Symptoms And Treatment Of Eyelid Inflammation

Blepharitis, also called eyelid inflammation, is inflammation of the eyelids. It is a fairly common condition that can affect anyone. The annoying symptoms are flaking, itching and dryness. Today’s article will detail some interesting facts about eyelid inflammation and its symptoms and treatment.

What is an eyelid infection?

Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids and mainly affects the rim. This happens because this is where the eyelash follicles are and there are secretory glands in between. Different types of bacteria are naturally present in the follicles and in the secretions produced by these glands.

It becomes the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply excessively when the secretion is not draining properly and they can then build up.

It is precisely this uncontrolled bacterial proliferation that causes inflammation of the eyelid. Normally, blepharitis is a mild and common process, but as always, it can lead to complications if left untreated.

Who is affected by it? What is the cause?

Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age. However, it is usually due to certain factors or situations. Some of these include:

• Excessive use of contact lenses.

• Irritants such as smoke, toxins, chemicals, etc.
• Blonde people, with light or thin skin and light eyes, seem to have a greater tendency to develop eyelid inflammation.
• This phenomenon is more common in people with oily hair and skin and in people with acne or rosacea.
• It is related to atopic dermatitis and seasonal allergies.

Symptoms of an eyelid infection

An eyelid infection can cause a variety of symptoms. This infection causes general symptoms of eye irritation. Some of these include:

• Itchy, dry eyes.
• Flaking of the eyelid margin, causing ‘dandruff’ on the eyelashes.

• Watery eyes, with a burning sensation.
• The feeling of having something in the eye or sand in the eye.
• Finally, this condition can sometimes lead to loss of eyelashes.

An uncontrolled infection will also result in styes or styes, which are actually cysts with pus in some areas of the eyelids and require treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment of an eyelid infection

Blepharitis is usually a chronic process (Spanish link), meaning there is no cure for it. The symptoms are manageable so that a patient can lead a normal life. The basic pillars of treatment for eyelid inflammation are:

• First, avoiding exposure to situations or substances that may have caused the infection.
• Second, good eyelid hygiene.

Cleaning the eyelids, a fundamental point, should consist of daily washes with neutral soap and cotton swabs. This is because these help remove the small scabs or scales and eliminate the buildup of secretion from the glands of the eyelid.

This measure is most effective both in treating an outbreak and in preventing the occurrence of new blepharitis crises. In a number of cases, the specialist will decide to add medicines such as eye drops or ointments to the treatment. Especially since these can help with the most aggressive outbreaks.

Conclusion

Blepharitis is a common and generally benign condition. However, you should consult a doctor because of the annoying symptoms and the risk of complications. They must in fact be able to provide the necessary instructions for the management of the symptoms and, if necessary, to introduce a more specific treatment.