Inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis) and other diseases characterized by damage to the skin folds around the eyes should be treated in the same way as any other disease - only after determining the exact cause. This pathological condition is one of the most common reasons for contacting an ophthalmologist.
Briefly about provoking factors
Most often, this violation occurs as a result of a viral or bacterial infection of the mucosa. It is no coincidence that children are at risk for blepharitis. Pathogenic microorganisms enter the skin through contact with unwashed hands and airborne droplets. Here can play its negative role:
- weakened immune system;
- prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays;
- eye injuries;
- stress;
- allergy.
Cosmetics of dubious quality are capable of causing inflammation of the eyelids. In children, swelling and redness of the eyelids may not go away for a long time due to prolonged crying. Often such a disease affects people sitting at a computer for several hours in a row.
Types of diseases of the eyelids
When talking about inflammation, blepharitis is most often referred to. It can be one-sided and two-sided. Blepharitis rarely acts as an independent disease, often develops a second time against the background of infectious conjunctivitis, keratitis. Pathologies are accompanied by characteristic signs:
- crusts form on the skin of the eyelids;
- the eye is very itchy;
- lacrimation increases;
- eyelashes fall out intensively;
- fatigue of the organs of vision increases.
In addition to blepharitis, barley can appear on the eyelids (inside or outside). Pathology is characterized by the formation of a tubercle, in which a purulent mass accumulates. The cause of the appearance of barley in the eye, which in medicine is called halazion, is a staphylococcal infection. In complicated cases, an abscess is possible.
How to treat eyelid inflammation
Blepharitis therapy alone is not enough. They will be powerless if the patient combes his eyes or watches TV for a long time, is at the computer monitor. For recovery, it is also necessary to work on strengthening immunity, including only healthy foods in the nutritious diet.
As for drugs that are used to treat inflammation of the eyelids, first of all, it is worth noting antiseptics. The type of infectious agent in this case does not matter - before conducting antibiotic therapy, it is necessary to apply a disinfecting antimicrobial drug (for example, Chlorhexidine). For the speedy removal of inflammation, it is appropriate to use systemic hormonal drugs (Alomid, Lecrolin, Maxitrol, Dexamethasone), as well as external ointments (Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone). If the cause of blepharitis was a bacterial infection, antibiotics of a wide spectrum of action, as well as drops and ointment for the eyes with an antibacterial component (tetracycline ointment, sodium sulfacyl) are required. In the absence of pus, only local remedies are used.
Is there an alternative to pharmacy medicines
Instead of antiseptics, you can use simpler and at the same time safe means: tea brewing, as well as a decoction of chamomile, calendula or cornflower. In more detail about folk remedies will be described in one of the following sections.
If inflammation of the eyelids of the eye was triggered by dust, smoke or bright lighting, it can disappear without any intervention after eliminating the irritating factor.
Blepharitis is often triggered by an allergic reaction, in particular, is a manifestation of spring hay fever. To cure the ailment, it is enough for a while to give up walking in parks and alleys with flowering plants, as well as undergo treatment with antihistamines.
What to do if the lower eyelid is affected
Barley, as a rule, occurs from below. Inflammation of the lower eyelid is complemented by marked hyperemia and edema. Pus accumulates in the affected area, painful sensations appear.
The easiest way to treat barley is to place an antibacterial eye ointment based on erythromycin, tetracycline under the lower eyelid. Do not do without anti-inflammatory analgesic drops. When halazion used "Phloxal", "Tobrex", "Levomycetin." Before you dig in your eyes, you must thoroughly wash your hands and warm the bottle in your palms.
How to cure the upper
Preparations for eliminating blepharitis are selected by an ophthalmologist depending on the type of disease. With a scaly disease, tetracycline ointment is used. She treats the inflamed eyelid after washing with an antiseptic. Albucid ointment is also suitable for treatment if the patient has no skin ulcers. At the end of the procedure, the eyes are instilled with disinfecting drops.
If blepharitis was triggered by parasites, anthelmintic agents are prescribed to the patient. For inflammation of the upper eyelid caused by a fungal infection, external antimycotics are used. In parallel, specialists can prescribe drugs to maintain and strengthen the immune forces.
Inflammation around the eyes in children
The pathological process on the eyelids can occur not only in adults. Moreover, in preschool children, conjunctivitis and blepharitis are some of the most common eye diseases. In infants, inflammation of the eyelids is caused by obstruction of the lacrimal canal or its narrowing.
It is difficult to notice the pathology in the baby in the early stages, when any symptoms are absent. If a child’s lacrimation increases, the eyelid turns red and purulent discharge from the conjunctiva is observed, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Many mothers make a huge mistake when, with symptoms of inflammation, they begin to wash their eyes with breast milk. Such actions can only aggravate the condition of the baby, as they contribute to even greater reproduction of the pathogenic flora. For washing the eyes of a child, you can use either a pharmacy antiseptic or a low concentration of chamomile infusion.
What is meibomite
If the sebaceous glands become inflamed, internal barley is diagnosed. The official name of the disease is meibomite. How to treat eyelid inflammation in this case? Everything is simple: the same as purulent blepharitis.
Pathology can occur acutely and chronically, which is important when choosing medicines. With meibomite, a seal is formed, inside of which pus is contained. If treatment is started as early as possible, at the first manifestations, it will be possible to cope with the disease using antibacterial agents (Phloxal, Normax, Ciprofarm, Normax, Levomycetin).
It is better to abstain from the use of compresses and lotions, as they can lead to a worsening of the patient's condition. Recurrent meibomite often claims immunity problems. In addition, inflammation of the eyelids (a photo showing how the affected eye looks, can be seen above) may indicate diabetes mellitus or disorders in the endocrine system. In severe cases, the patient may be recommended surgical treatment.
Is it possible to cure chronic halazion?
If the inflammatory process proceeds on the inside of any of the eyelids, halazion is diagnosed. Most often, the disease develops against a blockage of the meibomian glands. With a prolonged course of the disease, the purulent contents become covered with a film and barley passes into the cyst, which increases in size over time.
The experts believe that the cause of chronic halazion is excessive production of sebum, a lack of B vitamins in the body. The parasitic mite Demodex is also able to hit the lower or upper eyelid.
If the size of the cyst does not exceed 4 mm, the inflamed edges of the eyelids are treated with ointment with a steroid component, most often containing hydrocortisone or dexamethasone. The patient is recommended to undergo a course of UHF therapy in order to improve blood circulation. Treatment of acute halazion involves instillation with “Phloxal”, “Toradex” or “Ciprolet” every 3-4 hours.
In the presence of education more than 5 mm in diameter, surgery is performed and pus is eliminated. Doctors resort to the surgical treatment option in exceptional cases involving serious illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, when conservative methods are ineffective.
How to relieve itching from an inflamed eye
Before using any drugs, it is necessary to establish the exact cause of itching and inflammation. Treatment for the eyelid will depend on what exactly caused the swelling, redness, or suppuration.
If a person in the recent past has experienced serious stress or not rested enough, it is likely that he can heal himself without any medication. To recover, you will need to revise your daily routine and lifestyle. With an allergic form of inflammation, the problem can be solved with antihistamine eye drops. The same answer will be given by experts in the case of insect bites. By the way, doctors recommend taking antiallergic systemic drugs at the same time as the main drug course, as they help eliminate burning, itching, swelling on the skin.
Alternative treatment
Admirers of alternative therapeutic methods should understand that self-medication, even if using natural means, is unacceptable. Before using any alternative medicine, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
With a severe inflammatory process of the upper or lower eyelid, home remedies will complement the treatment regimen and will achieve the desired therapeutic effect much faster. The simplest and most common alternative medicines are described below:
- Tea solution for washing. Used fresh strong tea leaves from black tea (no additives).
- Infusion of chamomile, calendula or oak bark. To prepare a therapeutic solution with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, you will need one of these components in the amount of two teaspoons per glass of boiling water. Before use, the infusion should be filtered.
- Aloe juice. As drops for the eyes, you can use fresh agave juice diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 5 (for 1 tsp. Aloe juice, 5 tsp. Purified water). Apply the medicine three times a day, dripping one drop in each eye.
- Propolis ointment. Crushed propolis in an amount of 5 g is thoroughly mixed with 100 g of petroleum jelly. The resulting mass is sent to a dark glass jar for a couple of weeks. The container with ointment should be set aside away from sunlight. When the medicine is ready, it is applied directly to the diseased eyelid and left to act for 15-20 minutes.
- Lotions with millet. In the process of preparing millet porridge, it is necessary to carefully drain the water from the pan so that the millet grains do not get into the dishes. In the cooled liquid, a gauze bandage is moistened, which must be put directly on the eyes and kept for half an hour.