Blepharitis or Eyelid Infection Treatment:
Blepharitis or inflammation of eyelids is redness, swelling, burning, and itching of the lids. Associated symptoms can be crusting and scales at the base of the eye-lashes. It may feel as there is something in the eye.
Occasionally there is a discharge. In severe cases, there is so much swelling that it closes the eye. Swelling usually goes down within 1 or 2 days with treatment.
There are two types of blepharitis:
- Seborrhic which produces oily or waxy scales that are easily removed.
- Staphylococcal which has drier scales and more difficult to remove.
Small children frequently have blepharitis. It might be caused by allergy or with associated with eczema, dandruff or seborrhic dermatitis.
Preventing Blepharitis:
- Avoid injury to eye, direct contact with dust, pollen, animal danders and bacterial infection. Other common factors which are causative in eyelid infection are smoke and fumes, medications and cosmetics, contact lens solution or any foreign body.
- Hygiene is very important as it may cause bacterial infection of the eyelid and complications may increase.
- Ice-cold compresses should be laid on the eye during the acute stage. The eye must always be closed when doing this.
- Saline irrigation is also good. Add two level teaspoon of salt to a liter of water and use this water to rinse discharges out of the eyes.
- Bacteria causing infection may be carried on towels, clothing, paper, toys or hands. Launder bed and bathroom linens separately with that of your family.
Home Remedies for Eyelid Infection:
- Careful daily cleaning of the eyelid and increasing of the blood flow to the eyelid are the best ways to deal with the problem. Clean eyes with a fresh swab that has been dipped into a 50-50 solution of baby shampoo and water. Roll it against a clean swab to remove excess liquid and then carefully remove the crusts downward, outward motion to the tip of the eyelash. After this thoroughly rinse off the shampoo with a fresh washcloth.
- A preparation can be made by adding half teaspoon of salt and two teaspoon of charcoal to two cups of water. This preparation should be boiled and allow it to cool. This preparation is used as eye-drops. One should add 4-5 drops in the eye with conjunctivitis and wipe the eyelids with this solution.