13 Effective Home Remedies For Blepharitis (Eyelid Inflammation)

Blepharitis is nothing but eyelid inflammation. It will affect your eyelids and can be irritating. The base of your eyelashes will get inflammation.

Blepharitis is not a very serious condition but can be troublesome to you. It usually affects both the eyes and any age can get affected by it.

The oil glands near the base of the eyelashes sometimes become clogged. This can cause several eyelid disorders and Eyelid Inflammation too.

In this article, I will discuss in detail about this disorder called Blepharitis. I will tell you about its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, prevention methods, home remedies when to see your doctor and much more. You can now read further for complete information about this disorder.

What Is Acute Blepharitis?

Blepharitis can be acute or chronic. Acute Blepharitis can be either ulcerative or non-ulcerative. Staphylococcal which is a bacterial infection can cause Acute Ulcerative Blepharitis. A virus-like herpes simplex can also cause this.

Acute non-ulcerative blepharitis is usually caused due to allergic reactions. The symptoms can be very irritating. You should consult your doctor for proper treatment as soon as possible. Also, the causes of chronic eyelid inflammation are still not well understood.

Home Remedies For Blepharitis (Eyelid Inflammation)

1. Castor Oil

Castor Oil is an effective home remedy for treating Eyelid Inflammation. It has anti-inflammatory properties. This will help you in reducing the inflammation in the eyelids.

It will also help you in reducing the redness, swelling, and itching caused due to Blepharitis. It has medicinal properties making it useful for several purposes.

How To Use?

• Wash your eyes with lukewarm water and clean it.
• Use a cotton ball and apply castor oil on your eyelids.
• After keeping it the same for some hours, wash your eye carefully again.
• You can apply it before going to sleep for better results.
• You have to repeat this process 2-3 times a day.

2. Warm Compress

Warm Compress is one of the most effective methods for treating eyelid inflammation. It helps in unblocking the pores of the oil glands on the eyelids.

The warmth that it provides improves the blood circulation in your eyes. It also helps in reducing the swelling and removing any crust on your eyes.

How To Do?

• Take some warm water. Make sure it is not too hot.
• Wet a cotton cloth with this warm water.
• Put this cloth on the affected eye for some minutes.
• Try this twice or thrice daily.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in treating several disorders. It removes bacteria, virus or fungus that has affected your eyelid area. It will soothe the symptoms of Eyelid Inflammation.

How To Use?

• Take a few drops of Tea Tree Oil.
• Add a tablespoon of good quality coconut oil to it.
• Take a cotton ball. Dip it in the mixture.
• Apply it to the closed eyelid and also the eyelashes.
• You can do this a few times daily.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Foods

A proper diet with more anti-inflammatory foods can help you in this case. These foods will help you to ease the symptoms of Blepharitis. You can eat foods like-

• Fishes like salmon, tuna etc.
• Green leafy vegetables like spinach etc.
• Dry fruits
• Fruits like oranges, strawberries, cherries etc.
• Omega-3 foods.

5. Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses And Eye Makeup

If you wear eye makeup and contact lenses, it might delay the recovery. The hygiene of the eyelids can get disrupted. You should stop wearing any of these until the eye gets healed. You should maintain the hygiene of your eyelids for better and faster recovery.

6. Use Baby Shampoo

Baby Shampoo is gentle. It will clean your eyes without damaging them. It will also keep your eyes moisturized. You can use a no-tear baby shampoo.

How To Use?

• Mix a few drops of baby shampoo with warm water.
• Take a cotton ball and dip it in this solution.
• Scrub the eyelids and eyelashes gently.
• Wash the eyes with clean water.
• You can do this daily.

7. Honey

Honey has antiviral, antibacterial and antibiotic properties. It provides relief to many disorders. It helps in easing the symptoms of Eyelid inflammation. It will also help you in moisturizing your eyelids.

How To Use?

• Apply a small amount of honey to the affected area.
• Let it be for some minutes.
• Wash your eyes with clean water.

8. Aloe Vera

We all know about the wide variety of healing properties of Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It will help you here by healing the symptoms of Blepharitis.

How To Use?

• Take some aloe gel.
• Apply it to your affected eyelid.
• Clean your eyes with water after 10 minutes.
• You can repeat this process 2-3 times daily.

9. Black Tea

Black Tea has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It will help in soothing the symptoms of Blepharitis.

How To Use?

• Keep a black tea bag in boiling water.
• Let it become a little warmer.
• You should now remove excess water from it and put it on your affected eyelid area.
• Keep it for some minutes for better results.

10. Control Your Dandruff

Dandruff can worsen the condition of your eye in case of Blepharitis. It can cause redness and flaking. You should get rid of it as soon as you can.

You can ask your doctor to suggest you a dandruff shampoo. You can also use coconut oil, tea tree oil, and other essential oils.

11. Try Blinking More

It might sound a little strange to you. But, blinking more can be of help too. When you will blink more, oil glands of your eyelid will produce oil. This will also reduce the risk of clogging.

12. Potato

Potato is of help when are dealing with Blepharitis. The potato will help you to decrease the burning sensation in your eyes. It will also stop any bacteria from affecting your eyes.

How To Use?

• Cut a potato in thin slices.
• Keep a slice of it on your affected eyelid for about 10 minutes.

13. Petroleum Jelly

There can be lice in your eyebrows, hair, and eyelashes. They can cause and worsen Blepharitis. You have to get rid of them. So, you can use petroleum jelly in this case. You have to apply a little amount of petroleum jelly on your eyelids.

This will help in killing the lice. You can wash your eyes after some time. This will help you to get rid of lice and provide you with an effective way to treat Blepharitis.

What Are The Causes Of Blepharitis (Eyelid Inflammation)?

You cannot always find the exact cause behind Eyelid Inflammation. But, there can be several factors which can increase your risk for this disease. There can be several causes due to which Eyelid Inflammation can occur.

Several diseases, infections or allergies are related to this. They can be-

1. The growth of some harmful bacteria that can cause an infection in your eyelids. Staphylococcal blepharitis is a type of blepharitis. This can be due to the bacteria called Staphylococcus. Their outgrowth can cause eyelid inflammation.
2. An allergy can also cause Blepharitis. You can develop allergy due to eye drops, eye makeup or contact lenses. This can sometimes lead to Eyelid Inflammation.
3. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MSD) in which the oil glands of eyelids gets clogged or quantity of oil changes. The clogging or blocking of oil glands in your eyelids causes this disorder.
4. An infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) can also cause eyelid inflammation.
5. Dandruff of your scalp or eyebrows can also develop Blepharitis. This is called as Seborrheic dermatitis.
6. Sometimes fungal infection on your eyelids can also lead to eyelid inflammation.
7. Rosacea is a skin condition that can affect your face. It can also lead to eyelid inflammation and so redness, burning, and itching of the eyes.
8. There can be eyelash mites or lice. They can lead to Eyelid inflammation. It can lead to itching in the eyelid margins and sometimes loss of lashes.

Symptoms Of Blepharitis (Eyelid Inflammation)

The symptoms of this disorder are usually noticeable to you.

There can be several symptoms and signs of Blepharitis and can include-

• Burning sensation in the eyes.
• Redness in the eyes.
• Swollen and red eyelids.
• Sticking of eyelids.
• Loss of eyelashes.
• Itching in the eyelids.
• Having a sensation of something in the eye.
• Too much sensitivity to light.
• More frequency of blinking of the eye.

How Do You Diagnose Blepharitis?

You should go to your eye doctor for the diagnosis. The doctor will examine your affected eye. He will do a physical examination of the eye for proper diagnosis.

The doctor can use his specialized tools to do the checkup. He will examine the cause because of which the eye is causing a problem. Then, according to the cause, he will suggest you the proper treatment.

The doctor can also take the sample of the fluid coming out from your eye. This sample will be examined under a microscope. It will help the doctor to find out about the cause and so he will suggest you the proper treatment.

How To Prevent Blepharitis (Eyelid inflammation)?

You cannot completely prevent Blepharitis. But, you can control it by following certain daily methods. They are-

• Always remove any eye makeup before you sleep.
• Wash your eyes with clean water 4-5 times a day and maintain their hygiene.
• Do not apply makeup to your eyes if you are already in the early stage of Blepharitis.
• After you recover from Eyelid Inflammation, buy a new pair of contact lenses and makeup. The previous ones might be contaminated.
• You should not touch your eyes with dirty hands. Always wash them before touching your face or eyes.
• If you find any problem in your eyes, consult your doctor as soon as you can.

Can Blepharitis Be Treated?

Yes, Blepharitis can be treated. You have to consult your doctor to find out the cause of Eyelid Inflammation. The doctor will suggest you the proper treatment. The treatments might include-

1. Hygiene is most important for treating Eyelid Inflammation. You should clean your eyelids and remove any debris lying there. You can use a warm compress and scrub your eyes for cleaning them. You have to wash your eyes frequently. Remove contact lenses before cleaning your eyes.
2. Your doctor may provide eye drops. The eye drops will help you to lubricate your eyes. They will also help you to ease the symptoms of Blepharitis. You have to use the eye drops as suggested by the doctor. Usually, the eye drops are easily available at medical stores.
3. The doctor may also suggest to apply antibiotic ointments or creams. These will effectively treat any infection on the eyelids. You may also have to consume antibiotic pills for better healing of this condition.
4. If Blepharitis is related to some other disease, it can be treated by treating that underlying disease. You should consult your doctor every week for your progress until it gets completely cured.

Is Blepharitis Serious?

Usually, Blepharitis is not serious. But, it can sometimes lead to certain complications which can affect your eyes. You should consult your doctor if you find any symptoms related to Blepharitis.

The doctor will help you to treat it. Eyelid Inflammation if remained untreated can be there for several years. So, go to your doctor and take proper treatment.

Complications, If You Have Blepharitis

Blepharitis is troublesome but usually not serious. Though, some complications are associated with Blepharitis.

They include-

1. Styes

Styes is basically an infection which develops near the base of your eyelashes. The outside of the eyelid can develop painful swelling and pus. It is caused due to bacterial infection.

2. Conjunctivitis

It is the inflammation of the conjunctiva. It is also called as the chronic pink eye. It is usually caused due to the bacteria in the eyelids and can last up to 10 to 14 days.

3. Damage To The Cornea

Inflammation due to Blepharitis can cause damage to your cornea. Sometimes, it can lead to ulceration and infection. It can lead to severe pain. It is rare but serious as it can affect your eyesight.

4. Dry Eye Syndrome

It is a common complication if you have Blepharitis. It will happen if your eyes are not able to produce enough tears or they evaporate quickly. It will make your eyes dry and sore.

5. Chalazion (Meibomian Cyst)

It will occur if there is clogging in the oil glands at the margin of your eyelids. It can lead to red and swollen eyelids. It is basically painless swelling and usually goes away without a treatment. You can use home remedies to get rid of chalazion.

6. Problems To The Eyelashes

Blepharitis can make your eyelashes, grow abnormally and can even lead to much loss of eyelashes.

7. Problems To Eyelid Skin

If Blepharitis is affecting you for a long time, it can create scars on your eyelid skin. It can also create some other problems with the eyelids.

When To See Doctor?

You have to see your doctor if you find any of the symptoms of Blepharitis and they are not getting better by simple hygiene methods of your eyelids.

If the symptoms are affecting you severely, consult your doctor immediately. The doctor will help you in treating the condition.

Your doctor will suggest you proper treatment after knowing the cause. You should follow your doctor’s advice to get better soon.

Final Talk

Blepharitis can be irritating and itchy. Maintain proper hygiene. Consult your doctor and follow his advice. You can use the natural home remedies for faster healing. The home remedies will help you to maintain hygiene and provide benefits to your eyes.

Hope, the article helps you to get rid of the problem soon.