Blepharitis refers to the inflammation of the eyelids. It may start with an acute nature and resolve by itself; in other words, it subsides even without treatment for two to four weeks. But then, its intensity and course may change from one person to another, The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for blepharitis.
Causes
Blepharitis has various causes. According to Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of the disorder is idiopathic or unknown; however, it may be linked with several factors, which include a bacterial infection, seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows, clogged or malfunctioning oil glands in the eyelids, rosacea or a skin condition marked by facial redness, eyelash mites or lice, and allergies like allergic response to eye makeup, contact lens solutions, and eye medications. If unresolved, blepharitis can lead to eyelash problems, eyelid skin problems, excess tearing or dry eyes, difficultly wearing contact lenses, sty, chalazion or blockage of one of the small oil glands at the eyelid margin, chronic pink eye, and corneal injury.
Signs and Symptoms
Blepharitis presents a number of signs and symptoms. According to Medical News Today, these include redness, itchiness, flaking, and crusting of the eyelids. As per the publication, crusting may be more identifiable in the morning, the time when the symptoms tend to be worse. A person with blepharitis may also experience burning, itching, and irritating sensation; epiphora or excessive eye watering or tearing; xerophthalmia or dry eyes; stickiness of the eyes; photophobia r oversensitivity to light; and intolerance to wearing contact lenses.
Home Remedies
Blepharitis is usually treated with medications like anti-infectives, anti-inflammatory, and calciuneurin inhibitor, which prevent infection, manage inflammation, and affect the immune system, respectively. On one hand, some remedies can also be done to manage the condition.
Warm Compress
One remedy for blepharitis is warm compress. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, warm compress helps loosen the dirt around the eyelashes.and dilute oil secretions from the oil glands. This way, as per the publication, the risk of an enlarged lump will be minimized. To prepare, the person dips a clean wash cloth in warm water. Then, it is wringed out and placed over the closed eyelid for a few minutes. The remedy is done three to four times, rewetting the washcloth as it cools. After that, the eyelid is cleaned with a clean cloth, cleaning scales or oil debris collected on the eyelid. The remedy is used several times a day until the resolution of symptoms. As per the publication, separate washcloths can be used per eye if both eyes are infected. This is to prevent cross-contamination.
Eye Hygiene
Another remedy for blepharitis is frequent cleansing. According to Search Home Remedy, this helps prevent crust formation on the eyelids. As per the publication, using a warm towel to gently rub the inflamed eyelids is the best method to clean the eyes. This way, the crust, oil residues, and scaly patches near the eyelids will be removed as well. To clean the inner eyelid layers, the eyelids are gently pulled back and a warm towel is placed for about 20 minutes.
Handwashing
Handwashing stands as the universal precaution against infection – whether it is as defense or transmission prevention. It can be done before touching the eyes, after contact with the affected eye, and after touching someone that has blepharitis or an articles used by the person with condition, among others.
Blepharitis involves inflammation of the eyelids, which may adversely affect a person’s comfort and activities of daily living. Thus, it is best to seek medical consult from a doctor for proper assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation.
