Blepharitisis a common skin condition that makes your eyelids red, irritated, itchy, and swollen.
Also known as eyelid inflammation, it is usually treated with home remedies.
However, in more stubborn cases, prescription medication may be needed.
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This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment of blepharitis.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
This is known as chronic blepharitis and can be difficult to treat.
What Causes Blepharitis
Blepharitis can be due to an infection, parasite, or skin condition.
Infection
A bacterial infection can cause blepharitis.
It is normal to have some bacteria on the skin at all times.
However, too much bacteria can be a problem.
Skin Conditions
Certain dermatological conditions can cause blepharitis.
These include:
Eyelash Mites
An eyelash mite calledDemodexis a common cause of blepharitis in older adults.
These parasites are commonly found on eyelashes and do not normally cause a problem.
Sometimes, however, the mites can build up at the base of the eyelashes.
This can irritate the skin around the rim of the eyelashes, causing redness, irritation, and flakes.
Poor Hygiene
Bacteria live and breed on skin.
And if the eyelids are not washed often enough, the bacteria can multiply.
This leads to an overgrowth of bacteria that can irritate eyelid skin.
To keep bacteria levels low, it is important to wash with soap and water regularly.
Poor hygiene is a common cause of blepharitis in children and teens.
In children and teens, poor hygiene is often the cause.
Home Remedies
Blepharitis is usually treated with home remedies.
In some cases, prescription medications may be needed.
To make an eye compress, wet a washcloth or paper towel with warm water.
Hold it on your eyelid for a few minutes or until the compress cools to room temperature.
it’s possible for you to also use a warm teabag as an eye compress.
Allow the teabag to cool after steeping so that it is warm but not hot.
Baby shampoo is commonly recommended because it is gentle and does not sting eyes.
Close your eyes and gently scrub the eyelid using a horizontal back and forth motion.
Then, rinse with cool water.
Do this twice a day after applying a warm compress for best results.
This can help clear up mild blepharitis.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Medicated eyelid washes that treat blepharitis are available over the counter.
These cleansers can help clear up chronic blepharitis and prevent further eyelid inflammation.
Avenova
Avenova is an eyelid wash that contains hypochlorous acid 0.01%.
Clinical studies show hypochlorous acid treats the bacteria that cause blepharitis.
To apply, spray Avenova on a cotton ball or cotton round.
Then, wipe it in a horizontal motion across your upper and lower lashes three times.
Repeat with a fresh cotton pad on the other eye.
Use twice a day.
Cliradex
Cliradex is a medicated wipe that containsMelaleuca alternifolia, a form oftea tree oilthat treats blepharitis.
Research shows a compound in tea tree oil known as 4-Terpineol is what helps ease blepharitis symptoms.
To treat blepharitis, wipe eyelids and lashes with Cliradex wipes twice a day for 10 days.
If symptoms do not clear up, continue to use Cliradex wipes once a day for another 10 days.
Cliradex is safe for everyday use and also works to remove eye makeup.
Blephadex
Blephadex is a medicated wipe that treats blepharitis sparked by eyelash mites.
The wipes contain a gentle eyelid cleanser, tea tree oil, and coconut oil.
Coconut oil also has powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties that help to relieve blepharitis symptoms.
Prescriptions
If at-home care does not relieve blepharitis symptoms, see an eye doctor (ophthalmologist).
They can prescribe medicine that treats the causes and symptoms of blepharitis.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to treat blepharitis sparked by bacterial overgrowth.
Steroids
In some cases, corticosteroids are used to control eyelid inflammation and irritation.
Prescription steroids used to treat blepharitis can be delivered in eye drops, topical ointments, or oral medicine.
Combination Treatment
Blepharitis is often treated with a combination of antibiotics and corticosteroids.
Research shows combination treatments can be more effective than antibiotics or steroids alone.
One prescription medication option combines an antibiotic (sulfacetamide sodium) with a corticosteroid (prednisolone acetate).
It comes in eye drops and as a topical ointment.
Stromectol (ivermectin) is an oral drug that is used to kill Demodex eyelash mites.
The medication is taken in two doses one week apart.
Summary
Home treatments for blepharitis include applying warm compresses and scrubbing the eyelid with baby shampoo.
Medicated eyelid washes that treat blepharitis, sold over the counter, can also help treat mild cases.
If at-home treatments are unable to calm the irritation and inflammation, see an eye doctor.
You may need prescription eye drops, topical ointments, or oral antibiotics and steroids.
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