What Can Cause Dry Skin Around The Eyes? - Advanced Dermatology Care
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What Can Cause Dry Skin Around The Eyes?

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Person Using Eye Drops

Dry skin can appear anywhere on the body and can be especially frustrating when it forms around the eyes. Dry skin forms around the eyes for various reasons such as skin conditions, contact dermatitis, the weather, or because of aging. The area affected will be flaky, rough, and itchy. It can also burn, sting, and begin to peel. There are individuals who are more likely to get dry skin due to their age, their smoking habits, where they live, and those with brown, black, or light skin compared to a medium complexion. If you have dry skin, it is important to say hydrated, moisturize regularly, avoid using harsh skincare products and long showers.

Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition where your skin become extremely dry and sensitive and can affect adults and children. There are several types of eczema that are important to become aware of and how they are triggered. The first one being atopic dermatitis. This type of eczema normally occurs when we are children and will go away as we get older. Some of the following symptoms include: rashes forming in the creases of your elbows or knees; small bumps may appear and leak fluid if you scratch them; babies will get a rash on their scalp and cheeks; and lastly your skin can get infected if you scratch it. This type of eczema is caused by genetics, dry skin, immune system issues, and environmental triggers.

If you notice that you have red, irritated skin that’s caused by a reaction to something you touch, you may have contact dermatitis. It will develop in two forms: Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune system reaction to latex or metal. Irritant contact dermatitis starts when a chemical or other substance irritates your skin and can include any of the following: detergents, bleach, jewelry, latex, nickel, paint, poison ivy, skin care products, makeup, soap, perfumes, solvents and tobacco smoke. In many cases, the problem will resolve if the person stops using the product that is causing the reaction. The skin on the eyelids is four times thinner than the skin on the rest of the face. As a result, doctors will recommend mild creams and emollients.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the skin on the eyelid. It usually happens when the skin reacts to bacteria that live on the skin. It is most common in people with seborrhoeic dermatitis, but it can affect anyone.
Symptoms include: small, yellow scales around the eyelids, itchy eyes, and a “gritty” feeling in the eye. To treat the condition, people can place a warm compress on the eye, gently massage the eyelid, use over the counter artificial tears, and/or avoid wearing contact lenses until the problem clears up.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye is a common eye infection in children and adults. It is caused by allergens and irritants, bacteria and viruses such as the coronavirus that causes the common cold and COVID-19. Treatment depends on the specific cause and includes eye drops, ointments, pills, water flushes and comfort care (such as cold compresses and artificial tears).

About

Advanced Dermatology Care of Southern California is a comprehensive dermatology group providing general & surgical dermatology, cosmetic enhancements and plastic surgery with two Southern California locations. Under the direction of Michael P. Tabibian, M.D., Medical Director, our collective experience aims to provide our patients innovative and highly individualized skin treatment solutions for patients of all ages and skin types.