Docs: Dry, scaly, itchy skin on eyelids

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I've been living with this for years now, sometimes better than others, flaring up a lot now. The skin on my eyelids and nose bridge is very dry, itchy and flaky. Have had it with both plastic and metal frames, but next week I'm getting new titanium rimless glasses just to knock out allergy to glasses as a cause.

Right eye is worse than left and have keratokonis in that eye, so my sometimes excessive rubbing is not a good thing.

Got a new eyeglass prescription last week, doctor didn't know much about it, suggested I see a dermatologist. Since I have traditionally had very bad luck with doctors (always seem to get the bad ones), thought I'd ask the doctors here if you have any recommendations on salves, creams, what it could be, anything I should try, etc.

[legion]

Pink eye!

Seriously, I had similar problems in the winter until I started sleeping with a humidifier on in the bedroom.

[Tobra]

WTF is keratokonis?

You want to be very careful putting any sorts of salves around your eyes.

That said, is your skin dry, hands and feet, elbows etc. Do you use any sort of moisturizer? You should. Is this an annual event, ever year when it gets cold? Does it crack at the corner of your eye or mouth? How is your diet, getting enough Vit A,C and E, zinc, etc?

My brother had annual problems like this that responded to flax seed oil, can't recall if it was as dietary supplement or applied topically, think it was capsules by mouth though. I know he used cortisone cream for it, but as I say,

"You want to be very careful putting any sorts of salves around your eyes."

[island911]

Seems mikester had your problem figured out yesterday.

[lendaddy]

It's called irationali liberalis infuctus, get your head straight and it'll clear right up

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thanks Chris, had pink eye and my eyes are ok, it's the skin itself. Maybe a form of? I could see that as a possibility.

Tobra. Keratokonis is a warping of the cornea. Someday, if it progresses, I'll go blind in that eye at which time they'll laser a new cornea on. My eye has shown very slow progress of the disease, so it's not something I ever worry about.

Agree on salves/lotions around the eyes. I've been using a few I've had on hand and my eyes hurt. Very careful to apply only on the lids, but clearly it's soaking in and effecting them while sleeping.

All other body parts are OK, mouth, etc. Only my eyelids, which can crack on the horizontal fold. ouch! The flaking though is really gross.

Will research and try the flax seed oil, thanks. Also going to CVS today and getting some Aveeno hypoallergenic moisturizer. May only use in daytime hours when my eyes are open as well.

Diet is generally poor, but I just got a ton of fruits last night and am starting to eat healthier. got a little religion lately on taking care of my body, been taking it for granted way too long.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

oh you rascals!

[the]

Maybe you're shedding.

[legion]

Originally Posted by the

Maybe you're shedding.

Or molting?

[Nostril Cheese]

You are becoming a lizard. Soon you will have to lick your eyeballs to keep them moist...

[72doug2,2S]

Shaun,

Sorry to hear. Are you a candidate for Lasek? I had mine done last year and don't regret it one day.

Side note: Any body calling you a flake yet?

[scottbombedout]

Bacterial conjunctivitis probably caused by gonorea or chlamydia ?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by 72doug2,2S

Shaun,

Sorry to hear. Are you a candidate for Lasek? I had mine done last year and don't regret it one day.

Side note: Any body calling you a flake yet?

Don't know. I look better in glasses, though I have thought about getting Lasek and wearing non-prescription glasses out and about, no glasses when working on the car. Would be great to weld without have to worry about glasses.

Flake is part of my continuum, no reflection on eyes.

[Nathans_Dad]

Sounds like seborrheic dermatitis.

The usual treatment is mild soaps to avoid irritation and occasional steroid cream to the area for a couple days for flares. I actually have it near my nose as well and the steroid cream works well.

Just don't use the steroid on a daily basis for long or you can get some thinning of the skin over time.

Try over the counter hydrocortisone cream and see if that helps.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thanks Rick. looked it up and it could be. My lids aren't oily though. Going to try some hydrocortisone as you recommend and an anti-fungal.

[Nathans_Dad]

The eyelids are a little unusual for this condition, usually it is in the more oily areas of the body...

Of course I've never met you so how would I know if you have oily eyelids or not?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

They aren't oily, but I figure the HC won't hurt. Picked up an Aveeno product at CVS. if nothing else they feel a whole lot better after applying a thin layer 2 hours ago. if that continues, it may just heal on it's own since I won't be scratching, digging into my eye socket.

thanks!

[Tobra]

I can say with some confidence without seeing this that it is not a fungal infection.

[71T Targa]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

You are becoming a lizard. Soon you will have to lick your eyeballs to keep them moist...

And when you can do that, you will be very popular with the ladies...

[RickM]

Sounds like Psoriasis or Eczema. If you see a dermatologist they'll likely prescribe a steroid based creme or ointment. Good luck.