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Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)

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In short

Blepharitis causes swollen, itchy eyelids.

Worth knowing3

  • Symptoms of blepharitis include: sore eyelids; itchy eyes; a gritty feeling in the eyes; flakes or crusts around the roots of the eyelashes; eyelids sticking together in the morning when you wake up.

    NHS website
  • Blepharitis can be caused by: a type of bacteria that lives on the skin; a skin condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis; the glands inside the eyelids not producing enough oil.

    NHS website
  • Blepharitis cannot be spread to other people.

    NHS website

What helps2

  • Things that can help: clean your eyelids twice a day; continue to clean your eyes, even if your symptoms clear up.

    NHS website
  • How to clean your eyelids: soak a clean washcloth or cotton balls in warm water and place it on your closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes; gently massage your eyelids for around 30 seconds; clean your eyelids using cotton balls or a cotton swab. It might help to use a small amount of baby shampoo in water. Gently wipe along the edge of your eyelids to remove any flakes or crusts.

    NHS website

What to avoid1

  • While you have symptoms: do not wear contact lenses while you have symptoms; do not use eye makeup, especially eyeliner and mascara, while you have symptoms.

    NHS website

See a provider if2

  • See a health care provider if blepharitis symptoms do not improve or get worse.

    NHS website
  • Get care soon if you have pain in your eyes, changes to your vision such as vision loss or blurred vision, or very red eyes. These can be signs of a more serious eye problem.

    NHS website

Sources

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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