Table of contents:
- What is blepharitis?
- What causes blepharitis?
- What are the features and symptoms of blepharitis?
- How to treat blepharitis?
- Can blepharitis be prevented?
Eye makeup or make-up in the area around the eyes, such as mascara, eyeshadow, and eyeliner, it is certainly familiar to women. Are you one of the users eye makeup? Be careful, studies have shown that using eye makeup can lead to eyelid infections or blepharitis if not done carefully.
What is blepharitis?
An eyelid infection in medical parlance is known as blepharitis. This eyelid disease can be caused by bacterial infection or associated with other diseases, such as seborrheic or dermatitis rosacea. As a result, the eyelids become swollen and red. This infection can be experienced by all ages, but this condition is not contagious.
What causes blepharitis?
There are three types of blepharitis that are divided based on location and cause, namely anterior, posterior, and mixed blepharitis (a combination of anterior and posterior blepharitis).
Anterior blepharitis can be caused due to a bacterial infection Staphylococcus or associated with seborrheic dermatitis conditions. This type is characterized by inflammation on the outer side of the eyelid where the lashes attach.
Posterior blepharitis can be caused by blockage of the Meibomian gland (the gland that is located along the back edge of the eyelid) or it can be related to other conditions. rosacea. This type is characterized by inflammation of the inner edge of the eyelid that touches the eyeball.
What are the features and symptoms of blepharitis?
This infection of the eyelids will cause the eyelids to become red and swollen. Symptoms that can arise, such as:
- Itching, soreness, and red eyelids that stick together
- Lashes that are crusty or oily
- Heat sensation on the eyelids
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Abnormal eyelash growth or loss of eyelashes in severe cases
This condition generally affects both eyes and usually one eye will appear more inflamed. Symptoms are more severe in the morning.
How to treat blepharitis?
The key to treating all types of blepharitis is to keep the eyelids clean and free of crusts. Warm compresses on the eyes can soften the crusts that stick to the edge of the eyelids and lashes. Then rub the lids gently with the water and baby shampoo mixture.
Limiting or stopping the use of eye makeup when treating blepharitis is often recommended, as using eye makeup will make maintaining eyelid hygiene more difficult.
If it does not improve, the doctor will provide additional drugs, such as:
- Antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection
- Steroids in the form of eye drops or ointments to reduce inflammation
- Medicines to boost the immune system
- Treatment for underlying diseases, such as seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea
During treatment, it is recommended that you eat foods high in omega-3s, as they can help reduce symptoms of blepharitis. Examples of foods that contain omega-3s include: sardines, tuna, salmon, nuts, seeds, and green vegetables.
Can blepharitis be prevented?
Yes. Blefaritis can be easily prevented by:
- Keep your eyelids clean
- Ensure product makeup used are of good quality (using safe materials) and have not expired (makeup which has expired contains a lot of bacteria and fungi)
- Remove all eye makeup before bed
- Do not use eyeliner on the back of your eyelid
- In the early stages of treating blepharitis, you can prevent further irritation by not using it makeup
- After you start using it again, change the product makeup used on your eyelids because your old product may have been contaminated
