Inflamed eyelids, also known as blepharitis, is something that a lot of people experience at some point during their lives. It's a common eyelid inflammation, often associated with a bacterial eye infection, certain types of skin conditions, or dry eyes.
Common symptoms include redness, itching, burning, a gritty sensation in your eye, tearing and some crustiness in or around the eye. Blepharitis can sometimes be problematic to manage, because it's chronic.
It's helpful to know, however, that there are a number of things you can do to deal with blepharitis and guarantee that your eyes stay clean and healthy. Begin by applying a warm compress, such as a washcloth, to your outer eyelids to help the crust begin to loosen prior to cleaning them. The warmth from the washcloth will also help get rid of any blocked residue in your eyelids' oil secreting glands. When you begin treatment, you will probably need to use the compress several times throughout the day for roughly 5 minutes every time. When things clear up a bit, you may only need to apply the compress once daily for a few minutes.
This cleaning process is essential to blepharitis treatment, so you should use a commercial eyelid cleanser or whatever product your optometrist recommends. Be sure to lightly massage your outer eyelids and all residue should be rinsed off after the cleansing process.
Although it may be uncomfortable, blepharitis isn't catching and typically, does not lead to any long-term harm to your eyesight, so speak to your eye care professional about how to maintain eyelid hygiene.