Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a condition that results in inflammation of the eyelids. It can be difficult to manage because it recurs and usually involves the part of the eyelid where eyelashes grow. Blepharitis does not cause any permanent damage even though it can be uncomfortable.

Two forms of Blepharitis exists. These include :

Anterior Blepharitis : It affects outside of the eyelid, where the eyelashes are attached. The most common causes are bacteria (Staphylococcus) and scalp dandruff.

Posterior Blepharitis : It affects the inner eyelids and is caused by problems with the oil (meibomian) glands. Skin conditions that can cause this type includes scalp dandruff and acne rosacea.

CAUSES

The exact cause of this eye condition is unknown even though certain factors may influence its development. Such factors include :

eyelash lice or mites
bacterial infection
seborrheic dermatitis
malfunctioning oil glands in your eyelid
certain medications such as the severe acne medication isotretinoin
allergies
rosacea

SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of Blepharitis includes :

excessive tearing
itching
sensitivity to light
redness of the eye
blurred vision
red and swollen eyelids
burning sensation
dry eyes
frothy tears
crusting of the eyelashes on awakening
loss of eyelashes

TEST AND DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will do the following to diagnose Blepharitis.

Eyelid examination : Your doctor will carefully examine your eyelids and eyes. He may use a special magnifying instrument during the examination.

Swabbing skin for testing : He may also collect a sample of the oil or crust that forms on your eyelid using a swab. The sample is then analyzed for bacteria, fungi or evidence of an allergy.

TREATMENT

Treatment options for Blepharitis includes the following :

Antibiotics : Eye drops containing antibiotics is used in the case of blepharitis caused by bacteria.

Steroid eye drops or ointment : This is used to control inflammation of eyelids and eyes.

Cleaning the affected area regularly : Self care measures such as cleaning your eyelids with a warm washcloth can help control signs and symptoms.

Artificial tears : Over the counter artificial tears or lubricating eye drops may relieve dry eyes.

Treating underlying condition : If your eye condition is caused by seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea or other diseases, treating them may help control your symptoms

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition. It causes redness in your face and often produces small, red, pus-filled bumps. This long-term skin condition affects the skin and sometimes the eye. Rosacea usually affects the face. If left untreated, rosacea can get worse. You should note that there is no cure for rosacea but symptoms are aimed at controlling signs and symptoms.

CAUSES

The exact cause of this condition is unknown. Hereditary and environmental factors may however influence it’s occurrence. There are number of factors that are known to trigger or aggravate rosacea by increasing blood flow to the skin surface. These include :

• alcohol
• spicy foods
• sunlight
• saunas
• extreme temperatures
• strenuous exercises
• hot foods and beverages
• emotional stress
• medications such as those  that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications
• corticosteroids such as prednisone
• menopause

RISK FACTORS

This condition can affect anyone but it is more common in

• women
• fair-skinned people
• adults between the ages of 30 and 60 years
• people with a family history of rosacea

SYMPTOMS

Some of the many symptoms of this skin condition includes

• blushing or flushing easily
• redness of face
• swollen nose
• red nose ( bulbous nose )
• a lot of spider-like blood vessels (telangiectasia) of the face
• inflamed eyes and eyelids
• burning feeling in the face
• irritated bloodshot , watery eyes
• acne-like skin sores that may ooze or crust

TEST AND DIAGNOSIS

There is no specific exam for rosacea. Doctors can diagnose it based on medical history, physical exams and symptoms.

TREATMENT

There is no cure for rosacea. Treatment is aimed at reliving symptoms. Treatment option include

For skin

Antibiotics such as such  metronidazole put directly on the skin  or oral antibiotics such as  tetracycline, minocycline or doxycycline.

If antibiotics don’t work, your doctor might suggest trying isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, others). Don’t use this medication during pregnancy to avoid serious birth defects.

Small red lines can be treated with electrosurgery and laser surgery.

Patients with swollen nose can have extra skin tissue taken off to make it smaller to improve their appearance.

For eyes

Eye problems are usually treated with oral antibiotics.

You may also use these lifestyle remedies to help ease or prevent symptoms.

• Avoid a lot of activity in hot weather.
• Use sunscreen everyday. Avoid exposure to the sun
• Reduce stress. You can engage in deep breathing, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.
• Reduce spicy foods, alcohol, and hot beverages

If you have eyelid infections, you may need to clean your  eyelids gently with watered-down baby shampoo or an over-the-counter eyelid cleaner. You can also use warm compression a few  times a day.