Name: Blepharitis Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments | Healthwords
Creator: Dr Roger Henderson
Published: 2020-09-22T09:33:41.056Z

You are fit for work if you have blepharitis.

Am I fit for work?

Blepharitis symptoms include swelling, itching and burning of the inner eyelid. It's a common and treatable condition. Learn more about Blepharitis with Caidr

Blepharitis Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments | Healthwords

If your symptoms don't get better within 2 weeks, or are recurrent, you should see your doctor or optometrist.

When should I see my doctor?

General cleansing of the eyelids with cotton wool balls and warm wet flannels can help. Eye care, which should be performed twice a day, is key to blepharitis treatment. Start with 5 to 10 minutes of warm compress on closed eyelids, then clean the eyelid gently with a cloth or cotton bud, wiping along the lid margins in the direction of the lashes to help remove any pore-blocking dried oil deposits. Avoid wearing eye make-up or contact lenses while you're in a flare-up.

How can I improve symptoms?

Blephasol Preservative-free Eyelid Cleansing Lotion (100ml)

Blephagel (30g)

Brolene Eye Drops (10ml)

Optrex Multi Action Eye Wash (100ml)

Xailin Night Lubricating Eye Ointment (5g)

Optrex ActiMist Double Action for Dry & Tired Eyes (10ml)

Viscotears 0.2% Eye Liquid Gel (10g)

Optase Moist Heat Mask

A cleansing solution such as Blephasol preservative-free eyelid cleansing solution can provide daily hygiene of sensitive eyelids caused by blepharitis. It can be used to clear debris, particularly near the edge of the eyelids between the eyelashes and the surface of the eye. It is free from alcohol, detergents or preservatives and is non-greasy and non-irritant, so good for sensitive eyes. It can also be used daily as an eye make-up remover and is safe for contact lens wearers.

Eye baths can help to wash any debris away and soothe the eye. Eye ointments, gels or sprays may also help to moisturise the eyelids to prevent drying and flaking along the eyelashes, especially when sufferers are in a dry environment such as working in areas with air conditioning or fans.

Healthwords pharmacists' top tips

This is a rash where the skin becomes inflamed, appearing on greasy areas with lots of sebaceous glands - on the cheeks, between eyebrows, the folds next to the nose and the chin, and also on the chest or scalp.

Red, greasy, scaly or flaky patches are common and little red bumps known as papules may appear. It can cause a mild itch but it's that appearance prompts most sufferers to seek treatment.

It is considered to be a type of [eczema](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/eczema!e33a168f-661f-40e1-9698-1d8a0975322a), but can also overlap with [psoriasis](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/psoriasis!9e01d538-a344-4cf5-8bb4-25adb8558408) and [rosacea](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/rosacea!9c40a20e-f3c2-4cb5-bc04-c225ea96a981). [Stress](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/stress!a0357763-2962-4950-b395-d8e97e899eea), tiredness and cold weather can prompt flare-ups in those susceptible. An overgrowth of a usually harmless [yeast](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/yeast-infection!eca6712c-0746-4642-ab81-b61a96da7e2e) (posh name: Malassezia) is thought to be part of the cause, so treatment focuses on eradicating this and dampening down inflammation using a combined [antifungal](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/antifungal-cream!a88b82a1-45b6-4bc3-874e-8e2dc60a0517) and mild [steroid](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/steroid-cream-for-eczema!0727c563-aaf1-49d6-800f-1b41f8587f87) cream.

Dr Kandi - Seborrheic Dermatitis

Conjunctivitis is an infection of the eye by either a virus or bacteria. The conjunctiva is the pink rim that you can see if you pull down your lower lid, and it extends onto the white of your eye. It’s an area that often gets infected in children and is usually linked to a [common viral cold](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/common-cold!ebd5ae17-c08e-4512-89b7-01bf02733274). Children may get a bacterial infection on its own, usually starting in one eye then spreading.

Conjunctivitis has a number of possible symptoms, but one eye normally starts to become affected before the other. The eye looks red and swollen and this redness extends onto the eyelids as well as the white of the eye. There is often a discharge (sometimes greenish in colour) around the eyelids and this is worse on waking – the eyes may seem to be ‘stuck down’ with matter. Itching and pain on rubbing the eyes is also common, with sufferers often saying their eyes feel ‘gritty’, and occasionally bright light may make all these symptoms worse.

Allergic conjunctivitis is in response to an allergen – commonly pollen alongside other [hay fever](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/hay-fever!c2798a46-5dae-413a-aff5-83062edb2e79) symptoms – but also any face creams, hair dyes, nail varnish, pet dander or anything in the environment that your eyes have become sensitive to. The eyes are usually profusely watery, puffy around them and they may feel a bit gritty. You may also get a runny nose or hives on other parts of the body. Treatment may help, such as antihistamine eye drops or tablets, but it’s usually mild and improves on its own within a day or two – quicker if you remove the suspected allergen.

This is a mild bacterial skin infection causing a red area of skin with tiny blisters (vesicles). These may burst to form open sores and a honey yellow or brown crust. It often arises from damaged skin - from [eczema](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/eczema!e33a168f-661f-40e1-9698-1d8a0975322a), from an [insect bite](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/insect-bites-or-stings!c48b115b-e95e-4ef4-ab1b-39525044a80b), or around the nose and mouth after a [cold](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/common-cold!ebd5ae17-c08e-4512-89b7-01bf02733274). This is a very common infection that can clear up by itself, but as it usually affects children and is very contagious, most people choose to have it treated with antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes, two bacteria commonly found in the nose and not causing any harm to healthy skin, are the most likely suspects.

Dr Kandi - Impetigo

Symptoms of dry eyes may include:

1. **Dryness**: A sensation of dryness or grittiness in the eyes is a hallmark symptom of dry eyes. This can be accompanied by a feeling of irritation or discomfort.

2. **Redness**: The eyes may appear red or bloodshot, particularly when they become irritated due to dryness.

3. **Burning or stinging**: Some individuals with dry eyes may experience a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes, especially in environments with low humidity or when exposed to irritants such as smoke or wind.

4. **Blurry vision**: Dry eyes can cause temporary fluctuations in vision, leading to blurry or fluctuating vision, particularly during activities that require prolonged visual concentration, such as reading or using a computer.

5. **Sensitivity to light**: Dry eyes may increase sensitivity to light, making it uncomfortable to be in brightly lit environments.

6. **Watery eyes**: Paradoxically, some people with dry eyes may experience excessive tearing as the eyes attempt to compensate for the lack of adequate lubrication.

Several factors can contribute to the development of dry eyes, including:

- **Ageing**: Dry eyes are more common as people age, as tear production tends to decrease with age.
- **Environmental factors**: Exposure to dry or windy climates, air conditioning, heating, and smoke can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
- **Medical conditions**: Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis), hormonal changes (e.g., menopause), and eyelid abnormalities, can increase the risk of dry eyes.
- **Medications**: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and hormonal therapies, can reduce tear production or affect tear composition, leading to dry eyes.
- **Prolonged screen time**: Extended use of digital devices can contribute to dry eyes due to reduced blinking and increased tear evaporation.
- **Contact lens wear**: Contact lens use can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, particularly if lenses are worn for extended periods or if proper hygiene practices are not followed.

Dr Kandi - Dry Eyes

Chloramphenicol eye ointment is used to treat minor bacterial [eye infections](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/eye-infection!62a2da5c-4100-4c0d-a1ba-924076797325) (such as [bacterial conjunctivitis](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/conjunctivitis!2c9a0c10-c102-4805-83e4-9291e7053c91)). It contains the active ingredient chloramphenicol, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works against a wide variety of bacteria. Chloramphenicol eye ointment can be used in adults and children over the age of 2 years. It is available for purchase from your pharmacy after discussing your symptoms with a [pharmacist](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/pharmacists-qualifications-knowledge-and-roles!eb317c5b-b696-45f0-a1ac-04f1128cab34). In some situations, your pharmacist may suggest an alternative eye treatment that could be more appropriate than chloramphenicol. Viral and fungal eye infections can cause very similar symptoms but need different treatments.

Chloramphenicol eye ointment can be used on its own or together with [chloramphenicol eye drops](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/chloramphenicol-eye-drops!0546bc28-2836-4865-8fbc-021d2b37d08a). It is used in combination with chloramphenicol eye drops because, due to the frequency with which the eye drops need to be applied, using them at night is not advised. Therefore, chloramphenicol eye ointment can be used at night instead as it stays on the eye longer, providing a longer duration of action.

Infections can affect different parts of the eye causing a so-called red-eye. The conjunctiva – the pink rim if you pull down your lower lid – is the most common site of infection, called conjunctivitis. This usually affects both eyes and goes alongside viral respiratory infections giving cold symptoms. Children may be more prone to bacterial conjunctivitis. You might get a clear, yellow, or green discharge which might cause blurring of the vision until they’re cleaned, and eyes may be crusty and stuck together on waking. The usual whites of the eyes look pink, the pink rim looks red, and it looks a bit red and swollen around the eyes. It’s not usually very painful.

A stye is a mild bacterial infection of glands on your lashline, causing a painful red pimple on your upper or lower eyelid. This does not usually need treatment and improves after a few days.

Other infections are more likely to affect one eye and may be more serious. Keratitis affects the cornea, the glass-like coating of your eye, which may come from bacteria, viruses, or parasites in tap water, and contact lens wearers are at particular risk.

You may get the appearance of red-eye, pain, and watering for reasons other than infection, such as [uveitis ](https://www.healthwords.ai/symptom/uveitis!88487eb2-3967-4679-880e-3f32c78065cb)or [glaucoma](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/glaucoma!e1b0db58-4e11-4c70-99f4-97a672eaf45a), and these require urgent medical assessment. Allergy can cause a similar red eye, but it’s more likely to feel itchy and both eyes are affected, usually with lots of watering and gritty or burning feeling.

An ectropion happens when the lower eyelid sags away from your eye, leaving the inner surface of the eyelid exposed. It can happen in one eye or both eyes. When the lower eyelid droops away from the eye, it can affect the ability of teardrops to drain properly. This can cause the eye to water excessively, as well as feel dry and gritty. The eyes can also become red, sore, and inflamed and this makes the eye more vulnerable to infections such as conjunctivitis.    In severe untreated cases, it's possible to develop a corneal ulcer (a sore on the eye's surface) that could affect your vision. But this is rare. An ectropion is different from an entropion, which is where the eyelid turns inwards, towards the eye.

Rosacea is a common condition that causes redness on the cheeks and across the nose, and is sometimes accompanied by more persistent red bumps, known as papules or pustules if they have a yellow centre. Its full name is actually [acne](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/acne!73a72d09-7034-496a-8174-ed19a56165cf) rosacea. Episodes of flushing may precede a more persistent redness.

Certain triggers are thought to cause blood vessels just under the skin to widen, becoming more visible and causing redness, but the underlying cause is not well understood. It is common – affecting up to 10% of people – and typically appears in those aged 30 to 60 as well as in fair-skinned/blue-eyed people. The exact cause remains unknown, but triggers for its development include sun damage, leaky tiny blood vessels under the skin, a skin mite called \* Demodex folliculorum \*, and a family history of rosacea. It is not contagious, so you cannot catch it from someone else.

Dr Kandi - Rosacea

If you have dark brown or black lumps, tiny in size and multiple in number, sitting on the cheekbones and under the eyes, it’s likely you have dermatosis papulosa nigra. Despite the grand title, these are completely harmless.

These usually feel smooth and soft and are each only 1 to 5mm wide, and you may have a few or many, of differing sizes. They appear from the teenage years onwards and don't usually cause any symptoms, but some find them unsightly, especially with their prominence on the face.

Permethrin cream is one of only a few over-the-counter medications that can be bought for the treatment of [scabies](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/scabies!8b5a30f9-e6d5-43d1-85d8-619215c1e986). Scabies is a parasitic infestation, where mites burrow beneath the outer layers of the skin, laying eggs and spreading along the entire body. This leaves spots and blisters along the body, often in “track” or “silver” lines. You may experience intense itching, especially at night. It can affect anywhere on the body, but usually affects skin creases, such as between fingers or toes.

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works against a wide variety of bacteria, and is used to treat minor bacterial [eye infections](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/eye-infection!62a2da5c-4100-4c0d-a1ba-924076797325). The eye drops can be used in children and adults over the age of 2 years and purchased from your pharmacy after discussing the symptoms with your [pharmacist](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/pharmacists-qualifications-knowledge-and-roles!eb317c5b-b696-45f0-a1ac-04f1128cab34). In some situations your pharmacist may suggest an alternative eye treatment that could be more appropriate than chloramphenicol. Viral and fungal eye infections can cause very similar symptoms, but need different treatment. Due to the frequency that the eye drops need to be applied, using them at night is not advised, therefore the pharmacist may also suggest [chloramphenicol eye ointment](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/chloramphenicol-eye-ointment!584084c1-68ca-4823-8d6a-1ea654e4ce1a) for use at night.

Brolene eye drops are antibiotic eye drops used for minor bacterial [eye infections](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/eye-infection!62a2da5c-4100-4c0d-a1ba-924076797325) causing [conjunctivitis](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/conjunctivitis!2c9a0c10-c102-4805-83e4-9291e7053c91). The eye drops can be used in anyone over the age of two, and purchased from a pharmacy after discussing your symptoms with a pharmacist. The pharmacist may suggest an alternative eye treatment that may be more appropriate than Brolene depending on your symptoms as other causes of eye infections (viral and fungal) can have very similar symptoms, but cannot be treated with antibiotic eye drops. The pharmacist may suggest a different antibiotic eye drop called chloramphenicol depending on the severity of infection.

Xailin night is an eye ointment for the treatment of [dry eye](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/dry-eyes!4d5e9d9d-dbdb-4dd5-9f64-bc5341473fb8) conditions, corneal erosion and to lubricate the eyes before or after eye surgery. It contains paraffin and wool alcohols (lanolin) which all serve to lubricate and protect water loss from the eyes. This, in turn, relieves symptoms of dry eyes and forms a protective barrier on the surface of the eye.

A stye is a tiny painful lump caused by bacteria, commonly *Staphylococcus aureus*. which resides on the skin and can enter the oil glands in the eyelids through small openings or breaks. Factors contributing to the development of styes include poor eyelid hygiene, touching the eyes with unwashed hands, and using expired or contaminated eye makeup.

It can look like a little pimple – red or with a white/yellow centre and can cause lots of red inflammation and swelling around it. It may cause your eyes to water, but it should not affect your vision.

It does not usually require treatment and gets better on its own after a week or two. You can relieve the pain and swelling with a cool flannel, and you can keep the area clean and encourage any discharge out with a warm compress – soak a flannel with warm water and press against the eye for 5 minutes three or four times a day.

Dr Kandi - Stye

A blister occurs when fluid collects in a pocket between two of the upper layers of the skin. It's very common and most often a result of friction such as shoes rubbing on the skin of your heel. The fluid that fills a blister is serum, the liquid part of blood.

There can be other causes for blisters, such as a burn, abrasive substances, and sometimes viruses or medical conditions can cause blistering.

Blisters should go within seven days and the majority can be treated at home. Blisters caused by friction or heat or toxic substances are not contagious. Blisters caused by some viral infections (such as impetigo, herpes, shingles and chickenpox) can be contagious.

Blisters on the feet are the most common type of blister and there are a number of reasons why these typically form:

- Poorly fitting shoes that rub your feet
- Wearing high heels that put pressure onto one part of the foot
- Wearing shoes with no socks, or wearing socks that are too large and have wrinkles in them
- Having hot or sweaty feet

Head lice (nits): signs, tips and treatments

Head lice, also known as nits, are tiny insects that live on human hair and feed on the scalp. They are very common in young school children and their families and there is no link between head lice and unwashed/dirty hair. The eggs laid by the head lice are what’s known as nits, they stick to the hair and hatch after 7 - 10 days.

Head lice produce symptoms of an itchy scalp and sometimes a feeling of something moving in your hair. The only way to diagnose them is to find a live head louse (it will look black and the size of a sesame seed) by combing the hair with a [head lice detection comb](https://www.healthwords.ai/shop/products/nitty-gritty-nitfree-comb!ee7f24c8-549f-4fcb-bd92-37f1fc3a99cf) which you can get from here at Healthwords or any regular pharmacy. They like to live close to the scalp and cannot survive for very long away from hair.

Dr Kandi - Head lice

Milia (milk spots): causes and treatments

Milia is the condition describing tiny pearly-white bumps on the skin under the eyes. These are little cysts (or sacs) containing a hard semi-solid protein called keratin.

There may be one, two, or a few, and they usually cause no symptoms except that people become self-conscious about their appearance. They are entirely harmless, they need no treatment, and most disappear within a few months (although new ones may form in time).

## What causes milia?

In adults, these may form in response to recent [sunburn](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/sunburn!2e414fdd-ea28-471a-87e9-f66fd472ea37) or from skin damage such as from a [burn](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/burns!afc268b7-07d6-402f-ad0f-d00b9c476547) or unusual skin conditions. They appear in up to half of newborn babies, appearing around the eyes, nose and across the cheeks and clearing up a short while later.

Dr Kandi - Milia

Scabies is an infection from a mite that produces an itch like no other - you (and family members) will be furiously scratching, especially at night. The mite (fancy name: Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis) burrows under your skin, causing very subtle but characteristic grey "track marks" towards a more defined skin mark.

The skin mark may be a tiny red bump (a papule), or may appear as a fluid-filled blister or a pus-filled bump (a pustule). The mite's favourite hide-outs include the webs between fingers, the palms, wrists and forearms, the chest and breasts, and the genitals.

Dr Kandi -Scabies

Molluscum contagiosum are small protruding smooth shiny bumps, often flesh-coloured or pink/red, and distinguished by the dip in the centre of their tip.

If squeezed (and we advise not), a semi-solid substance may ooze out. This is not recommended as this liquid contains the molluscum virus that causes the bumps, and as these are highly contagious, squeezing risks spreading to other parts of the body or gifting to friends and loved ones.

Molluscum is common and usually seen in children. It causes no harm, but parents or sufferers may be bothered by the appearance, and occasionally, a molluscum may become itchy and irritated, or even infected with bacteria.

A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that is located near your joints and acts as a cushion to the bones, muscles and tendons. When a bursa becomes inflamed the condition is called bursitis – and it leads to a red, swollen, painful and stiff joint. This is commonly diagnosed based on history and examination alone and no further investigation is usually needed. 

Commonly this inflammation occurs in the elbows, knees, shoulders and hips but you can suffer bursitis in any joint area of the body. Bursitis can be managed at home and usually subsides within a few weeks but it can reoccur again in the future.

Viscotears are used to relieve symptoms of eye dryness. They are formulated as liquid gel eye drops. They come in either a tube or as single-dose units to be disposed of after each use.

[Dry eyes](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/dry-eyes!4d5e9d9d-dbdb-4dd5-9f64-bc5341473fb8) are very common, and most people will likely have suffered from the symptoms at some point in their life. Symptoms can include your eyes feeling dry, tired, gritty and painful. Blurred vision and eye redness can also occur. Older age, tiredness, weather conditions, certain medications such as [allergies](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/eye-drops-for-allergy!41eb561f-f7c6-4e8b-a073-633496bf328f), and wearing contact lenses can make dry eye symptoms more common. Also, if you have certain medical conditions such as [blepharitis](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/blepharitis!db4986ec-42f0-48ca-988d-3ce0d9c20693), [rosacea](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/rosacea!9c40a20e-f3c2-4cb5-bc04-c225ea96a981), or Sjogren's syndrome, dry eyes can be linked to these.

Uveitis is when part of the eye suddenly becomes inflamed, giving you a very painful, red eye. You might also experience discomfort in bright light (photophobia), blurring or reduced vision. It's important to seek help and get this treated promptly, as in severe cases it can lead to a loss of vision.

Lacri-lube is an eye ointment that is predominantly used in the treatment of [dry eye conditions](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/dry-eyes!4d5e9d9d-dbdb-4dd5-9f64-bc5341473fb8). It is also used for corneal erosion, and to lubricate the eyes before eye surgery. It contains paraffin and wool alcohols (lanolin) which all serve to lubricate and protect the eyes from water loss, thereby relieving symptoms of dry eyes and forming a protective barrier on the eye’s surface.

Bedbugs are tiny insects that cause an intense itch, and can be troublesome to get rid of as they live in clothing, bedding, mattresses and any other soft furnishings at home. They feed on blood to survive, and when they bite, they inject a local anaesthetic that numbs the area so you won’t feel it. It's this that causes the irritation.

They’re a real nuisance but they don’t carry specific diseases to pose a threat to your health.

Infestations range from light, with a couple of bites in a week, to heavy, with 40 or 50 bites in a night. Heavier infestations are likely to need pest control to decontaminate your home.

Hypromellose eye drops are used to relieve symptoms of [dry eyes](https://www.healthwords.ai/symptom/dry-eyes!4d5e9d9d-dbdb-4dd5-9f64-bc5341473fb8). They are often described as artificial tears and are used to moisturise and soothe the surface of the eyes. They can be useful when you either don’t produce enough natural tears or when your eyes are drying out too fast, causing discomfort. They can be used by adults and children, however, it is recommended that you speak to your pharmacist or doctor before using them in children. Some formulations contain preservatives that may cause irritation, if this is the case, preservative-free formulations are also available.

Dr Kim - Eye Formulations

Dr Roger Henderson

Chief Content Officer

Blepharitis is a common and treatable inflammation of the inner rim of the eyelid, usually affecting both eyes. There may be irritation, itching, burning, excessive tears and crusty debris or skin flakes around the eyelashes.

You may also have redness around the eyes and missing eyelashes. Common causes are bacterial eyelid infections, meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eyes, fungal eyelid infections and parasites. Blepharitis can be a recurrent or chronic problem, and patients often have other associated skin conditions such as rosacea and dandruff. Blepharitis is not contagious.

Blepharitis

Doctor’s advice

How can I improve symptoms?

Healthwords pharmacists' top tips

Pharmacist recommended products

Am I fit for work?

When should I see my doctor?

Related topics

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Conjunctivitis

Impetigo

Dry eyes

Chloramphenicol eye ointment

Eye infection

Ectropion (eyelid)

Rosacea

Black dots under the eyes

Permethrin cream

Chloramphenicol eye drops

Brolene eye drops

Xailin night eye ointment

Stye

Blisters

Head lice (nits): signs, tips and treatments

Milia (milk spots): causes and treatments

Scabies

Molluscum

Bursitis

Viscotears

Uveitis

Lacri-lube

Bedbugs

Hypromellose eye drops