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| Blepharitis |
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. |
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