Blepharitis

Blepharitis (blef-uh-RYE-tis) is the general term for inflammation of the eyelids, characterized by flaky particles, itching, swelling, and a chronic redness or pinkness at the edges of your eyelids. Recurrent styes and chalazion (shuh-LAY-zee-un) cysts can also be symptoms of blepharitis. It may occur from irritations and allergies, insect bites, infections, acne, or other factors. It may vary from a chronic, mild condition to a severe form that causes ulceration of the lids and damage to the eyes. Blepharitis may be the result of several problems. The most common is seborrhea (seb-uh-REE-uh), a disorder causing the oil-making sebaceous (suh-BAY-shus) glands at the base of the eyelids to secrete more oil than usual. Although seborrhea is non-infectious, you may have a secondary bacterial infection on your eyelids, which can lead to conjunctivitis (kun-junk-tiv-EYE-tus) or infections of the cornea. Treatment of blepharitis depends on the specific type and severity. Mild, nonspecific or seborrheic varieties may simply require warm compresses and daily lid hygiene. You can give your eyelids a gentle bath by placing a drop of baby shampoo or commercial eyelid scrub on a clean cloth, add water, and make a mild lather. Close your eyes and gently rub your lashes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Infectious varities of blepharitis may require antibiotic or cortisone cream, or even oral antibiotics, which should be used only under medical supervision.