How to Treat Dry Eyelids

Medically reviewed by Rajesh Khanna, MD

Last Updated: April 25, 2022 References

Dry, itchy eyelids can be caused by allergies, bacteria, or underlying skin conditions. You can relieve dryness by maintaining a daily cleaning ritual. It is also very important to understand what is causing your eyelid dryness. See an ophthalmologist or a dermatologist to find out what the best course of action is. Sometimes, you can solve the problem by avoiding irritants like contact solution, makeup, or allergens. However, more serious conditions may require medication.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Your Eyelids

1
Apply a warm compress to your eyelids daily. A warm compress will loosen the oils and dirt on your eyelids and make them easier to clean without rubbing their delicate skin too much. Soak a clean washcloth in hot water. Place the washcloth over your closed eyes for around 5-10 minutes. Use the washcloth to gently rub your eyelids before removing it.^{[1]
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- Make sure your hands are clean.
- If you are suffering from blepharitis, your doctor might recommend cleaning your eyelids several times a day until the condition is under control.
2
Cleanse your eyelids with warm water and a cotton swab. Soak the end of a cotton swab in warm water. Wipe gently around the edges of your eye. To cleanse the area closest to your eyelashes, you can softly pull the eyelid away from the eye and use your other hand to wipe the eyelid. This will help prevent damage to the eye.^{[2]
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- For a stronger cleanser, use a few drops of baby shampoo in warm water. Clean your eyelids using this solution first, and then repeat the process using a fresh cotton swab and warm water to rinse.
- A doctor may also prescribe an over-the-counter eyelid cleanser.
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3
Put in moisturizing eye drops to help prevent dry eyes. If you have dry eyelids, your eyes may also dry out during the day. Wash your hands and shake the bottle of eye drops before you apply them. Tilt your head back and pull your bottom lid down with your finger. Hold the bottle above your eye and squeeze it lightly so 1 drop comes out. Slowly close your eye and keep it shut for 1-2 minutes so the drops can work. Repeat the process in the other eye.^{[3]
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- You can buy eye drops from your local drugstore.
4
Use tea tree oil to get rid of mites that could be causing dryness. Tea tree oil is an effective and natural solution to get rid of mites. Gently scrub the eyelids with a cotton swab dampened with 50% tea tree oil.^{[4]
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- You can find 50% tea tree oil at pharmacies over the counter.
5
Apply a green teabag to your eyes for a relaxing anti-bacterial treatment. Green tea is a natural anti-bacterial treatment that can relieve dry eyelids caused by many different reasons. Soak a green teabag in hot water. Then place the teabag over your closed eye for 5-10 minutes. Repeat the process on the other side.^{[5]
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- Alternatively, you can find a topical green tea extract at pharmacies. Use the dropper to apply a drop or two to each eyelid and lightly rub it in with a cotton swab or clean finger.
6
Use a moisturizer specifically for the skin around your eyes. Because the skin on your eyelids is thinner and more sensitive than the skin anywhere else on your body, using your normal lotion or moisturizer can be dangerous. Use a gel or cream made specifically for use around the eyes to relieve dry skin.^{[6]
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American Academy of Opthamologists
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- Because the skin of your eyelid is so sensitive, it can react to moisturizers that you don't normally have a problem with. Ask a dermatologist for a recommendation if you have trouble finding a cream that works for you.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Lifestyle Changes

1
Avoid wearing contact lenses. Contact solution and contact lenses are both common causes of inflammation that can lead to dry eyelids. Wear your glasses for a few days instead, and see if your symptoms clear up. If they do, ask your eye doctor about alternative lenses or contact solution you can use.^{[7]
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American Optometric Association
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- If you have an infection on your eyelid, putting in contact lenses can cause the bacteria to spread to the inside of your eye. Don't wear contacts until the infection clears up entirely.
- Another option is getting LASIK eye surgery so you don't have to wear contacts anymore.^{[8]
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  Rajesh Khanna, MD
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  Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.}
2
Stop wearing makeup for a few days. Mascara and eye makeup, in particular, can irritate the eyelids. Avoid using any products that are expired or old since they can cause more irritation. Makeup can contain bacteria or can cause an allergic reaction, both of which could cause dry, itchy eyelids.^{[9]
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- Wearing makeup can also make it harder to clean your eyes. If your doctor has recommended a cleaning regimen for the treatment of blepharitis or other conditions, it's best to wear a bare face until your eyelids are back to normal.
- If your dry eyelids are caused by bacteria, you may need to stop using makeup products or eyeliner completely.
3
Follow a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Some skin conditions, such as rosacea, can be eased by eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.^{[10]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} If such skin conditions are affecting your eyelids, try adding fish (especially salmon, tuna, or mackerel), nuts and seeds (like chia, flaxseed, and walnuts), or plant oils (like soybean or canola oil) into your diet.^{[11]
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- You can also buy omega-3 supplements at most pharmacies.
- As of July 2019, there are no proven benefits of omega-3 fatty acids helping with irritated or inflamed eyelids.
4
Stay away from substances that could be causing an allergic reaction. The most common causes of allergic reactions on the eyelids are makeup, nail lacquer, nickel (frequently used to make eyelash curlers and other cosmetic products), and hair dye. If eyelid dryness or irritation is a recent problem, think about any new substances you may have come in contact with. Avoid them and see if the irritation goes away.^{[12]
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- Wear gloves and wash your hands frequently when you are handling substances that could be causing an allergic reaction.
5
Wash your hair with dandruff shampoo to ease blepharitis. Blepharitis is a condition that often comes hand in hand with dandruff. Relieving your dandruff symptoms by frequently washing your scalp with dandruff shampoo can also relieve blepharitis.^{[13]
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American Optometric Association
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- If your dry eyelids have irritated, itchy skin, and dandruff-like flakes, try washing your hair with dandruff shampoo.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking Medication for Your Eyelids

1
Make an appointment with an eye doctor if your symptoms persist. If you have tried keeping your eyelids clean and treating dryness with home remedies and your eyelids are still dry and itchy, see your ophthalmologist or a dermatologist. Your doctor will be able to recommend a treatment or prescribe medication.^{[14]
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- Tell your doctor about all the symptoms you are experiencing.
- Your doctor might examine your eyelids visually or use a magnifying instrument, or your doctor might swab your skin to analyze the oil for bacteria or allergies.
2
Take a medication that treats the cause of your symptoms. Your doctor might prescribe a medication if your eyelid dryness is caused by bacteria, allergies, or another health condition. Take the medication as prescribed and follow any recommendations your doctor gives you.^{[15]
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- Most commonly, your doctor will prescribe medication to fight infection. These usually come in the form of eye drops, although you can also use creams and ointments.
- Medicines that fight inflammation include steroids. These are usually prescribed at a low dosage, specifically formulated for sensitive eyelid skin. However, high doses of topical steroids can potentially cause permanent skin changes if they’re used too often. Consult with a doctor before using any steroid-based drops.
3
Ask about underlying conditions that could be causing dry eyelids. Diseases such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis could cause eyelid dryness. Treating those conditions will also relieve the symptoms on your eyelids.^{[16]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- For the most part, dry eyelids are not a serious condition and should not affect your vision. If you notice changes to your vision, a lack of response to treatment, or if you notice that your symptoms are only appearing on one side, tell your doctor right away, as this can be an indication of a more serious condition.