Cracks and peeling of the skin around the eyes

November 3, 2018
Dermatology
Vasily Shushakov

Our face is a kind of indicator of our lifestyle and existing ailments. Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy skin, which is not as easy as it seems. In particular, we are talking about the skin around the eyes. Sometimes it begins to peel off, which symbolizes the presence of some problems in the body. What can be done in this case? The main thing is to find the reason! There are quite a few provoking factors why the skin around the eyes peels. Let's try to figure this out and at the same time figure out how to fix the problem.

Special zone

On the entire human body, the skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most sensitive area. There is no subcutaneous fat or muscle tissue under its surface. Typically, healthy young people have a strong body and are able to withstand the effects of various external factors. However, this does not apply to the area around the eyes, and even at this age, the skin here needs careful care. This is especially true for young girls, since appearance largely depends on the condition of the skin.

The condition of the skin on the eyelids and under the eyes is directly dependent on the degree of dryness. For this reason, the main and mandatory component of proper care for this area is hydration. In other words, regular morning procedures (in particular, washing) are needed. It is also necessary to ensure that the skin does not dry out during the day.

When the skin around the eyes peels, the most harmless manifestation is wrinkles. Regular cosmetic care can minimize such undesirable manifestations. As for the use of oils, they must certainly be on a natural basis.

Causes of peeling eyelids

If the skin on your eyelids is peeling, there can be many reasons for the manifestation. Some of the factors that provoke the problem are quite harmless, and you can cope with them on your own. There are also more dangerous reasons for health, the elimination of which will require the help of doctors.

Some of the most common causes of redness and flaking of the skin include:

allergic reaction to external irritants (low-quality or inappropriate cosmetics, frost, wind, ultraviolet radiation);
the use of synthetic-based cleansers;
age (in old age, peeling occurs more often);
regular work at the computer;
viral, infectious diseases;
constant scratching of the eyes;
severe fatigue;
improper functioning of the sebaceous glands (women with dry skin are more likely to suffer from the problem than women with oily dermis);
low humidity in the room where you have to stay for a long time;
errors in choosing or wearing contact lenses;
using too harsh a liquid to wash your face.

Some of the most dangerous factors that provoke peeling are diseases. Demodicosis is one of the most common. Infection with a subcutaneous mite can lead to loss of eyelashes and the release of a thick liquid with an unpleasant odor from the skin.

Viral diseases and fungal infections also often lead to problems with the dermis. Itching, peeling, and the appearance of small bubbles with clear liquid are only part of the unpleasant symptoms that will have to be eliminated with the use of pharmaceutical drugs.

If you can’t determine why the skin is red, or what factor caused the unpleasant problem, it’s better to go to the doctor. It is recommended to begin treatment with pharmaceutical drugs or home remedies only after an accurate diagnosis - improper use can cause dangerous vision pathologies.

Causes of problems

As mentioned above, the skin around the eyes is the thinnest, but in women it is significantly thinner than in representatives of the stronger half of humanity. In addition, there are not even sebaceous glands here. For this reason, wrinkles and dryness primarily appear in this area.

But what are the factors that cause skin peeling? In some cases, it may turn red. This may happen for the following reasons:

heredity;
irritation;
sudden change in ambient temperature;
severe dryness around the eye area;
long periods of time in front of the monitor;
poor sleep;
stressful situations;
irregular or improper care of the skin around the eyes or lack thereof;
insect bites.

At the same time, these were only listed external reasons why the skin around the eyes peels, but provoking factors can also be internal. These are more serious cases that indicate health problems. In particular, peeling around the eyes can occur due to the following reasons:

Pathologies of the organs of vision.
Disruption of the endocrine system.
Impaired liver function.
Heart diseases.
Gastrointestinal diseases.
Varying degrees of dehydration.
Weak immune system.
Clear lack of vitamins.

At the same time, a number of other factors cannot be completely excluded.

Peeling around the eyes in children and adults - causes, treatment

Flaky, dry skin is not just a cosmetic nuisance that can upset a person. The causes of excessive dryness and flaking of the epidermis often lie deeper than it seems at first glance.

Moisturizing the skin with cream, making masks, nourishing with serums is useful, and will help solve the problem for a while.

But to prevent it from happening again, when similar symptoms appear, it is worth finding out the exact cause and eliminating it.

External

Most often, external factors become the cause of peeling of the upper and lower eyelids. This:

Allergic reaction to food. Peeling of the eyelids can be caused by allergies to citrus fruits, eggs, chocolate, seafood and honey. The allergy is manifested by red spots, itching, the appearance of a rash and discharge from the lacrimal glands.
Using low-quality cosmetics. Incorrectly selected skincare products and purchasing cosmetics from an unknown manufacturer lead to disastrous consequences. Peeling is only a small part of what can happen to a woman’s face. The use of low-quality products can leave serious scars.
Naturally dry skin. These women should use moisturizers regularly. Peeling is especially noticeable in winter. The skin tightens and a burning sensation appears.
Washing with hard tap water. Tap water is a cocktail of poisons. It’s easier to say what chemicals are not there than to list all the toxic substances dissolved in it.
Exposure to weather conditions. The outer layer of the epidermis is a protective wall that protects the body from damage. On the surface of the skin there are corneocytes - dead cells, and intercellular lipids glue them together. If the ratio changes due to wind, cold, frost or dust, moisture evaporates faster from fats, dead cells become more numerous, and they fall off the skin. This is how peeling occurs.

Domestic

Etiology of the pathological process

So, if red spots under the eyes peel off, an allergic reaction is progressing in a child or adult. But what exactly could it be?

There are several options, and they are all detailed below:

insufficiently environmentally friendly living conditions; food allergies; contact dermatitis; eczema; vitamin deficiency.

Important! We should not exclude the predominance of infectious processes, fungal infections, emotional instability, and endocrine diseases in the body.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_teSBZdbze0

One way or another, after a reliable determination of the causes of the pathological process, conservative therapy must be started.

Treatment of peeling skin around the eyes

Organizing proper care for the skin around the eyes on your own is sometimes difficult. Therefore, when using cosmetics, it is important to follow the sequence of stages:

Cleansing.
Hydration.
Nutrition.

Following the exact sequence will soothe and moisturize the skin around the eyes.

Cleansing

The most successful option for the first stage among cosmetics is milk or cream. It is best to choose a care gel for a woman with normal skin that does not require a special approach. It is recommended to pay attention to a two-layer liquid, in which one removes any makeup. If the skin is inflamed and peeling, then the second layer is created specifically for it.

You need to take care of your face every day, and only then will you be able to avoid dryness and wrinkles. Cream used for cooking is also suitable as a cleansing agent. They perform a double function - they not only cleanse, but also nourish tissues.

Hydration

It is important to choose the right products to take care of your facial beauty. Normally, cells produce hyaluronic acid, which maintains youth and prevents drying out. Therefore, the choice should be given to cosmetics based on it.

It is best to purchase hyaluronic acid in its pure form and add it to homemade masks. Another stimulant is aloe juice. It not only replenishes water deficiency in cells, but also accelerates tissue restoration.

Nutrition

When performing the last stage of facial care, problems usually do not arise. Almost any nourishing cream will do. The advantages of store-bought cosmetics are their thick consistency and hypoallergenicity. It is better to choose not a gel, but a cream that is saturated with fatty acids designed to eliminate dryness.

Other recommendations regarding lifestyle and sleep are also important. You can't sleep with your face on the pillow. Constant friction with bedding dries out the epidermis and creates a favorable background for the appearance of the first wrinkles under the eye or in the corner.

You should reconsider your attitude towards smoking. Nicotine has a detrimental effect on cells not only of the face. It turns the epidermis into a rough tissue reminiscent of parchment paper.

Treatment

Treatment of atopic dermatitis begins with systemic pharmacotherapy. Patients are prescribed antihistamines, immunomodulatory agents, membrane-stabilizing drugs, antibiotics and systemic corticosteroids. The main goal of treating atopic dermatitis is to achieve clinical remission, moisturize and soften the skin, and improve the quality of life of patients.

Source: https://AptekaTamara.ru/kozha/vospalennaya-vokrug-glaz.html

Eyelash mite

Demodex, glandular acne, eyelash mite - all these are the names of a pathogenic insect that has microscopic dimensions. Its habitat, as a rule, is the sebaceous glands, the mouth of the hair follicle. For this reason, its location can most often be found in areas with hair: eyebrows, eyelashes, ears, chin, nasolabial folds, frontal part of the face. In extremely rare cases, it can settle on the chest and back.

What is typical is that this mite can stay in the human body for quite a long period of time without showing itself in any way. But sooner or later, it becomes active and then peeling of the skin around the eyes is not the only sign. In addition, pus is released, eyelashes fall out, and the skin itself becomes tight.

It is impossible to independently determine the presence of a pest for obvious reasons - the size of the insect is negligible. This can only be done by a doctor using special equipment.

Poor quality cosmetics and improper care

Most modern cosmetic preparations contain lanolin. This substance is easily accepted by oily skin. However, this does not apply to dry skin: in this case, peeling and redness under the eyes may be observed.

Also, do not overuse cleansing masks. Makeup should be washed off before going to bed, otherwise you will not avoid peeling in the morning. As for eye cream, it also needs to be used correctly, otherwise even the most expensive product will do harm to the skin instead of benefit. Moreover, washing your face with regular soap also leads to dry skin around the eyes.

Main reasons

The delicate skin around the eyes may begin to peel off due to exposure to various unfavorable factors. Most often, a person himself manages to find the cause of this disorder.

If he has no idea what abnormalities could lead to such a result, then he should seek professional help.

Poor nutrition

What a person eats affects his body and overall well-being. Everyone knows about this. But few people can boast that they eat right. If a person’s diet is unbalanced, then his body does not receive enough beneficial microelements and vitamins. Therefore, he has health problems. The skin suffers the most from poor nutrition. As a result, peeling begins in the eye area.

A similar symptom develops due to a lack of specific vitamins in the body. The condition of the epidermis is worsened by a lack of substances that belong to groups A, B, D, as well as E and F.

With such a deficiency, a person’s skin turns red, it becomes very dry and begins to peel off.

It is worth noting that these are not the only dermal problems that can affect people due to poor nutrition.

Allergic reactions

Redness and peeling in the eye area usually indicate that a person has an allergy. Most people don’t even know about it and simply ignore these symptoms.

If a person suspects an allergic reaction, he should immediately make an appointment with a specialist to find the culprit for the deterioration in health.

The allergist will prescribe the patient adequate treatment that will help him eliminate the unpleasant signs of illness.

Eyelash mite infestation

The parasite, which many call the eyelash mite, can be detected even in a healthy person who does not have obvious signs of illness.

It is impossible to detect it without special analysis. Eyelash mites cause not only flaking, but also severe itching.

Climate

Weather factors have a great influence on the condition of the epidermis and hair. Severe frost or prolonged exposure to the rays of the scorching sun causes peeling on the face, including in the eye area.

The unfavorable climate that is observed inside the living space has a similar effect on the skin. Dry air is especially harmful to the dermis, depriving it of moisture.

Inappropriate care

Low-quality cosmetics or face and body care products quite often lead to problems with the skin.

Their daily application causes deterioration of the skin around the eyes. As a result, it peels and turns red.

This outcome is also caused by cosmetic lotions and tonics that dry out the dermis. They should be replaced with other products that nourish and moisturize it.

Intestinal disorders

Painful cracks may form under the eyes, as well as around them, due to a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.

Various diseases

The most common cause of peeling skin in the eye area is the development of seborrheic dermatitis. The infection spreads to the skin around the organs of vision from the scalp. Different types of blepharitis present in similar ways.

When the skin around the eyes peels, the causes may be intestinal diseases, in particular dysbiosis. The disease can develop even without bowel movements and in the absence of other characteristic signs. For treatment, doctors usually prescribe a course of bacterial medications.

The child has

Peeling under and around the eyes occurs quite often in children. The main reasons are:

insufficient stability of the conjunctiva under the influence of coughing, crying, watching TV for a long time, fatigue or a cold;
When a child starts going to school, the strain on the eyes increases, and there is a risk of developing dry eye;
scratching the eyes with dirty hands, getting dust and chalk into the eyes leads to peeling and redness.

This symptom should not be ignored in infants. Their mucous membranes are not fully formed, so they are easily susceptible to injury and inflammation. Disturbances in the skin tone around the eye may indicate a serious internal health problem.

When a child complains of itching and flaking of the skin around the eyes, this may be a consequence of seasonal or food allergies, as well as allergies to food products such as chocolate and chips.

It is necessary to limit the consumption of foods that can cause this symptom and show the child to a doctor to exclude the dangerous consequences of the pathology. Sometimes peeling indicates serious problems with the kidneys.

When to visit a doctor

What to do if you notice dryness, peeling or redness around the organs of vision? You won’t be able to figure out some reasons on your own, especially if the causes of peeling skin are medical. In this case, only a doctor is able to assess the entire situation.

If you have the following characteristic signs, you should consider visiting an allergist or dermatologist:

peeling accompanied by itching and redness;
swelling of the eyelids;
the skin around the eyes has become looser;
suspicion of eyelash mite;
infection attack.

If the skin around the eyes peels, what should you do? Any problem can be solved with a favorable outcome, but only after timely contacting a specialist. For this reason, you should not hesitate to visit a doctor. You should not self-medicate, since the organs of vision are located nearby, and they need to be especially protected.

Why does dry eyes occur?

The reasons why the normal process of eye hydration is disrupted can be very different. Dry eyes occur as you age. The reason for this phenomenon is an age-related decrease in the secretion of tear fluid. As a result, it is not enough to sufficiently moisturize the eyes. Age-related changes in the composition of the tear film also occur. As a result, any unfavorable conditions provoke the manifestation of dry eyes in older people.

Dry eye syndrome in children and adults develops under the influence of certain medications. dry eye syndrome as a side effect . Signs of dry eye may appear after taking diuretics , antidepressants , antihistamines , oral contraceptives , beta blockers , etc.

Sometimes dry eyes are a symptom of common diseases. This happens in some cases with rheumatoid arthritis , lupus erythematosus , Sjögren's syndrome , etc. Some people experience incomplete coverage of the eyelids with certain diseases. This can also lead to dry eyes. Another cause of dry eye syndrome is the presence of damage to the eyelids, the outer surface of the eyes, which appeared as a result of injuries, surgeries, and inflammation of the eyelids.

A separate broad cause of dry eyes is unfavorable conditions leading to too intense evaporation of tears. Dry eyes are observed in those who constantly live in conditions of too low air humidity, spend many hours in front of a TV, monitor, or microscope. When working with these devices, a person blinks much less often than usual, so the amount of tear fluid decreases. Dry eyes can be a problem in windy weather.

In some cases, doctors cannot determine the reason why young people produce less tear fluid and, accordingly, dry eyes.

Dry eye syndrome rarely leads to complications, but they can still develop over time. An inflammatory process of the conjunctiva or cornea may occur. When the inflammatory process is severe, ulcers appear on the cornea. If the eyes are persistently red, there is pain in the eyes, or persistent visual impairment develops, the patient should immediately consult a doctor.

Drug therapy

It is possible to identify the cause that caused peeling of the skin in the area of vision or its redness only through a comprehensive examination of the patient. If treatment is not carried out properly, this threatens to worsen the condition.

In other words, those corrective methods that are used for one disease can cause serious harm in the case of another cause. Each pathology has its own therapeutic regimen:

Eyelash mite. The area around the eyes is cleansed with an alcohol solution of calendula. Sulfur ointment is also used; compared to sprays, it is not capable of harming the eyes.
Infection or fungal infection. Treatment in this case consists of a course of antibiotics (Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Engistol).
Allergy to the skin around the eyes. It is necessary to eliminate provoking factors and take antihistamines (Suprastin, Tavegil). You can also use topical products (Sudocrem, Lorizan).
Intestinal diseases. Therapy involves taking probiotics and increasing daily drinking volume.
Hyperemia. Proper hydration is necessary, and medications that help normalize blood circulation should be used.
Lack of vitamins. Doctors usually prescribe Aevita. In addition, you should change your diet to include eggs, tomatoes, vegetable oil, parsley, buckwheat, bananas, berries, and citrus fruits. Skin vitamins A and E, which are sold in pharmacies in the form of capsules, can be considered effective products. They can also be a component of face masks.

The impact of unfavorable external factors can be compensated with the help of Glycodem, Uniderm, Emolium. At the same time, we should not forget that any of the listed remedies should be used only after the approval of the attending physician.

How to treat

Most often, peeling skin occurs for natural reasons, the main of which is lack of sleep, following bad habits and an unbalanced diet.

In this case, the eyelids swell and the eyes become tired. A person often rubs them with his hands. As a result, the skin flakes and responds with a breakdown in structure.

If it does not stop after a short period, then the reasons may be more serious. Sometimes such processes occur under the influence of an infectious agent or pathology of the organs of vision.

In any case, a person needs to examine the skin under the eyes and consult an ophthalmologist or dermatologist. The doctor will conduct the necessary studies and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Medical supplies

The use of various drugs is directly related to making an accurate diagnosis:

Very often it becomes atopic dermatitis. In this case, an ophthalmologist, skin specialist or allergist prescribes Suprastin, Tavegil and other internal antihistamines.
For local use, external medications Lorizan or Sudocrem are indicated.
If the skin peels off under the influence of an infectious agent, then taking antibacterial or sulfonamide drugs (Itraconazole, Fluconazole) is required.
For demodicosis, when the skin under the eyes peels, ophthalmic solutions Amphotericin B or Levorin are indicated.

A course of vitamins and microelements, both for internal and local use, will be of great help.

Traditional recipes for treating peeling skin under the eyes

To correct the condition of the eyelids, home methods can be of great benefit. You can independently prepare various compresses, ice cubes with medicinal raw materials, masks, lotions, solutions. It is also recommended to take decoctions and infusions internally.

The most commonly used:

aloe;
Sesame oil;
flax-seed;
coltsfoot;
mint;
marigold;
sea buckthorn;
dandelion;
plantain;
chamomile;
fennel;
horsetail;
hop;
series.

Herbal remedies quickly eliminate dry skin under the eyes, improve its overall appearance, and tone it. The skin no longer peels, blood circulation is activated, and the epidermis is saturated with useful substances. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, relieve swelling and increase local immunity.

The tissues soften and irritation disappears.

However, traditional methods should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment. They cannot serve as the only means of getting rid of skin pathology.

Preventive actions

Prevention allows you to minimize the risk of peeling skin in the visual area or its redness.

To do this, you should follow simple rules:

Do not use expired or alcohol-containing cosmetics.
It is highly undesirable to use scrubs and peels in the eye area.
During procedures, use only clean brushes and sterile discs.
Before each manipulation, disinfect your hands.
To avoid redness or flaking of the skin around the eyes, you should use only cosmetics that fully match your eye type.
Before going to bed, you should be sure to remove all makeup from your face.
Remove makeup with special means, and do it carefully using lint-free tampons.
Pay attention to the composition of the creams used: there should be no lanolin, and the pH level should be within normal limits.

In addition, you need to make it a rule to be attentive to the condition of the skin in the eye area. This will allow timely detection of dermal disorders and the initiation of necessary measures. Thus, representatives of the fair half of humanity will ensure their skin health and beauty.

Traditional medicine

When the skin around the eyes peels, this problem can be solved with the help of traditional medicine, and moreover, effectively. Often in this case, a decoction of medicinal plants (chamomile, calendula, string), egg yolk, and vegetable oils are used.

It is necessary to regularly apply decoctions to the affected areas. At the same time, it should be understood that these means can only eliminate the external causes of peeling. If you have internal disorders of the body, you should consult a doctor.

Inflammation of the eyelids treatment

This inflammation of the eyelids is often caused by blepharitis. If eyelid inflammation is not treated at the very beginning, you will have to suffer from this disease for many years. If inflammation of the eyelids is left untreated for a long time, vision may deteriorate.

This is the most common disease that accompanies:

infectious
viral
allergic diseases, but this disease can develop independently

What to do first:

Proper eyelid hygiene is very important
it is necessary to remove the detachments that have appeared on the eyelid with a swab or damp cloth
if these detachments have become rough, they need to be softened with a special liquid or eye cream
prepare a decoction of herbs and wash the sore eyelid and eye

In case of inflammation of the eyelids, treatment should be immediate. It should be traditional, but folk remedies also help very well. Never rub your sore eyes with your fingers.

constantly strengthen your immune system
don't sit at the computer for a long time
When watching TV or sitting at the computer, warm up your eyes
lead an active lifestyle
avoid stress
eliminate cigarettes and alcohol

Traditional treatment of eyelids

Traditional treatment of eyelids is possible and recipes can be selected that are very effective and easy to prepare. There are several folk recipes that can help treat eyelids.

Recipes:

You can prepare an aqueous infusion of calendula, chamomile, clover, plantain leaves or dill seeds based on blue cornflower flowers. Soak two cotton pads in this solution and place on your eyelids for about ten to fifteen minutes.

Tea bags can relieve inflammation and refresh the skin of the eyes. Try to apply them on your eyelids as often as possible.

For inflammation of the eyelids, prepare a decoction of cumin or a decoction of wheat cereal. Moisten cotton pads with the resulting solution and apply to the eyelids.

If the traditional eyelid treatment methods that are given to you do not help relieve inflammation within two weeks, continue treatment with a specialist.

You should also consult a doctor if:

the appearance of sharp pain in the eyes
changes in visual acuity
when wounds or ulcers form in the eyelid area

Good hygiene is the basis of eyelid treatment. There can be a variety of problems that can sometimes cause damage to vision. In order not to lead to serious complications, eyelid treatment must be correct and timely.

Depending on the complication, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and other medications. The main thing is to apply on time and under no circumstances delay it. Warm compresses made from strong tea leaves. This will cleanse your eyes of pus and relieve inflammation.

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Benefits of essential oils

Oils can be considered no less effective means for eliminating peeling of the skin in the visual area. Their main advantage is their immediate effect on problem areas. This is due to the thinness of the epithelium, which is quickly saturated, saturated with vitamins for the skin and other useful substances.

The most common oils from the point of view of many experts:

castor;
almond;
olive;
creamy;
from grape seeds.

These oils have moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. At the same time, they are not spread on the skin, but after taking a small amount on your fingers, you should treat the problem area with gentle patting movements. Such masks should be done before going to bed and washed off in the morning.

Aloe

Many people know about the benefits of this plant, since it is quite widespread throughout the world. People even grow it at home or in their dachas to obtain medicine.

Aloe juice is also effective in cases where the skin around the eyes is peeling. Only the extract that is squeezed from a three-year-old plant can be beneficial. It is used as a gel, that is, applied to problem areas around the eyes in a thin layer.

This product perfectly moisturizes the skin, gives it elasticity and softens. After using the juice, the scales disappear, dryness and inflammation are effectively eliminated.