Dry eyelids? watch out, these 4 conditions could be the cause

The eyelids are composed of a pad of fat and blood vessels covered by a thin layer of skin. When this layer of skin is dry, your eyelids can become rough, cracked, and scaly. Then, what are the factors that cause this condition?

There are various causes of dry eyelids

There are many different things that cause dry eyelids. Ranging from skin moisture to certain medical conditions.

1. Lack of moisture in the skin of the eyelids

The skin on your eyelids can reduce the moisture in your eyelids due to climatic and weather factors, the environment, and age. Dry climate, cold weather, low humidity, and bathing and washing your face with warm water are some of the most common causes.

As you age, the skin on your eyelids will also thin out and become less moisturized. Therefore, you need to make extra efforts to keep your eyelids moisturised and not easily dry. For example, avoid washing your face frequently with warm water.

2. Contact dermatitis

Dry skin, especially accompanied by itching, is the main symptom of contact dermatitis. This condition occurs when the skin is exposed to substances that cause irritation. Irritating substances usually come from:

• Dust
• Body care products, such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, and the like
• Product makeup
• Skin care products
• Products that contain perfume
• Moisturizer and sunscreen
• Curling or curling iron
• Chlorine from swimming pool

Contact dermatitis can occur at any time, even if you do not have a history of allergies to certain substances. If your eyelids become dry after you use a product, stop using that product.

3. Blefaritis

Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelids. The cause can come from bacteria or skin problems such as dandruff and rosacea. Based on the location of the disease, blepharitis is divided into two types, namely:

• Anterior blepharitis on the outside of the eyelid, precisely at the meeting between the eyelid and the lashes.
• Posterior blepharitis on the inside of the eyelid that touches the eyeball.

The inflammation in blepharitis makes the eyelids dry, looks red, becomes irritated, and feels itchy. Touching and rubbing your eyes can exacerbate the infection and even cause damage to eye tissue.

4. Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that occurs mostly in children. The cause of this disease is not known with certainty, but the triggers can come from genetic, environmental factors, and an overreaction of the immune system.

Atopic dermatitis has similar symptoms to contact dermatitis, but they are different skin problems.

In contact dermatitis, the eyelids become dry as a result of direct contact with chemicals that irritate the skin. Meanwhile, in contact dermatitis, sufferers have skin that is more prone to dryness and irritation.

Scientists suspect that the skin of people with atopic dermatitis has a protective layer that is thinner than normal skin.

Dry eyelid skin can return to normal as long as you maintain moisture and health. Keep your eyelids away from exposure to dry air, hot water, and other irritating products.

If the condition of your eyelids does not improve or you develop signs of dermatitis and blepharitis, try consulting your doctor. The doctor will perform a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis and provide the necessary medication.

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