Eyelid Infections – Eyelash And Blepharitis Problems And Treatment
Types Eyelid Infections
The eyelid, as the name suggests, is the thin fold of skin that covers the eyeball. It performs a few very essential functions. Its primary function is to help spread teardrops from the tear ducts onto the surface of the eyeball to keep it moist. They also keep the eyes from drying up when we are asleep. In addition to this, our “blink reflex” protects the eye from foreign particles. The short curved hairs that grow from the edges of the eyelid are known as the eyelashes. And they serve as additional protection against dust, foreign bodies and the body's own perspiration.
We have all experienced an infection of the eyelid at some point or the other. Normally either the glands along the edge of the eyelid or the eyelash follicles become infected, which is like having a pimple on the eyelid. The former is called blepharitis and the latter a sty.
Both can be quite a nuisance, but most often not a serious problem.
Blepharitis may be caused by bacteria, allergies to certain environmental conditions or may also be caused by a skin infection on another part of the body. The symptoms of blepharitis include itching irritation or a burning sensation. Some people complain of a feeling that there is something in the eye or that their eyes feel dry. To treat it, clean your eyelids at least twice a day with warm water or antibiotic drops as prescribed by a doctor. To relieve the symptoms, apply a clean, warm and damp cloth over the eyelid.
A sty on the other hand is an infection of the root of the eyelash. It is formed when the glands inside the eyelid become blocked which promotes bacterial growth. This results in increased inflammation, pain and redness of the eye as well as the eyelid.
Treatment For Eyelid Infection
Treating such a condition is usually quite easy. Again just like in the case of blepharitis using a warm compress and washing the eye with warm water 3 to 4 times a day usually does the trick. If you can safely identify the eyelash whose root is infected use a pair of tweezers to carefully remove it. This will help with the drainage of the pus and quicken the recovery but avoid squeezing the sty itself. That may multiply your problems. If either infection keeps recurring or worsens you should visit a doctor immediately, who in all likelihood will prescribe an antibiotic ointment and possibly even oral antibiotics.