Most people have experienced bouts of dry skin. There are many reasons you may develop dry skin, including winter weather, hot baths or showers, or dehydration. If you are experiencing regular patches of dry skin on your face, including on the eyelids, you may have a condition called atopic dermatitis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis, or eczema, include itchy rash, thick scaly skin and small, raised bumps that can leak fluid, causing crusting. Your skin may become raw and sensitive if you scratch.
Cause
There is no known cause for atopic dermatitis, however it is thought to be genetic. According to MayoClinic.com, atopic dermatitis likely develops because of a combination of dry, irritated skin and a malfunction in the body's immune system. Stressful situations may make your eczema worse, however stress does not cause it.
Location
Eczema can occur anywhere, however it is more common in certain areas such as your hands and feet, the bend of your elbow and knees, your wrists, face, neck and upper chest. Often eczema affects your eyelids and the surrounding area.
Risks
Itching or scratching at your eye can cause it to become red and inflamed. In some cases, it can cause some hair loss in the eyebrow and eyelashes. If itching becomes severe, eye complications are possible. This can lead to permanent eye damage. If you have eye complications, you may experience watery eyes and swelling of the eyelid, as well as the lining of the eyelid.
Prevention
If you are prone to eczema breakouts, you should try to avoid daily showers. If you must shower every day, keep them to 15 to 20 minutes and use warm water rather than hot to prevent drying your skin out. You should choose a gentle soap or face wash, as perfumed soaps can be more drying on the skin. It also is important to keep your skin hydrated. Using heavy lotions creates a barrier to keep the moisture in. Petroleum jelly is useful and safe in treating eczema around the eyes.
Medications
As there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, your doctor will aim to treat the symptoms associated with the condition. Corticosteroid creams are often prescribed to treat eczema. If a topical corticosteroid is not effective, systemic or oral corticosteroids may be prescribed. In cases where an infection is present, antibiotics will be prescribed.
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