How to get rid of eyelid blepharitis

Eyelid blepharitis causes the edges of your eyelids to become red, sore and swollen. Here are some possible causes of blepharitis and how to treat it.

A type of bacterium called staphylococcus typically causes eyelid blepharitis. However, the condition can also occur as a complication of seborrhoeic dermatitis, which causes flaky or oily skin, and rosacea, which causes red and blotchy skin.

Eyelid blepharitis may cause:

• Red and swollen eyelids
• Eyelids that are sticky with discharge, particularly after waking
• Crust formation at the base of your eyelids
• Increased sensitivity to light

These symptoms may affect both your eyes, and may be worse in the morning. They may flare up unexpectedly, but you may also go long periods without symptoms.

If you have contact lenses, you may find them uncomfortable to wear while you have blepharitis. You may wish to revert to eyeglasses until you have found a way to ease your symptoms.

You may not be able to cure your blepharitis, but maintaining good eyelid hygiene may help resolve your symptoms. Here are a few tips:

• Hold a warm compress against your closed eyelids for a few minutes to melt any oils that may have blocked the glands within your eyelids
• Gently wipe your eyelids clean with a cloth doused in eyelid cleaning solution to loosen crusts and remove flakes
• Avoid wearing eye makeup

Carry out these steps twice daily initially, then once daily as you notice an improvement in your symptoms.

If you have seborrhoeic dermatitis, you may also need to treat your scalp and eyebrows with an anti-dandruff shampoo.

Blepharitis accounts for around one in twenty eye-related visits to family physicians. However, you should only visit your physician if you are unable to control your symptoms using at-home remedies. Your physician should be able to diagnose blepharitis by examining your eyelids and asking you to describe your symptoms.

If your symptoms are causing you problems, or you are at risk of developing complications, your physician may prescribe a course of antibiotics. If left untreated, blepharitis can lead to eye dryness, so you should always follow your physician's recommended regimen.