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Blepharitis is an eye infection that causes the eyelids to swell up excessively. The condition usually arises when the oil glands located at the base of the eyelashes malfunction.
And in addition to causing inflammation, the condition leads to other troublesome symptoms like redness, burning/itching sensation, crusting (a thin film that develops at the base of eyelashes), tearing (usually frothy), inability to see clearly in the daylight (increased sensitivity) and the feeling of a foreign particle present inside the eye.
Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Blepharitis At Home
Blepharitis can be classified into two forms, posterior blepharitis which causes inflammation inside the eyelids, and anterior blepharitis which causes inflammation near the base of the eyelids. Both cases, however, can be effectively treated at home with the help of certain home remedies. Here are some of the most popular home remedies for blepharitis in individuals.
1. Frequent Cleansing
Individuals suffering from the condition would need to clean their eyes at regular intervals throughout the day to prevent the formation of crust on the eyelids. The best way to clean the eyes would be to use a warm towel to gently rub the inflamed eyelids.Doing so would effectively remove the crust formed on the lashes, and oil residues and scaly patches near the eyelids as well. The inner layers of the eyelids can also be cleansed by gently pulling back the eyelids and placing a warm towel in these areas for about 20 minutes.
2. Hot Showers
Standing under a hot shower is known to be effective in treating both forms of blepharitis. Individuals with the condition would need to stand under a hot shower with his eyes closed (face turned upwards). The warmth of the water would melt and wash away the crust formed on the lashes.It would also reduce the inflammation caused in the eyes. Placing a warm towel above the inflamed eyelids after the shower can effectively reduce the swelling and burning/itching sensation caused by the condition.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Applying a drop or two of tea tree oil on the inflamed eyelids can effectively treat blepharitis and its symptoms. The tea tree oils needs to be diluted with vegetable oil first by mixing a few drops of both oils together. A cotton bud needs to be soaked in the resultant mix and then placed over the eyelids for about 15 minutes to reduce the itching and inflammation caused by blepharitis.The cotton bud can also be used to apply some of this diluted tea tree oil mixture to the inner layer of the eyelids. It would cause a stinging sensation for some time, but would effectively reduce the itching, irritation and swelling afterwards.
4. Baby Shampoo
Applying some baby shampoo over the inflamed eyelids can effectively treat blepharitis in individuals. A diluted form would do as concentrated shampoo can affect the eyes. A solution can be prepared by mixing a drop of baby shampoo in boiling water, and letting the resultant solution steep for about 30 minutes.A clean cotton bud can be inserted into the warm solution and then carefully rubbed against the eyelids (at the base of the eyelashes) to reduce the inflammation and remove the crust.
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5. Castor Oil
A few drops of castor oil added to the inflamed eyelids can effectively bring down the swelling, itching, irritation, burning sensation and pain associated with blepharitis.The best time to follow this remedy would be at night when a cotton bud can be used to gently apply the oil all over the eyelids and lashes. A few drops of the oil can be applied to the eyes as well before bedtime in order to prevent the formation of crust.
6. Potato Packs
Placing a few slices of grated potato over the inflamed eyelids can effectively reduce the swelling caused by blepharitis, and provide immense relief from the pain and itching caused by the condition. Placing potato slices on the eyelids can also get rid of the infection behind blepharitis (and it symptoms).Individuals with blepharitis can opt to grate a fresh potato and apply the pieces on the eyelids for about 20 minutes. Following this remedy at least 2-3 times a day can effectively eradicate the infection and bring down the symptoms of the condition within a few days.
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is often recommended as a very effective home remedy for blepharitis, and is considered instrumental in reducing the pain and irritation caused by the condition.A cotton bud needs to be soaked in coconut oil and then placed directly above the inflamed eyelids for about 20 minutes. The remedy needs to be followed at regular intervals throughout the day (maybe 3-4 times every day) in order to prevent the symptoms from flaring up again.
8. Petroleum Jelly
In some cases, blepharitis can be caused due the presence of lice in the hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. In these cases, it is considered wise to get rid of the lice before treating the condition and its symptoms. And that’s where petroleum jelly can be considered extremely useful. Applying some petroleum jelly on the eye lashes and along the base of the eyelids would suffocate the lice and kill them. Rinsing the eyes with lukewarm water afterwards would wash away the dead lice.This can be followed by treating blepharitis using any of the remedies mentioned above. Following this remedy at least once every day can effectively treat blepharitis and prevent it from recurring as well (in case it is caused by lice infestation).
9. NAC Oral Supplements
Opting for over the counter NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) supplements can help treat blepharitis and its symptoms effectively. These supplements contain an amino acid called cysteine which would stimulate the increased production of an antioxidant enzyme called glutathione in the body. The enzyme in turn, would help to loosen secretions, including the crusty secretions formed at the base of the eyelashes.Getting rid of these secretions would remove the blockages in the oil glands present in the eyelashes. And that would in turn, effectively treat blepharitis and its symptoms (including pain and inflammation).