Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is the inflammation of the eyelid at the edge of the upper or lower eyelashes. The eyelids of babies with blepharitis are reddened, scaly and irritated. If a secondary infection develops, the eyelashes may fall out. The eyelid itches or burns and the eyes may water profusely.

Blepharitis can cause other eye diseases such as styes, chalazion or conjunctivitis. Even if inflammation of the eyelid margin is unpleasant, it does not usually cause visual defects.

 

Blepharitis is usually triggered by seborrhoeic skin inflammation, bacterial infections or overproduction of the sebaceous glands of the eyelids.

 

In any case, a baby with symptoms of blepharitis should be treated by a paediatrician or ophthalmologist. Although inflammation of the eyelid margins will pass, it is unfortunately often chronic and returns at irregular intervals. However, blepharitis can be controlled quite well with appropriate treatment and hygiene.

 

Blepharitis is usually treated with warm, moist eye compresses, antibiotic eye drops and daily eye washing. The eyes are washed with warm water and a saline solution or diluted baby shampoo to reduce the bacteria and remove dead skin cells so that the pores are clear and can heal.