Often, treatment consists of at-home care and over-the-counter products.
For certain conditions, you may need to see a healthcare provider.
Skin needs water and oils that the body produces naturally to stay healthy and elastic.
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If this moisture is lacking for some reason, the skin can dry out.
This usually results in itchy or scaly skin, feelings of tightness or stinging, or even peeling.
If a medical condition is causing the dry skin, your eyes and vision may be affected.
What Causes Dry Skin Under the Eyes?
There are a variety of causes of dry skin under the eyes.
Knowing what is causing the dryness is important, as conditions are treated differently.
If oil ducts get clogged, it can cause dry skin under and around the eyes.
This can be treated by cleaning your eyelids regularly.
While blepharitis often doesnt completely go away, you might manage the symptoms.
Yourdermatologist, ophthalmologist, or other healthcare providers can discuss with you what may be causing your blepharitis.
If due to bacteria, you may need a prescription antibiotic.
Eczema
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, can occur anywhere, including under and around the eyes.
Avoiding any known irritants or allergens can minimize the risk of dermatitis.
Topical treatments like creams or steroids may be used to treat this eczema.
More serious forms may require oral steroids or other immunologic drugs.
Treatment can include warm compresses, an eye cleanser, and eye drops/medication.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe an antibiotic.
In rare cases, psoriasis may affect the skin around the eyes.
When psoriasis occurs around the eyes, it can cause redness, dryness, and discomfort.
In some cases, it may cause vision problems.
Harsh Weather
Different weather extremes can cause dryness and flaking around the eyes.
Dry air, for instance, forces evaporation from the skin, so your skin loses moisture and dehydrates.
Other Reasons
There are other, more general causes for dry skin, especially around the eyes.
This can lead to some irritation and mild symptoms.
Your dermatologist and/or eye doctor may have specific topical medications or treatments that they require you to follow.
Always follow their guidelines first when you are under their care.
Taking care of the skin around your eyes can help prevent and manage any dry skin that might arise.
Minimizing your sun tanning, using sunscreen regularly, and quitting smoking can all help your skin stay healthy.
This minimizes any allergens or irritants.
A good moisturizer will be helpful as wellchoose an ointment or cream over lotion.
Vaseline can effectively help prevent dry skin around the eyes.
In general, petroleum jelly ointments like Vaseline are better for preventing dryness and are less irritating than lotions.
Applying a small amount to the thin skin on your eyelids or around your eye can protect the area.
Apply Vaseline while your skin is damp for the best results.
They might have specific suggestions for you.
Once you start treating dry skin, youll see improvements and healing in about two weeks or so.
Treatment may be necessary to avoid any eye or vision problems.
Summary
Dry skin can be uncomfortable, and if it gets very bad, even painful.
If nothing is helping, see your healthcare provider.
They can help you manage it so that it doesnt get worse and affect your eyes.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of pink eye.
National Eczema Society.Eczema around the eyes.
National Eczema Society.Treatments for eczema.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rosacea: Diagnosis and treatment.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis on the face.
National Institutes of Health.Skin care and aging.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Who gets and causes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Signs and symptoms.
NIH News In Health.Keep your skin healthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.5 ways to use petroleum jelly for skin care.
