People can usually treat dry eyelids at home by applying moisturizers and using warm, not hot, water to bathe. If the symptoms persist, a person should speak with a doctor. A doctor can prescribe medications, such as corticosteroid creams to reduce the symptoms.
Corticosteroid creams.
Some of these creams, such as 0.5 to 1 percent hydrocortisone, are mild enough for use on your eyelid. These may help alleviate itching caused by eyelid dermatitis. Don't use strong products, as these can thin the skin of the eyelid.
If you have sensitive skin, or conditions such as eyelid dermatitis or blepharitis, using Vaseline can be a safe way for you to moisturize your eyelashes.
Avoid getting the product in your eyes, nose, ears, or mouth. If the medication gets in these areas, wipe it off and rinse the area right away with water.
The answer is yes. As long as it doesn't irritate your eyes and provides a sufficient amount of moisture, you're good. Keep in mind, however, that since the skin is thin around your eyes, it can be sensitive to regular face cream.
There are different over-the-counter and prescription medications to treat dry eyelids, depending on the condition. For contact dermatitis, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription topical corticosteroid to treat the dry skin. Corticosteroids work to reduce inflammation.
"Many face creams could go around the eyes if they were diluted with something light, like Cetaphil and CeraVe moisturizers," said Dr. Bergfeld. "You just need the elegance of the emollient, the fluidity."
Apply ice or a cold pack wrapped in a clean, wet washcloth to the eye for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to decrease eyelid swelling and pain. You can safely give your child an allergy medicine or antihistamine by mouth. This will help to decrease eyelid swelling and itching. Benadryl every 6 hours or so is best.
Use a Cold Compress for Eye Swelling and Redness
Swelling in the eye area due to an infection, black eye or another type of injury can also be reduced by applying a cold compress, as cold temperatures numb pain and minimize swelling. Cold temperatures can also help minimize puffiness in the eyelids.
It may help with blepharitis, which causes dry and irritated eyelids, as well as dysfunction in the meibomian glands that lubricate the eyes. Petroleum jelly from Vaseline can also help keep wounds moist.
Treating eyelid eczema
Generally, only mild topical steroids (0.5 – 1% hydrocortisone) are recommended for eyelid eczema, given the thinness of the eyelid skin. Eyelid skin is four times thinner than facial skin. Mild topical steroids are safe to use as long as you follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Blepharitis is an eyelid inflammation around the base of the eyelashes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology describes blepharitis symptoms as eyelids that are “… red, swollen or feel like they are burning.” Blepharitis can contribute to, or exacerbate dry eye problems.
Clogged or malfunctioning oil glands in your eyelids. Rosacea — a skin condition characterized by facial redness. Allergies, including allergic reactions to eye medications, contact lens solutions or eye makeup. Eyelash mites or lice.
Aquaphor can moisturize dry skin on your face, including on your lips and eyelids. If you apply it while your skin is still damp from washing, you can maximize its moisturizing effects. Applying a small amount of Aquaphor to dry skin can minimize discomfort and irritation.
Allergies, infections, and even lack of sleep can cause your eyelids to itch. Itchy eyelids are commonly associated with other symptoms like redness, swelling, a gritty feeling in the eye, irritation, lumps or bumps, increased tear production, or discharge. Allergies are the most common cause of itchy eyelids.
Most cases of eyelid dermatitis clear up after around 30 days of treatment, and once an outbreak has subsided, prevention may be as simple as avoiding the irritants that caused the initial problem.
The skin on your eyelids is the thinnest skin on the body and can get irritated easily. If your eyelids get dry and flaky, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly for moisture and protection. For the best results, always apply petroleum jelly when your skin is damp. Help injured skin heal.
You can wash your whole face or entire body with Cetaphil. Because it is so gentle and hypoallergenic, it can be used once or many times daily without stinging, drying, or cracking the thin delicate skin of the eyelids.
Home treatments for blepharitis include applying warm compresses and scrubbing the eyelid with baby shampoo. Medicated eyelid washes that treat blepharitis, sold over the counter, can also help treat mild cases. If at-home treatments are unable to calm the irritation and inflammation, see an eye doctor.
Pat your face dry before moving onto step 3. Now that your skin is clean and dry, it's time to apply a moisturizer to the skin that will help keep moisture in and keep skin from drying out. Putting a thin layer of Vaseline® Jelly under the eyes will lock in moisture, and form a protective barrier.
Drugstore staple Aquaphor can be used on the under-eye area and face to lock in skin's moisture, especially in the dry winter months, for under $10.
Cold compresses can be a safe and effective way to relieve the symptoms of dry eye, pinkeye, eye pain, and dark circles and eye bags. People can easily make a cold compress at home using a dishcloth, ice, or frozen vegetables.