Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid margins. Blepharitis is a type of eczema and it looks like dandruff. Read more about blepharitis in this article.
Inflammation of the eyelid margins
- Blepharitis
- Cause
- Complaints
- Therapy
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is usually a chronic condition. It often occurs at an early age. If you suffer from dandruff in your hair or dry eyes, you are more likely to develop blepharitis than other people. You often have periods in which you have fewer complaints than the other period.
Cause
The cause of blepharitis is an excessive production of fat in the sebaceous glands (also called meibomian glands). This may be due to a bacterial infection, a tear function that does not work properly, a skin abnormality or the use of a certain type of medication. This makes it sticky and sticks to the lashes of the eyelids. The sticky stuff becomes acidic, causing irritation to the eyelids.
Complaints
- Red eyes
- Flakes around the eyes
- Falling out eyelashes
- Fatigue
- Irritation
- Stinging/burning sensation
- Itch
- Sores on the eyelid
- Sore eyes
Therapy
It is very important to keep the eyelids clean, as the infection may worsen. You can also reduce the complaints this way. Before you start, wet a clean washcloth with warm water (not too hot!). Once you have done this, hold the wet washcloth against your eye for a few minutes. This way the sticky particles loosen a little from the eyelids. Then put a little cleaning fluid (you can buy this at the drugstore or pharmacy) in the cotton swab and run the cotton swab over the eyelids.
It is also possible to visit your GP so that he can prescribe antibiotics. Once the blepharitis is gone, continue to clean the eyelids every day to prevent another infection.
read more
- A twitching eyelid
- Drooping eyelid (Ptosis)
- Eye condition: cataract
- Eye condition: Swelling of the eyelid (Chalazion)
- Dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)