| Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. It is common and can be recurrent. Symptoms include redness around the eyelids, crusting and a dry, gritty sensation. These symptoms may come and go.
Blepharitis can be controlled by carefully cleaning your eyelids daily. Use warm water and mild shampoo (such as baby shampoo). Once the redness and soreness are under control, you can decrease this cleaning to twice weekly. However, if the symptoms return, resume daily cleansing immediately. Warm, moist compresses may alleviate symptoms.
In some instances, an antibiotic ointment may be used in addition to lid hygiene. In severe cases an oral antibiotic may be helpful.
There are two main causes of blepharitis: staphylococcus bacteria and seborrhea. Staphylococcus bacteria commonly begins in childhood and continues throughout adulthood. Symptoms include collar scales on lashes, crusting, and chronic redness at the lid margin. Dilated blood vessels, loss of lashes, sties, and chalazia also occur. Treatment is very important. In addition to eliminating the redness and soreness, treatment can prevent potential infection, scarring of the cornea and conjunctiva.
Seborrhea is secondary to overactive glands causing greasy, waxy scales to accumulate along the eyelid margins. Seborrhea may be a part of an overall skin disorder that affects other areas. Hormones, nutrition, general physical condition and stress can contribute to seborrhea.
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