Blepharitis Symptoms
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the edges of the eyelids, in which there is a constant strong reddening and peeling. The disease is usually repeated, but mostly it is not very serious and rarely leads to poor eyesight. Blepharitis often affects both eyes simultaneously and is common in children.
• Seborrheic dermatitis( seborrhea), which is characterized by oily red flaky and itchy areas on the skin, can pass from the scalp to the eyelids.
• Blepharitis can be caused by rosacea or acne,
• Bacterial infection can cause or complicate blepharitis due to seborrhea.
• The disease can be associated with the infection of eyelashes with lice.
• Mascara or eye shadow can cause the development of contact eyelid dermatitis.
Common causes:
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, helminthic invasion, dental diseases, nasopharynx;scrofula, anemia, avitaminosis, eczema, etc. Predisposing factors may be uncorrected refractive errors, chronic conjunctivitis, diseases of lacrimal ducts, meibomian glands.
External factors: dustiness of industrial premises, constant contact with irritants at chemical, textile, paper, cement industry and household.
Redness of the eyelid edges, itching, rapid eye fatigue during exercise. At the edges of the eyelids, scales and crusts( simple or scaly, blepharitis), the formation of purulent crusts and sores near the eyelashes( ulcerative blepharitis).Eyelashes are often glued together by bundles, easily fall out, take the wrong position. Often observed thickening, hypertrophy and eversion of the eyelids. The course is chronic and prolonged.
• Red, sticky, crusty eyelids.
• Thickened eyelids with markedly protruding blood vessels. Prolonged blinking with a sensation of itching and burning, as if something had got into the eye.
• Creation of crust, resulting in eyelids have to stain in the morning.
• Appearance of greasy scales( due to seborrhea), dry scales( with bacterial infection) or pieces of skin around the edges of the eyelids.(Scales can get into the eye and cause conjunctivitis.)
• Minor sores on the eyelids( with severe development of the disease).
• Eyelash.
• Acne.
• Noticeable nits on eyelashes when blepharitis is caused by infection with lice.
• A medical history and physical examination are needed. A doctor can take a substance from an ulcer on an eyelid to sow a culture of bacteria.
• To soften the scales, use warm water compresses on the eyelids for 15 minutes. Then rinse the scales with a solution of baking soda or a diluted baby shampoo.
• If there is a bacterial contamination, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroid drugs or topical antibiotics.
Elimination of antihygienic conditions at work and at home, treatment of the underlying disease. A diet rich in vitamins. Correction of refraction anomalies. In the initial stages, massage of the edges of the eyelids is useful, with the secretion of the secretion of the meibomian glands( 15-20 massages in 1-2 days) and subsequent degreasing of the eyelid edges with ether, lubricating them with 1% alcoholic solution of brilliant green, 10-20% sulfacyl sodium ointment, 1%tetracycline or 1% levomycetin ointment.
With ulcerative blepharitis, crusts are removed daily after applying an ointment or fish oil. The surface of sores is lubricated with 1% alcoholic solution of brilliant green, covered with 20% sulfacyl-sodium ointment, 1% tetracycline ointment, 1% erythromycin ointment. In hard cases, autohemotherapy, blood transfusion, physiotherapy are recommended.
• If lice are infected, the nits need to be removed using tweezers. For daily use, an insecticidal ointment can be prescribed.
• Avoid places where there may be lice.
• Control seborrhea of the scalp with therapeutic shampoos.
• Consult a doctor if disinfection methods do not work within two weeks.
• Consult a doctor if ulcers develop on the eyelids. This probably means a bacterial infection.
• If you notice nits, consult a doctor immediately.