What is it about ?
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. It is usually caused by bacteria that proliferate on the sebum, at the roots of the eyelashes (hair follicles of the eyelashes) or in the sebaceous glands at the edge of the eyelids. In most cases, the sebaceous glands also work less well. Sometimes an eyelash can be embodied. A small lump may also develop under the skin (chalazion or stye).
How to recognize it?
Blepharitis is characterized by a burning sensation, itching and irritation of the eyelids. Sometimes small dandruff and scabs are visible between the eyelashes. The inflammation may be short, but it can also be prolonged.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor will make the diagnosis based on your symptoms and an eye exam. If the surrounding skin is also affected, the inflammation may be caused by eczema or shingles (herpes zoster virus).
If the eye is red, if you can’t take light (photophobia), or if you are in pain, the doctor will also need to consider other causes such as an allergy, viral infection, contact allergy, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca ( syndrome in which you suffer, among other things, from dryness in the eyes and mouth).
If there are also blisters (vesicles) on the eyelids, the doctor will consider the possibility of a herpes infection. He will refer you to the ophthalmologist if necessary, possibly urgently.
The warning symptoms are pain, decreased vision and sensitivity to light (photophobia). In this case, the ophthalmologist may conduct a more focused examination of the entire eye.
What can you do ?
Think about whether you’ve recently applied a new makeup, beauty, or care product around your eye, or if you’ve recently used a new solution to clean your contact lenses.
In blepharitis, it is sometimes advisable to clean the eyelids twice a day with a cotton swab dipped in a solution of baby shampoo and lukewarm water. The goal is to eliminate excess sebum.
What can your doctor do?
The doctor will examine you and try to identify the cause of the inflammation.
In addition to advising you to clean your eyelids twice a day with a solution of baby shampoo and lukewarm water, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops or eye ointment, possibly in combination with drops. cortisone.
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