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Do You Have Itchy Red Eyelids?

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One cause of dry, red, scaly patches on eyes

For about a year, I've had dry, red, itchy skin on my eyelids and right under my eyes.

My eye doctor identified the problem: blepharitis, literally "inflammation of the eyelids." The cause is excess oil secreted around the eyes, which then builds up on the eyelids, irritating them and providing food for bacteria. Yuck!

Source: Maolmhuire, Wikimedia, CC



These bacteria cause scaly skin flakes, dry, itchy patches, crusty build up, swollen lids and/or styes. The skin flakes and goop catch on the eyelashes and provide more food for bacteria, more eye irritation, which can trigger more oils secreted -- and so the cycle keeps going. (Source: US National Library of Medicine).

Luckily, there is a way to fight blepharitis, which you can probably guess. I've got mine in check, although I still have breakouts. But before I tell you what works for me, it's time for a...

DISCLAIMER: I am NOT an eye doctor. I am a patient. Eye irritation is serious business, and not something to self-medicate without consulting a professional. There could be other causes. So if you've got eye problems, or any of these symptoms last for several days, SEE YOUR DOCTOR! But ask about blepharitis, in case that's what you've got.

Common Blepharitis Symptoms

  • Dry, scaly skin flakes on or under eyes
  • Swollen lids
  • Red patches or abrasions on eyelids that feel like rug burn
  • Crusty buildup on eyelashes
  • Styes
  • Small cysts (bumps) on edges of eyelids
  • Itchy eyes
  • goo in corners of eyes

    Some of these are also symptoms of other conditions.

    • How to Treat Blepharitis

    Clean Your Eyelids!

    Too much skin oil causes itchy red eyelids. So, if it's really blepharitis -- again, check with your doctor -- the solution is to clean your eyelids! But you can't use regular facial soap for oily skin, because eyes are too sensitive. Instead, my opthamologist recommended:

    1) Mix warm water and Johnson's baby shampoo to gently wipe your eyelids, especially the upper and lower line of eyelashes where the skin flakes and ick build up. (The base of the eyelashes, right along the follicles, is usually where the irritation starts, although it can spread all over and even around the lids). Be sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap first!

    I wash my eyes at the end of a hot shower so that my hands are clean; the hot water also helps deep-clean the eyes.

    2) Lid scrubs. There are several varieties of these over-the-counter eye wipes which are like Wet Wipes with a special formula for the eyes. Again, wash your hands first, and be sure to clean the eyelashes thoroughly, although you should remember you're trying to remove ALL the oil from your eyelids (don't forget the lower one). I take these with me on trips (especially airplanes), when visiting friends, or during flare-ups when I may need to clean my eyes during the day.

    Regular eye cleanings -- best to do it twice a day -- can get the oil buildup under control and, slowly, control the problem.

    NOTE: If you wear eye make-up, you probably should stop until you've got blepharitis under control. The build-up of crud on your eyelashes is torturing your eyes. Also, do not use EXPIRED MAKE-UP. It could be a culprit.

    Video: Eye Doctor Discusses Causes/Treatment

    WATCH THIS 3-minute video by a professional opthamologist

    Dr. Jill Ackerman of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation has a very good discussion of blepharitis and has her own suggestions for the best ways to keep it in check:
    Blepharitis
    by paloaltomedical | video info

    41 ratings | 16,321 views
    curated content from YouTube

    Other Treatment Tips for Common Health Issues

    From my own experience.

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    Guestbook

    Feel free to drop a note, but remember I'm not a doctor

    Ask your doctor about your condition -- I can't give you expert advice. But I can certainly sympathize! And please share this page with any friends or relatives (it tends to run in families) who have been complaining of dry, red itchy eyelids.

    • KathieWoolridge Dec 11, 2011 @ 1:53 pm | delete
      Good tips. I would suggest to consult the doctor anyway if the symptoms last longer than few days!
    • Greekgeek Dec 11, 2011 @ 2:47 pm | delete
      Good point. I was originally going to put that in there, but I was afraid that if I said that, some people might put off checking with a doctor, and the delay might be dangerous if it's something else. So instead I just said "see your doctor!" But "longer than a few days" is probably something that needs to be said.
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