Dry skin, dry eyes. The link between common skin conditions and dry eye.

Our body is complex. The more we learn the less straight forwards things become, no single condition existing in isolation but instead impacting our body as a whole. Dry eye is no exception, there is a growing body of scientific research to show that dry skin conditions often go hand-in-hand with dry eye.

The reason for this is because many dry skin conditions are inflammatory in origin – and so of course is dry eye.

So while you are diligently moisturising your skin give a thought to your poor eyes which often get overlooked and might just need a helping hand too.

There are a range of common skin conditions which, if you are affected by, should trigger a visit to your eye care professional for expert advice. Read on to learn more about some common skin conditions closely linked with dry eye…

Rosacea

Rosacea actually means ‘rosy’. The skin condition manifests itself as facial redness, broken blood vessels and sensitive skin. Just like dry eye disease rosacea is a multifactorial, chronic inflammatory condition which can lead to ocular discomfort too. Most commonly ocular rosacea manifests itself in red irritation at the edge of the eyelids, this is known as blepharitis. And, as eye care professionals all too often see, where there is blepharitis you have a higher probability of the eye surface becoming red, dry and irritated. A common cause can be the proliferation of naturally occurring microorganisms like bacteria and the eyelid mite demodex. The toxins released causes an inflammatory response and disrupts the natural balance of the skin or eye surface. To address this eye care practitioners recommend a rigorous cleansing routine often using specialist cleaning products.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is another chronic, inflammatory disease that results in itchy, red, flacky skin, and just like dry eye if left untreated may also get worse. The symptoms vary widely in severity and are linked to significant loss in quality of life for the sufferer – this common skin condition has been shown to be linked to a loss in the quality and quantity of our tears and, is yet another example of this type of disease being linked to eye health issues.

Eczema

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is another common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Although similar to psoriasis the causes of eczema are different and are often allergy based and can be very itchy. In a study of eczema patients there was seen to be increased rates of ocular surface diseases such as dry eye. Sufferers of eczema have been shown to have a higher risk of dry eye, with studies suggesting that as many as 60% of people with eczema will also have dry eye. In one study of over 700 eczema patients 70% reported at least one ocular surface symptoms. There are risks of other eye surface diseases too which adds further weight to the need to have regular eye examinations.

Even dandruff…

We all suffer from a dry flaky scalp from time to time but if you suffer from persistent dandruff it may be time to pay a visit to your doctor. Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition which causes red, oily, scaley skin. This is often bad news for your eyes too.A well quoted article published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology concluded that there was a strong association between dry eye, seborrheic dermatitis and seborrheic blepharitis. Of the 30 patients studied 23 had dry eye. Part of the discussion involved the need to treat both the skin and the eyes for the best outcomes.

The eyes oily protecting glands are at risk

In another larger study the researchers looked at seborrheic dermatitis sufferers and the quality of their meibomian glands. They discovered a very clear relationship between those with the skin condition and a loss in the number and function of these vital oil producing meibomian glands found at the edge of your eyelids. The result for many was meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye. Interestingly, once again the advice was for those with dry skin conditions to also be assessed for signs of dry eye.

What action should you take.

The first, and most important action, is to book an appointment with your eye care practitioner – if you do not have one who specialises in dry eye, then visit the Dry Eye Zone to find a specialist in your area. For many people, especially in the early stages, will perhaps not notice the very mild and infrequent symptoms but even the mildest symptoms should not be ignored, especially if you already have a dry skin condition.

Regardless of the underlying cause you may do well to use dry eye drops, such as HydraMed, routinely in order to stabilise the situation – even BEFORE symptoms start. A couple of drops first thing, mid-day, and early evening will go a long way to keeping your eyes not just feeling better but looking brighter and clearer.

Your eyes have an intricate protecting and hydrating solution over their surface called the 'tear film'. This nourishes and moisturises your eyes but, when dry-spots start to appear the delicate surface of the eye becomes exposed - and you start to experience tired, gritty or sore eyes. By preventing these dry-spots appearing in the first place you will help keep your eyes looking and feeling their best.

Think before applying products to the area around your eyes

When you have dry skin or dry eye disease you need to stop and think before both buying and applying skin care or make-up. Non dry eye friendly ingredients are routinely used in many cosmetics and it is not always possible to spot them on label. The Dry Eye Zone has sourced a range of beautiful OptoDermics – products that avoid the many toxic ingredients which are used widely in make-up and skin care to make life easier for you.

Thought also needs to be given to how you apply make-up, taking care not to cover essential gland ducts on the eyelid margin. You can find dry eye make-up tips and tricks on our web-site.

If you do just one thing…

The main take home message here for those with dry skin conditions is to not ignore your eyes and make that appointment today. Some treatments will help both your skin and eyes such as taking high quality omega-3 supplements and ensuring you keep yourself properly hydrated. It feels good to take control.

Lastly, it works both ways, and if you have a skin condition which is not being treated then see your doctor and get it under control. By doing this you will be helping both your skin …. And your eyes.

Make sure you explore the many links in this blog to bring more depth to the subjects touched on here and to help give you a fuller knowledge of all things dry eye related.

You can learn more about all things dry eye related at the DRY EYE ZONE. Don’t forget to subscribe to the regular free information and research updates.

If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms then you should ask the advice of your eye care professional. Why not book your next eye examination with an independent optician today.

Sources:

E Yasar, F Kemeriz, U Gurlevik. Evaluation of dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction with meibography in seborrheic dermatitis, Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, Volume 42, Issue 6, 2019,Pages 675-678,ISSN 1367-0484,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2019.03.005.

Mohamed-Noriega K, Loya-Garcia D, Vera-Duarte GR, Morales-Wong F, Ortiz-Morales G, Navas A, Graue-Hernandez EO, Ramirez-Miranda A. Ocular Rosacea: An Updated Review. Cornea. 2025 Apr 1;44(4):525-537. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003785. Epub 2025 Jan 14. PMID: 39808113; PMCID: PMC11872267.

Alofi RM, Alrohaily LS, Alharthi NN, Almouteri MM. Ocular Manifestations in Seborrheic Dermatitis Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Management: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus. 2024 Sep 27;16(9):e70335. doi: 10.7759/cureus.70335. PMID: 39463532; PMCID: PMC11512817.

Qurat Ul Ain Asghar. World Eye and Vision Congress

Association of dry eye with adult seborrheic dermatitis and seborrheic blepharitis according to tear break up time. Clin Exp Ophthalmol. December 09-10, 2019. https://www.longdom.org/proceedings/association-of-dry-eye-with-adult-seborrheic-dermatitis-and-seborrheic-blepharitis-according-to-tear-break-up-time-58929.html

Nowowiejska J, Ordon AJ, Baran A, Izdebska J, Woźniak B, Kaminski TW, Szaflik J, Flisiak I. Dry eye syndrome symptoms in patients with psoriasis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2024 Aug;38(8):1522-1530. doi: 10.1111/jdv.19773. Epub 2023 Dec 22. PMID: 38140772.

L. Béal, M. Lamiaux, E. Guerrien-Sevrin, A. Lasek, P. Modiano, S. Doan, T.H.C. Tran, Ocular surface evaluation in atopic dermatitis patients on dupilumab: A prospective observational study, Journal Français d'Ophtalmologie,

Volume 48, Issue 6, 2025, 104544,ISSN 0181-5512, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfo.2025.104544.

R. Achten et al. Ocular surface disease in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis patients and the effect of biological therapy. Clinical and Experimental Allergy. 08 February 2024 https://doi.org/10.1111/cea.14461

Weyne J, Blauvelt A, de Bruin-Weller M, Prens E, Asbell P, Sierka D, Chen Z, Shumel B. Patient-Reported Ocular Disorders and Symptoms in Adults with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: Screening and Baseline Survey Data from a Clinical Trial. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2020 Dec;10(6):1415-1421. doi: 10.1007/s13555-020-00456-x. Epub 2020 Oct 12. PMID: 33047298; PMCID: PMC7649193.