Upper Eyelid itchy flakey & sometimes cracks in crease

[1gillian]

Upper Eyelid is partially itchy, flakey & sometimes cracks in crease then heals & re-occurs every 10 days for the last 12 months (NOT NEAR EYELASHES)

I have had a eyelid condition that started with my upper eyelid 12 months ago (November 2008 - it is now December 2009).

I stopped wearing any contacts (wore them seldom in first place) stopped all eye-makeup, use hypoallergenic face wash with clear warm water, plus use hot compresses on eye lids daily. THIS ISSUE IS NOT NEAR MY EYELASHES IT IS THE UPPER EYELID PROPER. It is most itchy in the crease of my upper eyelid and more recently has edged slightly toward the nose area of upper eyelid - it is all a bit itchy when I am going through a bout.

The skin on upper eyelid now looks like fine creased cigarette paper - very different than the outer edges on my upper eyelids - a visual difference of about 20 years - a very strange affect. Then once every 10 days or so the itchy line (crease in upper eyelid) cracks in a very fine line and is very sensitive to sweat (the salt content in sweat I presume). The fine crack then heals via flaky fine line - and then approx. 1/4 of entire upper eyelid flakes and sheds a fine layer of skin.

Sometimes it feels as if  something is irritating my left eyelid from the inside - out. Like a minute grain of sand was somehow imbedded on the inside of my upper eyelid? When in bed during the flare up times if I rolled my eyeball about with closed eyes (only left eye) felt like something was rough in the inside of the upper left eyelid. Very odd sensation - did not hurt, but just felt something was irritating my eyelid from inside to outside.

My eyesight in left eye has marginally changed over the last year and the left eyelid has twitched on many occasions. This condition then migrated over the past 6 months to right eyelid but not as noticeable nor does the crease in right eyelid crack. These symptoms come and go but never one full week without some sort of itch, crease split, flaky stuff then healing only to re-occur in 10 days.

I have been to the top Opthamalogist in Western Canada 3 times - she asked if I had ever had "eyelid surgery", as the fine line in the crease was slightly visible (as had healed about 5 times by then) I SAID NO! She prescribed a mild hydrocortisone cream (over counter 0.5%) temporarily helped - but was not to use for over 7 days as is bad for you as permanently damages & thins skin (nice).

Next appointment she then suggested polysporin Ophthalmic cream (prescription - use for 7 days) and I was also then informed by the specialist "you are getting older and menopause is likely the culprit due to hormones".

Hmmmm, I am not going through menopause as of yet and that seemed like an easy over arching solution for the Opthamalogist. I have many female friends and they never had this flaky, itchy, cracked, chapped eyelid issue when they all went through menopause?

Went back to my GP and she just said "oh well, carry on" :-)

I am not pleased.

Therefore I opted to read info regarding my "EYELID" symptoms on the internet and take the situation into my own hands. After what i have read this is my now my new "EYELID TREATMENT" experiment:

-Dr. Hauschka Eye Contour Balm (apply morning & night) It has "neem oil" in it, amongst other soothing natural ingredients.
-Oregano Oil capsules (orally) 1 a day
-Omega-3 capsules (orally) 1 a day
-Apple cider vinegar (orally) 1 tbls a day
-Vitamin D (orally) 1 a day
-Hypo-Allergenic no name Baby shampoo diluted with water 1:10 and wash eyelids 2x's per day with hot clean face cloth.

Just wondering if anyone has any other useful suggestions. Possibly something I or my previous Ophthalmic Doctor specialist's may have missed.

Thanks
Gillian

[Gina268]

I am a 50 year old female in menopause for the past 3 years. I’ve been going through the same exact thing for the past year. It began on my right eyelid and has since affected my left side as well.  

I’ve been to the dermatologist and the ophthalmologist. They both told me that is was possibly and allergic reaction likely due to my nails (UV gel or nail polish). I didn’t believe them but since it keeps recurring, I just had my gel nails removed and will see how that goes. It’s been a week so far and I’m not hopeful that it will help as my eyelids still feel itchy.

I’ve been prescribed Desonide .05 cream, Tobramycin/Dexameth O.S. and TobraDex ophthalmic ointment. The last one listed was an ointment that needed to go into my eye 2x a day for 10 day’s. It was very unpleasant. The condition only persisted. I then tried rubbing that same ointment on my eyelid, which seems to do the trick, for a while. It still ultimately returns. I do have a history of sebhoretic dermatitis on my scalp and eyebrows but it has never affected my eyelids. This has been extremely frustrating. The ophthalmologist also told me that it was Blepharitis. From what I’ve read about that condition is that it affects the eyelashes which has not been the case for me. I’m taking matters into my own hands and treating with a cream that I have for fungal infections just to see if that helps. I know that steroids cannot be used as a long term solution, but that seems to be the only medication that controls the condition. Any help or suggestions would very much be appreciated.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Tobramycin is not good for long term use and perhaps as high as 5-10% of develop a contact allergy. I suspect you have at least a moderately severe underlying "dry eye" (Eye MD's call it Ocular Surface Disorder)    Most likely you will need to institute a program to treat that problem.  Blepharitis and dry eyes often occur together.  90% of dry eye patients are post menopausal females 10% are males and younger women.  I suggest you find an ophthalmologist that specializes in cornea/external diseases. Most large cities and several and all medical school department of ophthalmology will have one. To make it productive take your old records and test. If you have a dry mouth you may need to be tested for Sjorgren's Syndrome.  Blepharitis can cause a recurring eyelid rash/rough skin. It's a chronic problem that gets worse as we get older so start looking for  a Eye MD with special training in your problem.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Also ask the consultant about "Avenova" a prescription eyelid cleaner that has worked extremely well for  blepharitis. LINK https://avenova.com/

[JohnHaganMD]

=

[Savannah__24]

Hi, I had this problem a few months ago and it is some form of excema or seborrhea due to a bacterial imbalance. Excema is often time irritated more by citrus, but also sugar, dairy, gluten, or chocolate. Everyone is different and these may or may not affect flare-ups. People say that it is impossible to get rid of, but rather, it can be suppressed with steroids. However, I don’t believe it is impossible to heal. I began an herbal regimen and used homeopathic s, namely Sulphur and Graphite’s. I had it all over my scalp, the corners of my mouth, my eyelid, and the corner of my eye. It was gotten so much better due to this treatment, and I feel great. The only issue I have now is a tiny patch on my scalp. I will say that healing takes time (months), but it is possible. I recommend that you all look into natural remedies and dietary changes to heal your excema. Every case is different, so you have to figure out which natural treatment works for you. I used Sulphur homeopathic 30c for five days and let weeks pass before doing anything else. Then I used graphite’s homeopathic about a month later for five days, 30c. I took these under the guidance of a trained homeopath. Then I did the herbal treatment in combination with the graphite’s. Herbal treatment is week one burdock tea 2 times a day, week 2 echinacea and goldenseal tincture 2 times a day, week three clover tea twice a day, week 4 nettle tea twice a day, week 5 echinacea and golden seal tincture twice a day. One can stop taking an herb early if any discomfort is sensed, as they are potent. This is what I did, but it may not work for everyone. Simply start looking around and choose remedies that feel best to you, or you can try going to a naturopathic doctor, although they are very expensive to go to in my area.

[Savannah__24]

I also consumed no refined sugar for the most part and no grains for the most part, although I don’t believe this is entirely necessary for healing

[cshore7222]

I am 62 and this condition started for me about 2-3 months ago.  Went to the dermatologist and she said it was seborrhea (same thing as dandruff in the scalp).  I've never had dandruff. She prescribed an anti-fungal cream applied in the morning and a steroid cream applied at night. I just went for a follow-up visit this week and told her those creams cleared it up so I stopped using it.  She told me once you get it, it never goes away and she was right.  I was off the creams for about 4-5 days, and it came back.  

[JohnHaganMD]

Likely it was the steroid that was helping but steroids not for long term use. you can call or go back to the dermatologist or treat as my above posting for blepharitis.

[Cyann35]

I am 47 have been in surgical menopause since 2009. This issue just started about three weeks ago. Both on my upper eyelid with the flaky skin the fine line crack and below my eyelids with some swelling and the fine  line crack in the new puffiness below my eyes. My left eye has one area below that is more swollen.  I'm not talking about big bags under my eyes I am healthy and get plenty of sleep. I am talking about swollen area directly below the eyelash area. No new eye care products or face products.   I have tried going several days without any makeup. Does not seem to make any difference. Emu salve helps when the cracks are there. I too look like I have aged 20 years in the last two weeks.  I have tried several moisturizers on the upper eyelid nothing seems to make any difference. There is no dry skin below my eye but the cracks are forming anyway. They also look like the tiny fine red lines.  I have given careful consideration to my diet as well as the supplements and skin care products I use. Nothing is new. I am leaning towards the yeast or bacteria theory.

[Shubx50]

I'm 53, male and completely going crazy over this eyelid thing.  It started about a year ago.  But, I never put much thought into it as I was focused on dropping a few lbs.  As the weight came off and my diet became more clean, the eye lids cleared up.  Well, I've put some of that weight back on and have been less discipline with my eating and it's back - in full force.  I've been cleaning my lids with diluted baby shampoo and using warm compresses for minor relief. It's quite an embarrassing situation and the pain is real.  I know the importance of proper eating, particularly avoiding processed foods, etc, but man does it stink getting old.  And with this condition, you look even older!  I guess it's time to get back on the path of clean eating and see if I can rid myself of these annoying eyelids. My 34 waist jeans are missing me too.  

[JohnHaganMD]

Try cleaning your eyelids with Ocusoft Platinum Plus Eye Lid cleaner works better than baby shampoo. It's over the counter. New so may be hard to find. Order on web is best here is link:  http://www.ocusoft.com/ocusoft-lid-scrub-plus-platinum-foam-50ml-2  Also try warm compresses with reusable, reheatable, microwave eye pads available all drugstores.

[Ffrenchie62]

Problem is that as well as the eyelids swelling and cracks, I also have small blister on my eyeballs, ridges around the iris, and permanent bloodshot eyes. I am getting very crepey  eyelids from the constant swelling. I  have been to the specialist and the doctor several times and allergies are the best they can come up with. The feeling of grit in the eye and the burning of the eyelids cracks is very unpleasant and I look like I have aged 5years in last 5 months. My biggest fear was that I had herpes in the eye area. They did a swab test and did find a staph infection I think but they seem to think this secondary, Antibiotic eye drops are not helping.

[JCBW]

I just had this problem, for about 6 weeks.  It looked like a line had been drawn in my eyelid crease with a red felt-tip pen.  It was really itchy & irritated, swollen, the skin changed/thickened.  I don't know what caused it & I couldn't get rid of it, tried antibacterial cream, etc.  Nothing worked UNTIL I decided to get some more Skin MD (I had run out), it's based on aloe, I stopped using soap of any kind on it, just cleansed by patting with a warm washcloth, kept it filmed with the Skin MD, & tried not to itch, rub, or otherwise disturb it.  Took about a week to clear.  Good luck it is very aggravating.

[Ltnt12345]

I was really happy to find this because no one seems to be able to help me. Lots of these posts are really old... Has anyone had any luck with figuring this out? I hate it! I am so sick of it! It just starts to get better and poof! It's back! It is making me crazy!!!

[Vgbhn]

I have great compassion for you all. Having red sore eyelids are painful and embarrassing  I have read all your notes and what struck me is the possibility of a yeast infection on your eyelids. There are many different causes of eyelid  inflammation but I just finished a course of antibiotics for a tooth implant and my eyelid flared up. I immediately started probiotics and adjusted my diet to stop yeast overgrowth. My eyelid is improving and I am so grateful for all of your input  the Internet can be a great tool. Thanks

[Bke1911]

I'm a 41 yr old male, and I have the same issue with only my left upper eyelid.  I dont eat grapefruit at all, however, I do drink squirt soda rarely, and otherwise eat practically no citrus foods.  I cant recall how often this happens to me, but I am currently having an episode and its December where I am (Chicago).

[JohnHaganMD]

=

[Vgbhn]

I have great compassion for you all. Having red sore eyelids are painful and embarrassing  I have read all your notes and what struck me is the possibility of a yeast infection on your eyelids. There are many different causes of eyelid  inflammation but I just finished a course of antibiotics for a tooth implant and my eyelid flared up. I immediately started probiotics and adjusted my diet to stop yeast overgrowth. My eyelid is improving and I am so grateful for all of your input  the Internet can be a great tool. Thanks

[Meljoanne]

Hello!  ~No, I don't eat grapefruit, but that is an interesting correlation you make.  I still use the vaseline and this keeps the condition in check.

[Ginamilan1965]

Hi everybody,

I'm going through the same thing.  I'm turning 49 next March; been through the "pause" (or at least I haven't had a period in the last two or so years), and occasionally I've had this condition.  The only things I can think that might have changed are:

1)  the air freshener I put in my car and around my home (these are all new things);

2)  the Aveda hair product I just started using,

3)  a friend told me she experienced the same thing and her doc said it is something to do with the eyebrows (hence using baby shampoo for that area alone)

But I'm almost positive it is the GRAPEFRUIT I was eating that interacted with something in my diet.  This same thing happened the last time I ate it, about six months ago and I was eating grapefruit at that time.  (I eat it sporadically, as I'm not a huge fan of grapefruit but every once in a while I'll get a taste for it.)  And now that I'm not eating it any more (last grapefruit I ate was a couple days ago), it's has started to clear up markedly.  Not all gone but healing nicely.  I'm using Vaseline on my lids.

Are any of you eating grapefruit?

[Swiftybird]

I eat a whole Grapefruit 4 days a week and I suffer with sore cracked eyelids so found your theory interesting, I will try stopping and see what happens

[Swiftybird]

I eat a whole Grapefruit 4 days a week and I suffer with sore cracked eyelids so found your theory interesting, I will try stopping and see what happens

[JohnHaganMD]

=

[Jotatoe]

I had this problem and used Weleda Skin Food on my eyelid and it is completely healed and the crepey skin effect is gone too. Just wanted anyone who has suffered to have another option if nothing else works. I tried baby shampoo, dandruff shampoo, petroleum Jelly, antifungals, non steriod vanishing creams and the Weleda was the only thing that worked. I put a dab on every nite. Good luck!

[panicattack83]

I've been fighting with this condition for a few years now and the only thing that used to help me was corticosteroids cream, but as soon as i would stop using it, all of the symptoms would come back. So i decided to try with some natural cures/remedies. This is the list of things that i found helpful:

-honey  (just plain honey i had in my kitchen; manuka honey would probably be even better) - reduces redness, itchiness and swelling of eyelids
-neem oil
-black seed oil
-comfrey (Symphytum officinale) ointment (great for dryness of the eyelids!)
-black seed + evening primrose+ calendula ointment (great for dryness of the eyelids!)

important - DO NOT use any of this herbal remedies  if you're prone to allergies!! and try not to get the oils in your eyes, it stings!

One more important thing - i never got the exact diagnosis, my doctor says it's a make up allergy, but it is not, quitting wearing make up didn't help at all! So, i'm not sure if it's blepharitis, dermatitis or something else (yeah, i know i'm a bit irresponsible, but  impression i got  from all the posts from people that fight this condition is that doctors don't really know how to help).

p.s. sorry for my bad english :)

[diane1216]

hey try using blistex simple sensitive on your eyes.  it worked for me today and i have all the same symptoms as above for the past month.  tried the lip glass and found relief so far today.  hope this cures it... we'll see.  

[Meljoanne]

I have the same condition.  Right eyelid, in the crease, will get flaky and crack.  This just started last year.  However, I am reticent to put anything on my eyelid because the skin is so thin and I'm concerned it may get absorbed into my eye.  Maybe I'm wrong about this, but I don't want to take any chances.  What I do is use a very, very small amount of petroleum jelly on that eyelid crack.  That helps.  It goes away and then weeks later comes back.  If I ever see a dermatologist, I'll ask about this.

[roipolloi]

I have had the same problem continuously for years in my left upper eyelid and occasionally under my right eye.  The only thing I have found that helps is to use an over the counter "first aid triple antibiotic ointment - bacitracin zinc, neomycin sulfate and polymixin b sulfate" that I buy at Walgreens Drug Store - their store brand.  It doesn't keep it from recurring quickly.  It just seems to make it heal faster.  http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/walgreens-triple-antibiotic-ointment/ID=prod5383838-product

[winslowleach]

I live in Toronto, Ontario and I have the EXACT same problem in every way....including the menopause!  I tried every different approach:  herbalist, medical doctor, naturopath, blood tests and ultrasounds......nothing helped.  FINALLY found someone who figured it out!  A TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) doctor diagnosed me as having an acute inflammatory condition which I had all my life which is made worse with menopause.  My elimination system is too week to purge my body of toxins.  I've just started acupuncture treatment with her and am looking forward to some help.  

In the meantime, I found another practitioner who screens for food sensitivities which can add to the fire, and will set up an individual supplement protocol designed just for what your body (organs, glands, bones, blood, etc) needs to support the elimination system in order to release the toxins that are recirculating, looking for a way out.  The skin is the last resort.  It's like Red Paw but more up-dated and sophisticated.  Also, Red Paw doesn't set up a protocol for you....they just screen.  The approach is Applied Kenesiology or muscle testing with a computer called, Zyto Compass System.

My face is calming down since I am now avoiding inflammatory foods and taking the supplements.  Acupuncture is also important as it opens up channels for elimination.  The goal is to balance the body and strengthen the organs so I can introduce those foods into my diet again.....marginally.

Best of luck to all of you!!!

[amyd1010]

This sounds alot like what I've experienced. About 7 years ago, I had a patch of dry, red skin appear on my left lid.  It was more in the crease of the lid, not near the lashes.  Within a day or two, it was itchy and the skin was peeling.  It came and went for almost a year.  I thought it was hormonal because it seemed to come right before my period.  Then, one day, it went away.  I didn't have problems again for 6 to 7 years.  Now its back and worse than EVER!!  AND it seems to be occurring underneath my eye too.  It makes me look 10 years older!!! I've wondered if its psoriosis??

[marilynpr]

I just checked Dr. Hauschka's website and their "Ingredient Spotlight" is Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Leaf Extract, so guess I have my answer; now just have to see how it works for me; Neem Oil seems to be successful for most everyone on the "eyelid redness not blepharitis" forum.

[marilynpr]

I have had red, swollen, itchy eyes - 1st really bad case about a week or so ago and it has cleared up for the most part using antishistamines and Onguent 270/Zalf 270 by Unda (homeopathic balm from health food store dispensary) but still a little reddish, etc.  Today I was at Shoppers Drug Mart (I am in Toronto) and hadn't realized until today that they carry Dr. Hauschka which you mentioned.  I got the Eye Contour Day Balm, but there is no mention of Neem Oil in it (does it have another name?). Also you said you use it day and night; apparently the company philosophy is that you don't put anything on your eyes before bedtime.  Should you need something to soothe and refresh your eyes in the evening, they recommend using their Eye Solace.  In terms of the rest of the things you're doing; I also do them every day and have been for awhile (except for the baby shampoo thing). I'm off for some allergy testing this week - have found a company Red Paw Data Services who do metals testing and I understand that they will test to see if I'm allergic to something in my eyeglasses (nickel in frame, etc.) I feel that my recently-acquired eyeglasses (have mostly worn contacts for many, many years) may be the culprit.  Hope this helps and would like to hear about the ingredients in your Eye Contour Balm.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

It is very hard to understand your problem without an exam.  I do not recommend baby shampoo.  It is much better to get an eye scrub, such as Ocusoft.

Dr. O.