1. Moisturize the Skin at Home
In mild cases, the simple and strategic use of skin care products can alleviate most symptoms of dry and flaky eyelids. Use special mild products that are safe for the eyes. Don't just focus on the eyelids themselves. If you're experiencing dry skin on your face, chances are your entire epidermis could use some form of moisturizing therapy.
2. Treat Eyelid Inflammation, if Present
Your ophthalmologist can help determine whether or not such inflammation (known as blepharitis) may be present. If so, you may need to take oral antibiotics, use an antibiotic topical and/or reduce swelling with an anti-inflammatory drug.
3. Treat Hypothyroidism if Present
Dry skin can occasionally indicate the presence of hypothyroidism. Your doctor can perform a series of tests to make this diagnosis. If an endocrine system problem is behind your dry and flaky eyelids, you'll need to undergo a series of treatments to relieve the root cause. In the meantime, however, you can use topical ointments and medications to manage the symptoms.
4. Maintain Whole Body Health
A healthy diet full of vitamins, phytonutrients and antioxidants can restore balance and sheen to the skin. Exercise vigorously to remove toxins from your system and ensure good circulation and muscle health. Bathe regularly, but don't over wash. In some cases, obsessive-compulsive cleansing of the face can result in blistering, flakiness, redness and irritation. If you do suffer from obsessive-compulsive washing, get this condition treated. Otherwise, the topicals, anti-inflammatories and other medications you take to ameliorate your symptoms will be of little long-term value.
Finally, avoid eating too many simple carbohydrates (found in fruit juice, sugar and unbleached wheat flour). When your body breaks down these carbohydrates, it produces oxidizing free radicals, which can cause an assortment of skin problems and erode the effectiveness of your immune system. While overall health measures may not directly treat the flaky skin problem, they will improve your body's capacity to heal itself.
