DRY CRACKED SKIN ON EYELIDS

I have had dry, swollen, cracked, peeling skin on my eyelids which has become progressively worse over 7 years.  Have been prescribed cortisone but only is an overnight cure.  Is this exceme?  or psoriasis?  or allergies?  How can I get over this???  HELP!!!

[plantman88]

I have the same problem!
Dry, cracked skin that I have to peel off of my upper eyelids.

It comes in waves. It might be bad for a week and go away for a month, or vice versa. It seems to be worse when the weather is hot or dry, but sometimes that makes no difference. And sometimes it cracks so badly it bleeds, like chapped lips.

I went to my doctor and he said that I had a "skin condition." I'd never wanted to beat someone so badly. That's like diagnosing somebody in the ER as "sick" or having some sort of "wound." He gave me fluorometholone ophthalmic ointment. It sort of worked for a little while, but eventually became no more effective than neosporin. Both seem to only temporarily moisturize the area. Now I just use vasoline. It doesn't do anything to cure it, but at least I can walk around for a few hours without looking like a leper.

The most frustrating part is that nobody (including my doctor) knows what this is. I've searched all over for eyelid disorders and nothing even mentions dry, cracking, peeling skin. There's gotta be a dermatologist out there who has seen this and knows what to do. Please help.

[hawkify]

  I have the same problem with my eyelids.  Here is the condition, it only happens when I am in a certain area and sweat a lot.  I only get it when I go over to my grandmother's house and where I train.  I am allergic to something there.  When I left for a while, it was gone and didn't come back until I went back to her house.  So try getting out of that particualr area.  High amounts of dust, feather pillows, or even environmental.  I left for Iraq, where I sweated a ton, however it never bothered me getting sweat in eyes unless I am at my grandmother's house.  Vacuum a ton and try keeping ice packs on it when it is swollen.  Use a different detergent on your clothes and even change your cologne.  You are allergic to something.  I still don't know what it is for me, but when I eliminated everything by moving..... it cleared up for over a year without a breakout.  Now that I am back home at her house, I have had it for 3 months straight.  I am looking for a house to get my own "CLEAN" space.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Hi,

Eczema is a  persistent skin conditions  that presents with swelling, dryness and recurring skin rashes which  may itch  or bleed. There is no known cure for eczema, thus treatments aim to control the symptoms: reduce inflammation and relieve itching.  However, it is difficult to diagnose without direct examination of your eyelid.  It will also help if you have this checked by an eye specialist or opthalmologist for further evaluation.

Take care and keep us posted.

[pollysue123]

My son has the same problem and he has had it for years and we been to lots of doctors and know one can tell me how to help him hes only in 6th grade and everyone always asks him whats wrong with his eyes there all red and peel where his eyelashes grow out from both top and bottom sometime so bad they start to bleed . I've try everything that you can put on the eyes and nothing helps .I feel really bad cause I know kids at school can be mean about things that are diffrent. Please Help . And tell me what I can do for him.

[sherwood67]

I've struggled with this also, the thing I've found that works is going on a sugar free diet,  I've come to believe it's a yeast infection.  Don't blow me off, I'm serious, my son had the same thing on his neck when he was a new born, it would peel and crack.  I've also found boosting my immunity with vitamin c and drinking lots of water and don't forget your b vitamins!

[TheRoot]

How many of you were Military? I have had the same problem, it started as dry skin on my hands at the web between my thumb and index fingers, then moved to behind my knees, and on my feet, my toenails did not grow well either. I also now have issues with candida or yeast and when it hit my eyelids, I looked like a Racoon, I used to think it was an allergy to polyester, but the more and more I learn I am finding that the POLIO Vaccine and others in the Military were failing tests and they tried to get rid of it by selling it to third world countries, when they were refused they had so much invested in the study that they had to send the vaccine through, now its causing all sorts of skin issues with soldiers and their children, this problem is actually now in our DNA and will determine how we form in the next mellenia of human evolution.

[Johnstons]

I joined today to reply to this thread about itchy, bleeding and cracking eyelids. I am non-military but like hundreds of millions out there I was vaccinated as a child. I had this problem a few years ago. I went to the University of Minnesota and had it biopsied. ( I wish there was a spell checker in here) Afterwards I was told it was some type of soriahsis(sp) and given a very powerful steriod ointment. It turned my eyelids into leather and I stopped after a month. I also had it spread from my eyelids to the back of my knees and to a sensitive area below the belt and as a guy it was not fun. I am not sure what made it stop but after reading a post from "hawkify" above I realize that I had a down comforter for years and finally threw it away shortly before the problem stopped. I always take allegra for general allergies which I think helps but back to my point. Two months ago I started using a new down blanket and pillow but I also started a new exercise routine and I started taking new vitamin pills. So I will try and keep an update as to the staus of my issue but I am focusing on the down and vitamins, hard for me to believe my body would be so reactive to its own sweat. I will get rid of the blanket and switch off the vitamins for a few weeks and post back.

[LadyA65]

about 4 months ago i started with a small red scabby look above my left eyelid as the time went by it is spreading on my eyelid, it looks red and flakey and yes it itches sometimes, it looks horrible and i want it to go away, it makes me sad because i love wearing makeup and i have stopped do to the look, i also thought it was the makeup doing that but i am not sure :( - i dont know what to do - and i just started this new job and cannot afford to take off for a dermatoligist until i complete my 3 months ,,urggggg i am so sad
From LadyA65

[sky90]

I will definitely try getting a new down comforter or even new bedsheets after you had mentioned this. I'm a typical college student whose last thing on my mind is bedsheets. But I am currently experiencing the same exact thing as you were. I've always kinda had dry skin all over my body. But recently I've realized my eyelids are getting progressively worse and I'm starting to scratch the back of my knees, which have by this point turned red, scabby, and scaly. I'm also experiencing some dryness down below the belt as well. Thanks for the help. I'm gonna try using your suggestions!

[Terese61]

I also suffer from this and it only flares up once in a while but this last time it has been so bad just couldn't stand it anymore.  So I went to the store and bough some destin and started using it at night the redness was gone overnight but still a little dry and cracked but going to contine to use.  I have eczema on other parts of my body but that seem to itch more than what I have on my eyelids.  I did try my medication for my eczema on my eyelids and found no relief.  I would suggest giving the destin a try.

[jasminegreen]

I just recently had this problem flare up. I was unsure of what it could be, maybe allergies or something else. I didn't bother with a dermitologist because the last thing I needed to hear was that I had "dermatitis". I find that to be a complete cop out. When I was looking up causes/treatments, it was interesting for me to read about someone struggling with candida because I have had a rash on my neck flare up in the past and the only thing that helped was going on a sugar free, low carb and low acidity diet (no vinegar and no artifical sweetners except something natural like stevia). It ***** and the diet is very restictive but the rash did clear up. I am going to go back on it to see if my eyelids start to clear up as well. Reading these responses has helped me tremendously.

[daddyofthree]

This may be caused by a condition called blepharitis (check spelling) which is a condition with your eyelids that causes redness of eyes, eyelids, etc.  Dry skins is also a symptom.  I was diagnosed with this last year at my eye appointment and told to use baby shampoo.  At the time I did not have the dry skin, but recently this started to happen.  I will have my yearly eye exam and ask the doctor more.

[amrodri]

I had the exact same condition a few years ago. It would crack, peel off, and then it would be ok for a month, then it would come back again. I went to see the dermatologist who diagnosed some dermatitis herpetiformis, basically gluten allergy. I ran all tests including a gastroscopy and they all turned negative. However in the mean time I moved out of my apartment, and it never happened again! Since there were clear signs of water infiltration in the old building (paint peeling off in some apartments, in mine even though I had painted it all new less than 2 years before, the paint started to bubble in some areas of the apartment), I think it could have been a reaction to mold or another bacteria in the apartment. I would suggest trying to put hepa filters at least in the bedroom to see if that helps.

[beccabuns]

hey i have this problem too and the only thing that has ever worked for me to get rid of it is a aveeno baby lotion, its called Aveeno baby daily moisture lotion. there's another aveeno baby lotion for ecsema (eczema) but it doesnt work, however the regular one i mentioned complety cleared it up for me

[kms337]

Try Burt's Bees Hand salve. It has almond oil, lavender, rosemary, olive oil, and bees wax. I have the same problem and the hand salve got rid of it in a couple days. Smells good too. No burning. Best thing i ever tried!

K.S.

[BrilliantC]

HI

the Burts Bees Hand salve WORKED!!! I have been using it 2 times a day since Friday.. and it has improved by 95% and today is only Monday.. so I will keep using it!.. But I also have stoped using makeup or makeup brushes around my eye area...also refrained from touching the area, I didnt realize how much I would touch/scratch/rub my eye area when Im stressed...just something that I wanted to share.

[chaznw]

I have had this same problem for several years. I saw someone post about Mario Badescu Control Cream and decided to give it a try.  Best $17 I ever spent.  It worked and within a couple days my eye lids had improved tremendously.  I had tried prescribed anti-biotic cream, Cortaid, Eilidel (do not use this product it is poison and very expensive).  The Control Cream worked and soothed my eyes from the very first use.    

[busymeof4]

I can't believe so many people have this.... I also have it on my eye lid and under my eye area. It makes me look like I have SO many wrinkles and I really don't. I thought maybe I got it from the eye make-up remover I was using. I used some A&D ointment and that helped a lot, took a lot of the redness and burning away. I do have Burt’s Bees hand slave so I'm going to try that right now and I'm going to go buy the Mario Badescu Control Cream that someone recommended. I want this to go away so I can put my make-up on each day. This is ridiculous. It's been almost 2 weeks with this situation and I went to the dr. they told me to take Benadryl and wanted to prescribe a steroid but I'm 8 mo pregnant. That could be the reason I have this ... who knows.

[Diyana3xx]

Unbelievable how many people have this problem. I have the same, and had it for 3 years now. However, it keeps on getting better and going worst from time to time. It bothers me a lot. I will need to try some of those recommended products, because so far I tried a lot and nothing worked.

[havb]

No. You guys are all doing the same thing I was. If the weather is dry and you are washing your face in the shower, in the morning, at night, stop. Completely. Wait about a month or two when your skin has healed, and then only wash your face, DO NOT GO OVER YOUR EYELIDS WHEN YOUR EYES ARE CLOSED! I went to several dermatologists had skin samples taken, took all sorts of prescription meds, none worked. And then I realized it was my hygiene causing the problem and I stopped. Never had this problem since, not once. No vaseline, no medicines. Literally, stop washing your eyelids in dry weather. Easy solution that makes sense and works.

[Loglen]

I have had dry n cracking eye lids fir a few mo the now. I ride a bicycle 4-6 times a week for fitness. I usually drink coffee right before but about 3 months ago started using caffine tabs instead. I started taking just a half but found better performance taking a whole about 2 weeks ago and my eye lids have gotten much worse in the same time. I am quiting all caffine intake to see if the prblem persists. I also started taking a half a multi vitimin at the same time as caffine tabs but if anything have taken less over the last few weeks. I will repost if this seems to remedy my issues. Just my thoughts about dry eye lids

[nickivee]

try pure virgin organic coconut oil - i have had this condition for about the last 2 weeks and hate going to the doctor when i don't have to (and after reading all these posts, clearly the doctor isn't helping resolve this issue for most)

i have been applying it liberally right before bed and minimally in the morning (still wanted to be able to wear makeup and too much will be too oily to allow makeup to stick) and within 4 days it was almost gone!  it has been 6 days now and this morning i woke up with a very tiny dry patch barely even noticeable. i plan to keep applying it in small doses at night for a while to be sure it is fully healed.

hope this works for everyone else as well as it has for me!  :)

http://www.candida-cure-recipes.com/benefits-of-coconut-oil.html

[Loglen]

I am sorry for the spelling in my last post as I am posting from a phone and I could not proof read b4 I posted. But my dry itchy cracking eye lids/face is not from caffine as I thought. I am allergic to soy. Seems strange I am 34 n never knew but have been exposed to high amounts recently I started drinking higher amounts of soy milk. Now even small intakes cause a reaction with in hours. I am becoming more sensative to soy the more I am exposed. Anyway just what I found out about myself hope it's helpful

[KyleeAlyssa]

I have had the same problem for the past 2 months. It started as just a little scab on my right eyelid, but started flaking and looking gross after only a couple days. After about a month it spread to below my eye and to the other eye as well. I'm a makeup artist and not being able to to wear makeup to work was horrible! I need to figure out a cure for this, it's so irritating!! I have to peel my eye before I can put makeup on. I've been using Clinique's All About Eyes as a mask, but it doesn't go away. Sometimes it cracks so much that it bleeds and I have to put neosporin on it.. I just want it to go away!

[Romeo_Oscar]

I have this same upper eyelid redness itchiness problem for more than 10 years now. It comes and goes. One thing I noticed is that the red swollen areas are exactly in the path of where I rub my eyes. So I conclude that rubbing makes this problem worse or starts it. I also think that skin dryness causes this problem. I have recently purchased this organic coconut oil from Nutiva ******* (15oz Coconut Oil - COC601  $11.99) and this stuff is fantastic at moisturizing skin ( and smell great, Coconut!) and you can eat it if you want too. I use it on my hands and my hand skin looks awesome! I used to have my hand skin badly damaged in the winter but no more. My hand skin go to perfect in about 2 days. For my eyelid redness, I have been applying it for a couple days and I noticed that the skin that was not damaged is now looking perfect, the areas that where only slightly irritated got better, but the areas badly irritated are not recovering as fast, and might get more irritated. So I will definitively use this organic coconut as maintenance for natural humidification of skin.

[Szerin]

Just to clarify - vaccines to not modify the sequence of our genes (somatic cells or gametes), and the antibodies produced in response to those vaccines are not passed on to our progeny.  There is no evidence that vaccines alter the genetics of future generations.  

[itchyguywithredeyes]

I have the same problem. One thing that I KNOW causes trouble is the combination of dry weather and certain laundry detergents.  My pillow case, as well as my sheets and pajamas, when washed in the wrong detergent, make me itch like crazy, and it's much much worse in the winter.  My eyelids get all dry, flaky, and terribly itchy at those times.  Vaseline makes my eyelids red, but at least a tiny bit of it keeps the flaking down so I don't look like a lizard that's shedding. I have tried applying a tiny single drop of pure 100% lanolin, too, on certain spots to control the flaking. That's helpful for me on really bad days. My dermatologist prescribed Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate in a mild form that is OK for use around the eyes; it seems to help a bit, but does not get rid of the problem.  If you are searching for possible causes of the problem, I'd suggest changing your laundry detergent to the mildest thing you can find to see if that doesn't help.  Also, do NOT use standard moisturizing lotions around your eyes.  I've made that mistake; the alcohol and other ingredients in the lotion only made things worse.

[superwendy]

I have had this problem for well over a year now. I lived in Florida until March where it is humid and California where it is very dry. This has persistently gotten worse in Cali. Late last year when I had health ins. I went to a dermatologist that prescribed to me (2) different expensive creams that only made it worse. My Mom had the same problem and gave me "Desonide," which is a steroid, and as you know dangerous near the eyes. This didn't help either, or if it seemed it would, it would come right back, and it would later cause awful pain directly in my eyeball. So I'm not using that anymore, can't be good. Right now it is awful (looks like a cigarette burn on my eyelid). I have this mostly on the middle of my right eye and the side corner of my left eye. I have read so much about this and am so frustrated. I picked at the dry skin a few days ago, and then it just hurt for days. Stinging, raw, itchy eyelids and irritating the inside of my eyes constantly.  One comment from a reader above was to stop washing and going over eyes when washing your face. I think this has helped quite a bit. It has helped it to dry out, instead of being sore, raw and stinging. I have read advice here and elsewhere about the Mario Badescu control cream; which I am desperately awaiting for it's arrival in the mail since I could not find it around here. It is supposed to arrive tomorrow and I will report back. Good Luck everyone!

[HopefulinNY1018]

What a difference a day makes. Yesterday I was desperate, depressed, my confidence was down and I felt helpless with the repeated abuse of my red, irratated, gritty, cracked eye lids. At work yesterday I just wanted to go home as it is hard to look people in the eye when you know and feel as we who suffer with  this condition feel. It is desperate and it is trying at times. I have suffered with this condition for serveral years.  It does come and go but it never really goes away tototally and more time it is active than not. I have severe allergies. Dust mites is my worst allergy to the point my allergist has me carry an Epipen. I also have asthma. I can deal with just about anything and I have a strong spirit but when it comes to my eyes, feeling, and looking as they do I can become so desperate and depressed. The itching is unbearable at times. If you are reading this I am sure you feel my pain. When I found this thread I read every post. I saw the posts about people who tried Mario Badescu control cream. I have never heard of it before yesterday.  After several doctors appts for my eye issue, 2 drawers full of steriod creams, eye drops, you name it I have it! I decided that after so many people with this condition seemed to get good results with the Mario Control Cream, I decided to head right to the store and get it. I live in NY so it was available at Ulta. I purchased a 3 piece set that inculded the control cream a mask and a cleanser. I got home and told my husband say a prayer that this works for me. I used all three products. I put the control cream around my eyes. I was expecting the usual, burning, redness and irratation and gues what?  that did not happen! The control cream felt good!! My eyes started to feel better.  I went to sleep and overnight they healed even more. This morining I washed my face with the Mario cream soat and applied the control cream again and then again tonight I cleand and applied again, Could this be my miracle I have been waiting for? I will continue to use this product and I will continue to post my results. If you are suffering from this condition please give this cream a try. Today I have hope and hope is a good thing!!!  Good luck to everyone!

[winniethepooh29]

i've been having this problem with my eyelids for like 3 months now they get red and they peel i used to wear makeup but i stop because i thought that the makeup was the reason this was happen it stop for awhile but then it came back i put hot water on it and some eye cream it makes it stop peeling for a few hours when my friends ask me whats wrong with my eyes and i say its my allergies when they ask me i feel bad because i hate how my eyes look thats why i aviod looking people in the eye i need help how can i make this go away HELP ME :(

[AzNative928]

I am relieved i am not the only one suffering with his horrible condition. It is embarrassing to have and not be able to look people in the eyes. I have tried all the creams at the drug store, I even consulted the doctor i work closely with and she recommended Eucerin. Which i bought, but it seems to have made my eyelids worse. Yesterday morning I woke up with my eyelids super swollen and flakey. I ended being sent home from work because i couldn't keep my eyes open because of the itching and burning. I went to the clinic and was prescribed allergy meds, antibiotic eye drops and steriod cream. I tried getting in with my eye doctor, but he was out for the day. Reading previous posts, I will most definatley buy the Mario Badescu control cream. I hope its my saving grace.  I just want to be able to not avoid peoples gaze and wear my make up once again.

[WiseJames]

SOLUTION that worked for me. I came to this result after thinking about what THE 3RD doctor said about simply using moisturiser on my sore cracked eyelids and red sore patches on body that began around 2 years ago.....

I stopped using any bathroom and laundry products and with strong perfumes or colours,especially purple or blue. Try to find products that are as white as possible to avoid irritation. I decided to try products designed for babies....

SOLUTION for me was Johnsons baby soft wash. The best one is the white one, the easiest to find is the pink squeezy bottle version. It is the best as it contains moisturising lotion, developed for sensitive skin. Soap free & pH skin-neutral. Tested by dermatologists. I use it for my entire body and face. I even wash my hair with it. if you use shampoo in he shower for example, use the body wash afterwards as it will remoisturise body after the shampoo has run down your body. My cracked eyelid got better within 2 weeks and has stayed away for a few years so far. Johnsons baby moisturising cream in the white squeeze tube is all i use on rare occasions on my face and anywhere else that may need it. A small amount goes far. Both of these products are £3 or less each. Please try them as they work (the steroid creams etc i was prescribed did not). Please post and let me know how you all get on...
James Cawston.

[vhaller]

Does your grandmother have a gas heat? It seems to create more dusk than a normal wood stove or oil. This is what I found in our new home. I never had this until I started cleaning mass amounts of dust in our home hidden in areas around the house. We change and clean the airducts every season change 4x per year. I am ready to move to AZ, I live in WA ST and it is getting worse. Nothing works, thank God I retired, I could not go to work like this, I feel sorry for those that have to work with red swollen eyes.

[Fisher6]

I came upon this discussion thread after doing a web search for "candida eyelids."  I've been having similar problems to what everyone has been writing -- dry, cracked, bleeding, peeling, and recently, sore eyes (moderate pain actually around the eye socket).  
My husband diagnosed this as related to candida (yeast) overgrowth in the body.  The eyelids can be an easy target because of the moisture on the eyelid, and the lack of circulation in the area.  Both he and I have suffered from candida related problems in other ways (skin rashes, athletes foot (guys), jock itch (guys), vaginal infections (women) in the past.  We eat a very clean diet because of this -- whole foods -- lean meats/fish, whole grains (brown rice only, organic non-flour bread, whole grain hot cereals, etc.), whole veggies, whole fruits, water, and practically nothing else.  If we diverge even a little bit, the yeast symptoms can flare up.
Sorry -- went off on a tangent a bit there.  The bottom line -- this rash on the eyelids is caused by a systemic infection of candida - yeast - overgrowth.  No AMA doctor will tell you this,nor do many understand it.  Only a holistic doctor will treat the cause, not just the symptoms.  
Taking Anti-biotics in an excessive manor can cause an overgrowth of yeast in the body.  If you're prescribed an anti-biotic, take a pro-biotic to replace the normal bacteria in your digestive system, otherwise, the yeast will have a field day and there will be much overgrowth.  
We recently started using organic extra virgin coconut oil -- and Nikkivee posted this as well.  
Coconut oil is naturally anti-fungal (anti-yeast), so it’s a perfect yeast-fighter. Eating coconut oil helps fight the yeast on the inside, and it can be used topically to relieve fungal/yeast symptoms on the outside as well. It's also anti-bacterial and anti-viral in nature, so eating it every day is an excellent boost for your immune system.
I applied this to my eyelids, and it has helped moisturize and heal them.  Be sure to wash your eyelids to get rid of the yeast by-products and toxins.  Dry them thoroughly.  Then apply the coconut sparingly to the eyelid.  The pain has been relieved by this also.  
If you're a contact lens wearer (as I am), I've found that I can't wear my contact lens because of this eye problem.  And, the solutions may be anti-bacterial (?) which may cause the yeast to thrive even more.
Hope this may help somebody out there.  I've been praying for this to go away, and if any of you believe in Christ, may he provide healing for all you too.
God Bless,
Janet

[heeidye]

The problem:
Swollen eyes every morning when I wake up…..I don’t mean puffy I mean SWOLLEN. Some days they can be slightly better some days they can be AWEFUL. Swelling goes down as the day goes on sometimes the skin would be red, and begin to flak off, tiny lines started to form under my eyes from the repeated cycle of swelling. I was ageing (aging) over night!!
I tried everything-  ice, cucumbers, tea bags, coconut oil, putting honey IN my eyes, cutting salt out of my diet, cut sugar out of my diet, coconut oil, I went without makeup, tried steroid creams, oil pulling etc etc… nothing worked. I have suffered with this for almost a year……

The treatment:
Mario Badescu control cream. No joke, I’m not even into cosmetics but this stuff was a miracle for me. It was exactly what I had been praying for and it REALLY REALLY workes. For the first time in almost a year my eyes look normal!!! I look like myself again! I am so happy with the results that I just had to share with anyone and everyone who is suffering with this problem! Try it and pass on the good news, this stuff is phenomenal. It worked wonders for me!  After using it for one day my eyes began to look better and now ( a few short days later) they are 100%  back to normal, NO swelling!!  

[ellemmell]

I completely agree, this is a really embarrassing problem, and the only thing that ever worked for me is the Mario Badescu Control Cream.  The really weird part is that it DOES make it go away, BUT - if I stop using it for about 3 days, it comes right back.  So the control cream basically is keeping it at bay for awhile, as long as I use it at least once every 2 days.  I would LOVE more than anything to know the actual CAUSE, the real underlying problem... but for the time being - I will continue to use it so I don't look like a crazy, swollen-eyed, tired person every day.  If any of you are thinking about buying it but haven't because it is ridiculously expensive, know that it DOES last forever.  I bought a tiny little jar of it for about $30 about 6 months ago, and it barely looks like I've used any.  You just need a tiny bit. (Much cheaper than a $25 co-pay each to who-knows-how-many doctors I could go to to try to figure out what it is). I hope that if anyone figures out the underlying cause of this will write in to tell us all! :)

[ellemmell]

I completely agree, this is a really embarrassing problem, and the only thing that ever worked for me is the Mario Badescu Control Cream.  The really weird part is that it DOES make it go away, BUT - if I stop using it for about 3 days, it comes right back.  So the control cream basically is keeping it at bay for awhile, as long as I use it at least once every 2 days.  I would LOVE more than anything to know the actual CAUSE, the real underlying problem... but for the time being - I will continue to use it so I don't look like a crazy, swollen-eyed, tired person every day.  If any of you are thinking about buying it but haven't because it is ridiculously expensive, know that it DOES last forever.  I bought a tiny little jar of it for about $30 about 6 months ago, and it barely looks like I've used any.  You just need a tiny bit. (Much cheaper than a $25 co-pay each to who-knows-how-many doctors I could go to to try to figure out what it is). I hope that if anyone figures out the underlying cause of this will write in to tell us all! :)

[kemmage]

This is the same diagnosis which was given to me by my dermatologist...yeast! She told me to use a dandruff shampoo, applying it thickly to my scalp and covering with a shower cap for 10 to 15 minutes every day, or do this in the shower, for about a week. It really is helpful for occasional flareups.

[CindyMBM]

Gosh, glad I'm not the only one. These posts are great and for tonight, I had Johnson's baby wash and lotion (grandbabies). I tried that. But after reading all these posts, I believe Mario Badescu Control Cream is the best all around cure, but I do also believe "yeast" is the problem. Back in January I got sick with what Dr. thought was a sinus infection. Ended up going thru 2 rounds of antibiotics. Not any better, so had a lung x-ray, which ended up with a diognosis of pneumonia. More antibiotics. I finally got to the point where I was caughing up white stringy flem (phlegm). Dr. FINALLY took a culture and came back "yeast". went had another lung x-ray and bottom line was I had a yeast infection down deep in my lungs. Had to treat that for 2 months and finally went away, but that was when the eyelid problem started. dry, cracking, peeling, bleeding. So, I am agreeing with all that posted it is a yeast problem. I just would love a cure that will last. I've tried this for tonight, but I will be purchasing the Mario. Thanks to all that posted

[melanieb997]

I also have had a dry swollen patch off and on the last couple months ( strangely always over the same eye). It swells up and (like one person wrote) creates a wrinkle effect and also starts to peel and sometimes gets to a bleeding point. I found that the ointment Aquaphor (you can find at WalMart) gives relief and healing, but still not sure of the cause or how to prevent. I can't identify and conditions that make one week different from the next.

[Laurielkennedy]

In the winter time i get dry cracked eyelids, and its because my eyes water alot, but now its Summer time, and for some reason I have had cracked swollen itchy eye lids mostly in the corners towards the nose area. I have tryed A & D, Hydrocortisone cream, Blistex, moisturizers, Vaseline, I have had this for almost 4 weeks now, crazy.  I am ordering Mario Badescu control cream, and i baught burts bees lip bulm, to see if that works, and under my eyes it looks like i have water pockets under them, all awollen. Seems alot of people have this condition, and hardly no remadys. I am not allergic to anything, I havent tryed anything new, I dont have Eccema, If i can find any remedys i will let every one know.

[nikkidoll80]

***WORKS LIKE A CHARM!! Gat a dab of pure glycerine and mix it with Eucerin cream. Apply to your eyelid(s) or any (dry areas on your face for that matter) overnight and WAH-LA! Your skin will be moistured throught the day!! The dryness evntually goes down/away if you use it every night. BE CAREFULonly use a small droplet when mixing it with the cream. I use this all the time and it has even improved the look and feel of my skin!! Good luck!!!

[patillinois3]

After trying numerous remedies, both prescription and otherwise, the last thing prescribed by my dermatologist has been, by far, the most helpful:  Protopic (tacrolimus ointment) Ointment 0.1%.  It's safer on the eyes than some other prescriptions and works within a few days.  The condition will come back if you stop using the ointment for 3 or 4 days, but with a regular regimen it has done wonders to control what was becoming intolerable burning and dryness.

[Brent212121]

i was in the army for 4 year and right out of basic i thought i had athletes foot but ive had it for 4 years and did everything i could for it and it wont go away. 2 months ago i started to notice the web of my fingers start to itch and peel too and now my eyelids are peeling, red, and sometimes itch and its covered my whole eyelid and started to spread around my tear duct. idk what to do im gonna go to the doctor on monday and post what they think and if i did get it from a vaccine im gonna get real pissed.

[Diane372]

I have read all the posts on this web site from people like me who have itchy, cracked and peeling eyelids.  I have had this condition for about four years.  Before I put my makeup on, I had to "peel" my eyelids.  Even with makeup on you can see that the skin texture undermeath the shadows was different along with being swollen. I have gone to the dermatologist and she diagnosed my condition as blepharitis and prescribed desonide .05% ointment.  This somewhat kept it at bay but my eyelid was always red and swollen and peeling would come and go.  I also had this condition inside my ears on the top just going into the ear canal.  Anyway, after reading all of your posts I became more and more interested in what people were saying about Mario Bedescu control cream.  I had an extra $30.00 that I could afford to buy the cream with and quickly ordered it from Nordstroms.  My cream arrived six days later of which I took the advice of other posts and cleaned my eyelids with Johnsons Baby Shampoo and applied the Mario Bedescu control cream.  Almost immediatly I felt a soothing, cooling effect.  The next morning I could clearly see that some of the swelling had gone down and redness was 50% gone.  Well now it is a week and a half later and my eyelids look completely normal like nothing was ever wrong with them.  My nightly care will be cleaning my eyelids with the baby shampoo and applying the cream.  If any of you out there have the dry, cracking, peeling and sometimes bleeding upper eyelids, please do not hesitate to buy this cream.  It works better than any of the prescriptions my dermatologist wrote for me.  I must say this jar will last years as you don't use very much of it.  A big Thank You to all of you who have posted your comments and led me in the right direction to control this annoying condition.

[quasarsmom]

I've found that washing my face with Head and Shoulders shampoo helps. Use the kind with moisturizer. Rinse well!  I had flaking eyelids for months, this finally helped.

[saftpro1]

I too have the same condition.  I noticed my eyelids were burning after using my tea tree oil shampoo.  It has only gotten worse since.  They itch and burn at the same time.  Nothing seems to help and now they have flared up again only to bleed this time.  I am wondering how many of you wear contacts or take prescription medication.  Does this have something to do with it?

[amberleia]

My nephew woke up one morning and "poof" his eyelids were crusted over with flaking skin. We tried Neosporin at first and it helped a little (I'm guessing the salve moistened the skin and made it appear to be improving). However, it never healed completely and I started trawling the web for more info. We have recently moved to a new house AND the issue only showed up once the weather became more dry, so I feel like it is an allergy. We purchased the Mario Badescu control cream (http://www.amazon.com/Mario-Badescu-Control-Cream-1oz/dp/B00172IF0W/ref=?ie=UTF8&m=A2XZDPQDN6OMHP), and I applied it 3 times a day for 2 days. The dead skin flaked off and amazingly, he had healthy smooth skin again! In just 2 days he was completely back to normal. We now do a preventative/maintenance treatment once a day and all is still fine. I also told a friend who suffers from psoriasis about the cream and we did a 2 day experiment with her. The same effect. After 2 days of 3x a day, the psoriasis patches we tested are better and there is clear healthy skin, now. This cream is amazing and non-steroidal which is super awesome!

Just thought I'd share.

[labknr]

I've had the same problem with red, peeling, splitting itchy eyelids for years.  I've tried many things that have worked for a week or two and them stopped working. Can you tell me if the Bert's Bees Hand Salve is still working for you?

[labknr]

For those of you who have recommended Mario Badescu Control Cream.  Can you tell me if it continued to work for you after a few weeks?  I know that you had immediate results but I've tried everything (coconut oil, Eucerine, vaseline, Aquafore, topical steriods...) and so far nothing has continued to work after a period of time.  MB Control Cream sounds promising, and soothing, but before investing anymore money I would like to hear how people are doing after using it for awhile.  Thanks!

[scumboss]

Hi labknr

I can recommend Mario Badescu Control Cream. I've been using it for almost two weeks and my eye lid is back to normal.  I use it twice a day.  Once before bed and when I get up.  I've had this problem on and off for years.  This year it's been with me almost all year it only went when I took a holiday in the USA (Arizona).  I guess the sun helped.  As soon as I came back to the UK within a day or so it came back.  I tried Vaseline it would help with the itching but never got rid of the redness.  

I ended up seeing my doctor.  She prescribed me a steroid cream (Dermacort 0.1%) and told me to only use it for 3 days.  I did and after I stopped using it the redness / itching came back.   Went back to the doctors different doctor this time she told me to use the steroid cream for three weeks yet the other doctor said only use it for three days max.  This is when I started researching different things to try and come across this amazing cream.  What a god send!

[Arcadena]

Isn't the internet just fantastic?!  I have got to the (admittedly gross) stage where I actually like peeling the skin off my eyelids --most often first thing in the morning. I half don't want it cured!  I thought I must be the only person in the world with this, and just googled "scabby eyelids" and got it.  I am going to try the Burts Bees hand salve tonight because I have got some.  If it doesn't work I'll pay for the  Mario-Badescu-Control-Cream and let you all know.  I have been using Golden Eye Ointment which you suddenly can't buy any more without a prescription (it's 0.1% cortisone, I think), but it doesn't really work and it makes my vision really blurry.  Thanks for all the really  useful posts.

[Arcadena]

A PS to my last comment:  what I have noticed is how the doctors seem to be at sea and that their dubious and possibly dangerous remedies don't work.  I am going to do everything I can to avoid steroids, anti-biotics, etc.

[novalady440]

I've had this problem for years, no solution.  I read the posts here about Mario Badescu Control Cream and there were so many mentions, I (A) thought their advertising agency must have a MedHelp membership but (B) decided to try it (found it at Ulta).  It works!!! I'm a believer and absolutely recommend this product!

[caitielou2]

I've experienced, and have been equally baffled by the same condition. Here's what I've discovered about the cause (in my case) and how to treat it....

After a year of being flake free, it came back strong after a few sessions of heated yoga. The yoga studio seemed to have some mold on the ceiling, and I am pretty certain my eye flares up around mold spores, and is associated with candida, or yeast. Even though I stopped going to the studio, the flakiness persisted for months and months.

I have been doing the following and it's helped A TON...
- use dandruff shampoo on my hair
- carefully apply the same shampoo (diluted with water)to my eyelids with a Q-tip
- apply raw coconut oil morning and evening, or throughout the day (whenever it starts to itch). Coconut oil has natural anti-fungal properties, and I think is safer to use than steroids or any chemicals
- reduce or eliminate intake of processed sugar and gluten (yeast feasts on these)
- take probiotics (also helps with yeast growth).

[mockingbird1310]

I was in the military 1997-2002 and I too have the red swollen dry patches that come and go on my eyelids as well as my toe nails sometimes just fall off.......It concerns me to see the number of vets with the same symptoms. I was just on the computer to google what this condition may be and found this blog page. Thank you all for your input.

[margie07]

I have been having the same problem for the past month and nothing has worked.  I wake up to swollen eyes with flakey dry eyelids! Its so embarrassing and I no longer can use makeup because I look so dry and cakey.  Dermotologist gave me HC 2.5% cream, that didn't even work, he said I must have allergies to something.  Every moisturizer I try burns and makes my eyelids evern more red. Last night I tried Mario Badescu Control Cream, after reading great reviews on it.  I woke up this morning 90% back to normal looking eyes, no redness, not swollen, and the dryness is almost completely gone. To any one going through this problem, go out and try this cream, Im so happy I did.

[TheFlame0143]

I am so relieved I found all of you on the internet.  I could not understand what was going on with my eyelids over the past couple of weeks.  Even around the outer edges, and below the bottom eyelashes.  Redness, swollen, dry patches.  Ugly.  I have had this a few times before, but this time it's staying longer, hurting (itching like crazy) more, peeling, and trying to cover it up with my makeup is a disaster, it makes it show like it's on a billboard.   Having lunch with my friend today, which was necessary, I have even been avoiding going to the grocery store, was embarrasing.  I wish it was sunny and we were eating outside, and I could wear my sunglasses. that is how bad it was.  I went to Ulta and picked up the cream everyone is bringing up, Mario Badescu Control Cream, and also picked up the cleanser.  OMG.  It was almost instant I felt the relief. Over the past few hours the redness has deminished and what I loved is it didn't burn while applying and EVERY thing else I tried did.   I am hoping for great results by morning. I hope this is what I have been praying for.  FYI, I saw a dermatologist.  He called it exzema (eczema), he gave me prescription cortizone, antibiotic cream and an antibotic (antibiotic) pill to take. Nothing worked.  He even said take benedryl to see if it's an allergy.  I hope the Mario Badescu Control Cream works.  

[superwendy]

I reported on this over a year ago. I did purchase the Mario Badescu control cream and it was soothing when applied. The only thing thus far I had applied that didn't make it feel worse, but better. That was the first battle. The 2nd was that I left a very stressful relationship with an abusive man and my eyes cleared up altogether. Anytime I feel an itch or the slightest texture on my eyelids, I will apply the smallest amount of the Badescu cream and I have not had the problem I was having in almost a year now. I think stress was the cause more than anything. I do believe the change in environment, (the stressful one, not moving to different climates) was mostly what fixed the problem...However though, I do swear by the Badescu cream. It seemed expensive at $24 for the small jar, but I haven't even made a dent in it after having the cream for a year. I am so happy to report clear eyelids after almost a year!! Make-up, facewash, nothing seems to irritate them!!

[gratefulNM]

My son had the same itchy eyelid, eyebrow problem.  He has been suffering from it for years, he has even scratched some of his eyebrows off because of the severe itching.  I have taken him to three dematologists, two opthamalogists, his primary care doctor to no avail.  I have tried everything from home remedies like coconut oil, vaseline, baby shampoo; to steroids, hydrocortizone, etc.  I came upon this website four weeks ago.  I sent away for Mark Bardescu's control cream.  As soon as it came I started using it on my son's eyelids and eyebrows.  After two days I could see a difference.  Now it has been two weeks.  He doesn't itch any more.  The sores have healed, the flaking on his eyelids have healed.  I took him to the doctor this morning for something else and I told the doctor about the "miracle cure".  He blew me off and made it seem like it was going to heal on it's own anyway.  Whatever!  Thanks to everyone who posted about the control cream.  You don't know what this has meant to my son.

[Jay0709]

My son is having the same problem. Red, dry, flacking skin. I just wanted to check after applying this cream every thing is ok and its giving better result after 2-3 weeks. Please let me know.

[me340]

I'm from Washington and have this EXACT problem. Someone on this post said eyes, behind knee and down there? That exactly where it gets me too. I can promise you its not the weather. I've had this for about 6 months on the eye and my whole life behind the knee. I'm going to try the sugar free diet and the not washing the eyelid thing but I can assure you its not the weather. It's raining here 24/7

[Selden]

I just ordered the Mario Badescu control cream from Amazon  and I really hope it works since my eyelids are driving me nuts , hurt and red and wrinkled .  I did try burts bee's eye cream and it seemed to soothe it for alittle whille but its not working as I speak .. So hopefully when I get the Mario cream it will help ! I never had this condition before but for the lat 4 months its been nasty and seems to be a reoccuring condition that I have now!

[Sam8321]

Thank goodness for the internet!  And Thanks to all of you for your comments.  I've been having the red, swollen, itchy, flaky eyes since late January.  After reading another forum I tried several different remedies, like washing with Johnson's Baby Shampoo, applying diluted Tea Tree Oil (don't do this!! worst burning I've ever had!), taking Grape Seed Extract.  Woke up one morning with my eyes were swollen shut and crusted over and extremely red eyelids, under the eyes and flaking even above my eyebrows.  I went to the Dr that day and he diagnosed me with Blepharitis and prescribed Tobramycin/Dexamethasone eye drops ($48 for a very, very small bottle which I was told to throw away after my 3 day dosage) for 3 days only.  He also advised me to use Cortizone 10.  After 3 days my eyes cleared up and I was able to wear make-up again.  However, it's returned on several occasions.  Seems the only thing that helps is Cortizone 10, but prolonged use is not good, especially with my family history of Glaucoma.  I did at CVS an inexpensive eye ointment that worked only if I could treat at the earliest onset of this condition.  I read another forum that suggested maybe my readers were causing the problem.  I'd bought a new pair after the first of the year, so I discontinued using those, but the problem still persists.  I also developed an itchy rash on my neck as well. After reading the comments above, I made a trip to my local Ulta store today and bought the Mario Badescu Control Cream/Cream Soap/Calma Mask.  I am anxious to find out if this will finally resolve the problem and will report back.   I can't believe there is no Dr/Dermatologist/Opthamologist out there with a try diagnosis/treatment.  How frustrating for all of us to have to experience this trial & error with so many potential treatments.  I wonder  - what is the common thread?