Q:

“I have dry itchy eyelids, any practical suggestions?”

A:

Eyelid Dermatitis: Itchy eyelids are usually due to an allergic or irritating substance that touches the eye area. So, eye areas need extra avoidance of allergic agents. Remember, the eyelid skin is very thin and is highly susceptible to allergens and irritants. Thus, eyelids are easily irritated. Be careful to not rub your eyelids with your hands. It’s easy to forget. You may touch a dog or cat, soap, grass, or other allergen, and then, you may rub your eyes with your hands. What happens? You transfer the dog or cat dander from your hands to your eyelids. Because of your eyelid’s thin skin, your eyelids become itchy. Your hands may not itch because the skin of your hands is thicker. Eyelid irritants include any type of eye drop, soap, lotion, or cosmetic used on the face. Also, eliminate perfumed shampoos, conditioners, hairsprays, and face cleansers. Identify all these and avoid.