flaking epidermis around eyes

Since 15, the skin on my eyelids has been dry and I'd like to rub them pretty often. Slowly, over the last two years, this area of dry skin has expanded from just one square centimetre on each eyelid to around large, circular rings around either eye and up onto the middle of my forehead slightly - it's now working its way down the chin area. my epidermis becomes very, very dry and retains nearly no moisture and seems to peel of its own accord. is this just due to my rubbing and my allergies which i'm now dealing with, or is there something that's actually independantly able to make my epidermis weak and dry across all of my face?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky, dry, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas esp. under the nose or anywhere on face. You can treat flaking and dryness with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos. Shampoo the hair vigorously and frequently (preferably daily). Active ingredients in these shampoos include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium.

If the symptoms persist, then it would be best to get it confirmed from a dermatologist.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.