If your eyelid rims are red and irritated, if they burn and itch or if you've
noticed an oily discharge or scaly skin around them, you may have an inflammatory
problem called "blepharitis". Some people describe it as "psoriasis of the eyelids".
Blepharitis may be either of two main types or a combination of them.
Seborrheic blepharitis
Characterized by an excessive discharge of oil/grease from
the skin around the eyelids. It is usually accompanied by similarly greasy hair
and skin.
Staphylococcal blepharitis
A bacterial infection. It is more likely to result in infective
eyelid conditions, such as styes.
What are the treatments?
To treat seborrheic blepharitis, keep the lid edges and surrounding skin clean
by regularly scrubbing the area with a mild soap. Medicated pads specifically
designed for this are also available. For staphylococcal blepharitis, ointments
containing antibiotics and sulfonamides should be applied to the edges of the
eyelids with a cotton ball.
While over-the-counter treatments for blepharitis are available, it is advisable
to seek professional help the first time you experience the condition. If you
have had blepharitis before and had experience with its treatment, using the
over-the-counter ointments may be adequate. But, whether you have had the condition
before or not, if the blepharitis is infectious, you should get appropriate
treatment as soon as possible to reduce the risk of having the infection spread
and cause more serious conditions. | 