Inflamed eyelids, also called blepharitis, is something that a lot of people suffer from at some point during their lives. Blepharitis is a commonly occurring eyelid inflammation, usually associated with an existing bacterial eye infection, specific kinds of skin conditions, such as acne, or dry eyes.
Often, symptoms include itching, burning, redness, a gritty sensation in the eye, tearing and crusting around the eye. The condition can actually be tricky to manage, because it's chronic.
You'll be glad to hear that there are a number of ways to treat blepharitis and ensure good eyelid hygiene Begin by applying a warm towel to your outer eyelids to facilitate loosening the crust that may have formed on your eyelids and eyelashes before you clean them. The warmth from the washcloth will also get rid of any blocked residue in the oil-secreting glands in your eyelids. At the start of your treatment, you may find you need to use the compress several times a day for about five minutes each time. Afterwards, you may only need to apply the compress for a few minutes, once a day.
Cleaning your eyelids is fundamental to treating blepharitis, so it's best to find a commercial lid scrub or whatever product your optometrist recommends. Be sure to carefully massage your outer eyelids and wash any residue away at the end.
Although it may be uncomfortable, blepharitis isn't actually contagious at all and in the vast majority of cases, does not lead to any permanent damage to your eyesight, so have a talk with your eye care professional about the best way to maintain clean and healthy eyelids.