
For example, if the cause is a allergy could be against care products, food or grasses, then it is necessary a so-called Prick test close. The possible allergy-causing substances are applied to the skin of the forearm, which have been lightly scratched beforehand so that the allergens can trigger a faster reaction. Look at an evolving Redness of the swelling can then determine whether a allergy against this substance is present. This test can also be carried out to rule out an allergy with dry eyelids.

Also in the context of a possible illness Neurodermatitis, a chronic skin disease with atopic eczema, various allergy tests are carried out to determine the possible trigger for the development of Eczema and find out dry skin.
Since the Neurodermatitis can also have a genetic predisposition, the plays Family history also play an important role in diagnostics.

Since dry eyelids can also be caused by bad cosmetics or poor care products, it can be helpful to discuss with the doctor which care products should not be used and which ones for your own skin could be more suitable. In addition, various skin practices or beauticians offer an analysis of your own skin. This can also be used to determine which Skin type one owns and which products are best for the care of the skin, especially on the face and around the eyes.

Therapy of dry eyelids

The treatment of dry eyelids depends largely on the cause.

For example, if there is an allergy, it is extremely important to identify the allergy trigger (Allergen) to avoid. With some allergies, for example those against pollen and grass, it may be necessary to take medication. Antihistamines greatly reduce the body's allergic reaction and often there are hardly any symptoms of the allergy.

Furthermore, the care of dry upper eyelids is very important. It should be gentle and geared towards the needs of the skin. Sensitive skin and skin that is already irritated should be cleansed with mild products. Aggressive and soap-based cleaning agents clean the skin, but they also grip it and have a drying effect.
It is particularly advisable to cleanse the skin in the evening. Make-up should be removed before going to bed. Here, for example, gentle cotton pads with a mild cleansing milk can help. The skin should then be given the moisture it needs to regenerate. Certain eye creams can be used here that are absorbed well overnight and help the skin to recover.
If the skin is already very dry and flaky, products such as Bepanthen eye ointment can help. This cream contains a lot of fat and makes the skin supple and smooth again. It can be bought in pharmacies or certain drugstores.
The patient can seek advice from a dermatologist or pharmacist about other care products for the skin around the eyes.

In general, dry skin, especially around the eyes, should not be made up until it has healed. The make-up products are additional irritation to the skin and can exacerbate the symptoms. If itching and swelling also occur, various home remedies such as the application of cooled chamomile tea can provide relief. Chamomile has a calming effect on the skin and can also prevent inflammation. Creams containing aloe also cool the skin and have an antibiotic effect.
Often the patient may have to try out some care products or change the make-up products until he has found the most suitable care products for his skin type.

In the case of neurodermatitis, special creams can be applied. Often these are very fatty and moisturizing ointments. They have a high content of dexpanthenol.
At times, neurodermatitis is often treated with ointments containing cortisone.
Cortisone has an anti-inflammatory effect and promotes faster healing of the resulting wounds.

Read more on the topic: Eye ointment with cortisone

Bepanthen - works wonders for dry eyelids

Bepanthen is one Wound and healing ointmentwho have the active ingredient Dexpanthenol and is particularly suitable for dry, cracked skin.

Dexpanthenol helps keep the skin in its place regeneration to support (it stimulates the Cell regeneration an) to retain moisture and increase skin elasticity so that it has healing and nourishing properties. It also works anti-inflammatory, and antipruritic. With dry eyelids, dexpanthenol or bepanthen can be applied thinly as an ointment / cream to the affected areas.

Homeopathy for dry eyelids

Some eye problems, including dry eyelids, can easily and easily be dealt with homeopathic remedies be treated.
Natural healing is based on giving the body what it needs. Besides various Globules can also use homeopathic medicines like Clay (Alumina) and Arsenicum album.
In addition to these remedies, there are various other drugs from the field of homeopathythat can be used on dry eyes and dry skin. In this regard, the patient can seek advice from an experienced homeopath.

Olive oil - a suitable therapy for dry eyelids

The use of olive oil on dry eyelids and in general for dry skin is quite a good opportunityto give the respective skin areas their moisture back.

Olive oil (or natural oils in general) resembles the skin's own fat very and contains a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acidsso that - applied from already damp skin - it is absorbed well and deeply and returns and donates moisture. The lower proportion of saturated fatty acids also provide a kind Protective layer on the skin and avoids further dehydration of the eyelids.

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