actually this is for my mother. She has dry, red and stinging eyelids. She tried some vaseline, aloe vera, hydrocortisone, and putting ice every night but nothing seems to decrease the dryness. Suggestions pls? thank you

If she uses an eye cream, she can use it on her lids as well. If that doesn't help, she might need to see a dermatogist. I don't know if it's a reaction to something.

Excuse me for being the Master of the Obvious here but does she wear makeup that she's allergic to? I'm allergic to many eye products and it's a real adventure trying to find something that doesn't either burn my lids or my eyes. Even mascara and eye liner can effect the lids. Then obviously there's eye shadow and foundation...anything around your eye. Theeeeen you've got your soaps and e/m removers. If she uses make up she most likely needs to start eliminating things to see what it is that's bothering her eye lids. Other than that...she'd just need to see a dermatologist.

I agree with the makeup thing...she could easily be having an allergic reaction. Has she tried anything new recently?

I agree that this sounds like it could be an allergic reaction. I've had a reaction to a mascara before and my eyelids swelled up. I also apply my eye cream to my lids every morning and a thicker moisturizer to my lids at night to prevent dryness.

This happens to me sometimes as well. It happens when my allergies are acting up. Does she suffer from allergies? It doesn't happen all over my eyelids though, just on the inner part. FWIW, a rich cream for dry or extra dry skin takes care of the problem for me. I apply it day and night, and the problem usually goes away in a couple of days. Your mileage will vary, of course, with treating the problem.

I think it's a good idea for her to see a dermatologist to figure out what's causing this, and then she/he could suggest how to treat it. It could be any number of things, including an allergic reaction to a product like ILYF suggested, allergies, or something else. Until she can see a doctor, she may want to start moisturizing the area with a cream and doing what ILYF suggested to try to figure out if any of the products she's currently using is the culprit.

Good luck to your mother! I imagine this is pretty frustrating for her. I sympathize.

she doesn't wear any makeup. I think it may be stress. She is going to see a derm. soon. thanks :)

Excuse me for being the Master of the Obvious here but does she wear makeup that she's allergic to? I'm allergic to many eye products and it's a real adventure trying to find something that doesn't either burn my lids or my eyes. Even mascara and eye liner can effect the lids. Then obviously there's eye shadow and foundation...anything around your eye. Theeeeen you've got your soaps and e/m removers. If she uses make up she most likely needs to start eliminating things to see what it is that's bothering her eye lids. Other than that...she'd just need to see a dermatologist.

I am sorry for seeming ignorant and I did think about all those things you stated and I do appreciate your help. I just wanted to ask around for peoples opinions but yes she will see a derm. This is the 1st time I posted and I was very apprehensive. Thanks for the help.

MoMo, you're not ignorant at all! I hope you aren't offended by the post.

I was just saying that I was stating the obvious things.

Really it could be so many things...but just allergies in general would be my guess. Even things like your shampoo and conditions and soap and perfumes. All that...plus your environment can cause strange things. If she uses no make up...does she use any lotions. She doesn't even have to be putting the lotion on her lid, just the face, to affect her eyes. Even say she may put cream on her hand and without thinking, she's rubbing her eyes with her hand.

Yeah, stress can contribute to the problem. Is she have dry skin anywhere else? Your mother might be interested in this web page from Web MD (http://www.webmd.com/allergies/tc/atopic-dermatitis-topic-overview). It contains information on atopic dermatitis.

Does your mother have dry, itchy eyes along with the eyelid problem? I ask because dry eyes can lead to dry, red eyelids too. Allergies can cause that too, but there are other conditions that can cause it (blepharitis, for instance). I thought to mention it because I actually have mild blepharitis. When I have the rare flare-up, my eyelids get similarly irritated. Using artificial tears and keeping the eyelids properly cleansed and moisturized keeps it at bay. She may not be having dry eye problems, but I thought it was worth mentioning just in case since the two are sometimes related.

Thank you all for your response. It definately has to do with stress because my mom has been working extra lately and has not been getting enough exercise, rest, and time for herself. Don;t worry, she will be seeing the derm this coming week. Thanks again everyone :)

I tend to get some dryness on my eyelids when I'm under a lot of stress as well, actually, so that is very likely the culprit. Like your mother, I've never really found that much that helps it though :(