Overview
The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck. It produces hormones that regulate various bodily functions. When the thyroid gland does not function properly, the disease is known as thyroiditis. When the thyroid gland does not function properly, it either overproduces or underproduces hormones.
When the thyroid underproduces thyroxine hormone, it is called hypothyroidism. Dry, flaky eyelids are one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism causes changes in the skin, including dryness.
How common is it for thyroid problems to cause dry flaky eyelids?
Eye disease caused due to the thyroid is also known as Grave’s ophthalmopathy. Thyroid eye disease occurs in every 1 out of 20 people with grave disease.
It is more common in men because thyroid eye disease is seven times more likely among smokers.
Dry flaky eyelids and thyroid are linked together many times. However, dry flaky eyelids are not common or frequent symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. Common symptoms of the thyroid include fatigue, weight changes, and changes in hair and skin texture.
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Let’s see what is the connection between dry flaky eyelids and thyroid!
Is there a connection between hypothyroidism and dry eyelids?
Thyroid eye disease is a symptom that is caused by autoimmune thyroid conditions. These symptoms may include dry flaky eyelids.
There is a link between dry flaky eyelids and thyroid antibodies. Further studies are still going on to fully understand the reasons.
As per the studies of the American Thyroid Association, it is clear that autoimmune disorders can cause disruptions in the functioning of the immune system. Autoimmune disorders make the immune system attack healthy cells.
So, people who have autoimmune thyroid conditions get dry flaky eyes. This is because the immune system is attacking the healthy cells around the eyes.
Autoimmune thyroid disorder attacks the healthy cells around the eyes. The abnormal immune response can cause inflammation of the lacrimal glands, which is the reason for dry eyes.
The thyroid can cause your eyes to bulge out, which again can contribute to dry flaky eyes.
It is important to know what are the symptoms. Read through the symptoms associated with thyroid eye disease to understand if you need medical assistance!
What are the symptoms of thyroid-related dry flaky eyelids?
Look out for these symptoms if your dry flaky eyes are due to thyroid:
- Bulging eyes or proptosis
- Redness or inflammation of the eyes
- Swelling eyelids
- Grittiness or irritation in the eyes
- Excessive tearing or dry eyes
- Double or blurred vision
- Sensitivity to the light
- Difficulty in closing eyes completely
- Pain or pressure in the eye
- Difficulty in eye movement
What are some other possible causes of dry flaky eyelids besides thyroid issues?
Besides thyroid there can be other possible causes of dry flaky eyelids:
- Contact dermatitis- This happens when the skin comes in contact with allergens or irritants. These may include certain cosmetic products, soaps, or metals.
- Atopic dermatitis(Eczema)- It is a chronic skin condition that can affect the eyelids and cause dryness, itching, and flaking.
- Blepharitis- It is an inflammation of eyelid margins. This is caused by bacteria or blocked oil glands. This can also lead to dry flaky eyelids.
- Allergies- Allergic reactions to certain substances can cause dryness and flakiness. Pollen grains, pet danders or dust mites are some of the common allergens.
- Meibomian gland dysfunction- This occurs when meibomian glands (oil-producing glands in the eyelids) do not function properly. This leads to dryness and irritation.
- Dry eye syndrome- Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality can result in dry and flaky eyelids.
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After everything, the main goal is to know how you can treat it. Continue reading to understand the treatment options!
How can I treat dry flaky eyelids caused by thyroid issues?
There are several approaches that may help in treating dry flaky eyelids due to thyroid. However, it is advisable that you consult with a healthcare provider for personalized treatment.
Below we have listed some general solutions to treat dry flaky eyelids due to thyroid:
- Moisturize- Apply gentle and hypoallergenic moisturizers to the eyelids. It helps soothe dryness and loosens any crusty or flaky skin.
- Warm compresses- Applying warm compresses to the eyelids can help soothe dryness and loosen any crusty or flaky skin.
- Artificial tears- lubricating eye drops or artificial tears can help relieve dryness and provide temporary relief.
- Avoid irritants- Minimize exposure to potential irritants such as harsh soaps, makeup, or other cosmetics. These products can aggravate the condition.
- Protect your eyes- Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear outdoors to shield your eyes from wind and harsh weather conditions. Such things can worsen dryness.
Although, dry flaky eyelids and thyroid can be related the treatment of both issues are different. Treating the thyroid might not help in curing the dryness and flakiness of the skin.
Are there any lifestyle changes that can help manage dry flaky eyelids caused by thyroid issues?
Making a few lifestyle changes can prove helpful in treating dry flaky eyelids and thyroid. Here are a few potential lifestyle changes that may help:
- Stay hydrated- Drinking an adequate amount of water can help in maintaining overall hydration. This keeps a check on the optimum moisture levels in your body.
- Use a humidifier- Use a humidifier in your living space. This will help in increasing moisture in the air. This may alleviate dryness in the skin and eyes.
- Take breaks during screen times- Prolonged screen time can contribute to eye dryness. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away.
- Blink regularly- Be conscious of blinking to ensure that your eyes stay adequately lubricated. Blinking helps spread tears across the surface of the eyes, reducing dryness.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes- Rubbing your eyes can further irritate the delicate eyelid skin. This exacerbates the dryness. Use a clean, soft cloth or a gentle touch to address any discomfort.
Can stress or diet contribute to dry flaky eyelids in people with thyroid problems?
Stress and diet are two things that indirectly impact your overall health. Hence, these two are also responsible for any kind of malfunction in your body. Thyroid can also be caused due to stress and improper diet. Which in turn causes dry flaky eyelids.
Chronic stress can aggravate thyroid symptoms, which also include dry skin. Stress management techniques can be beneficial in such cases. A healthy and balanced diet is always important for overall well-being. There is no specific diet that will surely cure dry flaky eyelids due to thyroid. But, maintaining a balanced diet will help in getting healthier skin.
Also, drink an adequate amount of water, to keep yourself and your skin hydrated and moisturized.
It's important to note that individual responses to stress and dietary factors may vary. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance on stress management and dietary considerations.
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Are there any long-term effects or complications of dry flaky eyelids caused by thyroid issues?
Thyroid eye disease can cause dryness or flakiness of the eyelids. As per a study, there can be several long-term effects of this as well.
- Persistent dryness and discomfort- Chronic eyelid dryness can lead to irritation and damage to the ocular surface. Hence, timely treatment is absolutely crucial.
- Corneal complications- Prolonged dryness and inflammation can affect the cornea. It may lead to corneal abrasions, ulcers, or infections.
- Eyelid and orbital changes - Thyroid eye disease can cause eyelid retraction, swelling, or bulging. These can impact the eyelid structure. It also leads to exposure-related issues, such as incomplete eyelid closure or increased vulnerability to external factors.
- Psychological impact- There are physical changes associated with thyroid eye disease. Dry flaky eyelids can alter the appearance of your eyes and face. This can cause emotional distress, low self-esteem, and psychological impact on affected individuals.
FAQs
1.Can thyroid problems cause dry, flaky eyebrows as well as eyelids? Yes, thyroid problems can sometimes cause dry, flaky skin on the eyebrows, as well as other areas of the body.
2.Can dry, flaky eyelids caused by thyroid problems lead to eyelash loss? Yes, in some cases, dry, flaky eyelids caused by thyroid problems can lead to eyelash loss. This is due to the weakening of the hair follicles and irritation of the eyelid skin.
3.Are there any natural remedies that can help improve dry, flaky eyelids caused by thyroid problems? Yes, some natural remedies that may help include applying a warm compress to the eyelids, using aloe vera gel, and taking omega-3 supplements.
4.Can dry, flaky eyelids caused by thyroid problems be a sign of thyroid cancer? While it's possible for thyroid cancer to cause dry, flaky eyelids, this is a rare symptom and is usually accompanied by other more serious symptoms such as a lump in the neck.
5.Are there any dietary changes that can help improve dry, flaky eyelids caused by thyroid problems? Yes, a diet rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids can help improve skin health and may alleviate dryness and flakiness.
6.Can stress exacerbate dry, flaky eyelids caused by thyroid problems? Yes, stress can worsen dry, flaky eyelids caused by thyroid problems. It's important to manage stress through techniques like exercise and meditation.
7.Can thyroid medication cause dry, flaky eyelids as a side effect? While it's rare, some thyroid medications may cause dry, flaky skin as a side effect. If this occurs, you should talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication.
8.Are there any non-surgical treatments for eyelash loss caused by dry, flaky eyelids? Yes, some treatments that may help include using eyelash growth serums, applying castor oil to the eyelashes, and getting regular eyelash extensions.
References:
https://www.yourhormones.info/endocrine-conditions
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5384127/
