Why Is My Eyelid Itchy?

Are you dealing with itchy eyelids? There are many reasons for it. Let us help you determine the internal and external causes of itchy eyelids. Knowing about the underlying cause of itchy eyelids will help the problem eliminate it.

Causes of Itchy Eyelids

The main causes of itchy eyelids are as follows-

Allergies causing eyelid dermatitis

Allergies can be tricky to identify at times. Sometimes, you may realize that you are allergic to new beauty products right away. It is important to take quick action in such cases. It is possible to be allergic to ingredients found in many products you use near or on your eyes. These skin or beauty products may include- 

• Eye and face makeup
• Shampoo and cleansers
• Contact lens solution 

The eyelids can get itchy from products you use or from cross-contamination which involves handling the product and touching your eyes. 

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Itchy lids can be caused by seasonal variations or year-round allergens. The various types of allergens are as follows- 

Seasonal Allergens	Year-round Allergens
Pollen	Dust. dust mites, pet dander, and mold
Dry and warm air/temperature	Ingredients in eye makeup and beauty products
Ragweed plant/grasses/trees	Cigarettes, perfumes, smoke, pollution, and strong aromas.

 

Our body reacts to these irritants and allergens producing histamine in the eyes' tissues making eyelids itchy.

Eyelid infections

One of the most common eyelid infections is known as “Blepharitis.” Eyelid infections can be recurrent at times. Eliminating the cause of eyelid infection is important to treat it right. The causes of eyelid infections include- 

• Bacterial infection of eyelids causing Blepharitis
• Fungal infection of eyelids due to seborrheic dermatitis
• Viral infection of eyelids causing pink eye or conjunctivitis 

These eyelid infections may take a chronic course with flare-ups causing itching, burning, and swelling of lids. It may also lead to eyelash fallout in severely complicated cases.

Dry Eye Syndrome

This condition occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears which allow natural lubrication. The eyes consist of tear or lacrimal glands located above each eyeball to keep the eye surface moist. These glands produce and distribute watery components of the tear film. 

These tear glands have small openings inside the edges of the eyelids near the nose. The upper and lower eyelids have four openings known as punctum which act as valves to excrete tears out of the eye and keep them moist. 

Did you know, each time you blink, some tear fluid is pumped out of the eye through the puncta? This protects the eye surface from the damage caused by dry air, warm water, or harsh sun rays. The eye surface is very sensitive, delicate, and easily prone to damage. Any accumulation of foreign particles can lead to dryness and itchy eyes.

Stye

A hard bump on your eyelid or the lash line is known as stye. It is medically termed “Hordeolum.” They resemble pimples or boils which may vary in size from one person to another. The stye may or may not be painful and is considered very itchy.

Nutrient Deficiency

Eyelid itching and swelling may also occur due to nutritional deficiencies of vitamins and minerals. Let us check which nutrient deficiency can cause itchy eyelids. 

• Deficiency of Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D
• Lack of protein intake in the diet
• Lack of omega-3- fatty acids 

Itchy eyelids may not be just associated with internal deficiencies but also external deficiencies which may occur with the inability of a healthy lash routine.

Associated Symptoms of Itchy Eyelids

The itching of the eye areas may be localized affecting only the lash line or may extend to the entire eyelids. The following symptoms are known to be associated with itchy eyelashes which include- 

• Pain in eyes
• Dryness of eyes
• Discharge from eyes
• Oily or greasy skin around the eyes
• Abrupt change or loss of vision
• Gritty sand-like sensation in the eyelids
• Redness of eyes
• Dark circles or hyperpigmentation around the eyes
• Flaky or scaling around the eyes
• Swelling of eyelids
• Puffy, saggy, or baggy eyes 

Solutions for itchy eyelids

The solutions for itchy eyelids are as follows- 

• It is important to consume all important vitamins in the daily diet through food or other sources, especially Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D
• Ensure to take a high protein diet to prevent swelling or puffy eyelids
• A high intake of omega-3 fatty acids will help in preventing dry eye syndrome
• Follow a healthy lash routine with natural lash products to provide enriching nutrients to the eyes externally
• Keep minimalist with daily eye makeup
• Avoid frequent touching of eyes
• Never rub your eyes, especially in cases of active infection. Always be gentle
• Hydrating is the key to keeping eyes moist
• Wear sunglasses and shades to prevent UV damage
• Use natural paraben-free cleansers and shampoo to avoid eye irritation
• Remove all the eye makeup before bedtime
• Use natural eyelash oil and eye cream around the eyes daily
• Opt for natural lash mascara over conventional ones 

So, these solutions will not only keep itchy eyelids at bay but also help maintain healthy and beautiful eyelashes.