Blepharitis is not typically contagious because it’s an inflammatory condition, not an illness you can pass to someone else through casual contact. But if you’ve ever dealt with eyelids that feel scratchy, look red, or seem a bit swollen, you know how uncomfortable it can be, regardless of whether you can pass it to someone or catch it from them.
Many times, simple at-home remedies like warm compresses and proper eyelid hygiene are enough to relieve symptoms. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms that don’t go away, it’s a good idea to check in with our team to ensure there’s nothing else going on that we should deal with.
What Is Blepharitis?
Think of blepharitis as an inflammation affecting your eyelids. It’s a common condition that can make them feel sore and gritty. While it can be a nuisance, you can typically manage the symptoms with consistent at-home care.
Signs of Blepharitis
Blepharitis symptoms vary in severity, and they typically include:
- Red, swollen, or scratchy eyelids
- A gritty or burning feeling in your eyes
- Flakes or crusts on your eyelashes, especially in the morning
- Watery or dry eyes
- Sensitivity to light
The 2 Types of Blepharitis
There are 2 types of blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis affects the outer part of your eyelid, where your eyelashes grow. Posterior blepharitis happens when the small oil glands on the inner edge of your eyelid get clogged.
Can You Catch Blepharitis?
You cannot catch blepharitis from another person the way you might catch a cold or pink eye. Since it’s an inflammatory response, you don’t usually need to worry about spreading it to your family, friends, or coworkers.
A Bacterial Exception
Sometimes, an overgrowth of bacteria at the base of your eyelashes can cause blepharitis. While the condition itself isn’t contagious, the bacteria could spread through direct contact with eye discharge.
This potential for bacterial spread is why it’s always a good practice to avoid sharing towels, pillows, or eye makeup.
What Causes Blepharitis Flare-Ups?
Blepharitis rarely has a single cause. Instead, a combination of factors often contributes to the inflammation and irritation you feel. If your symptoms seem to appear out of nowhere, 1 of these triggers could be involved:
- A buildup of normal skin bacteria along the eyelid
- Clogged oil glands in your eyelids
- Skin conditions such as rosacea or dandruff
- Allergies that impact your eyes
- Eyelash mites
How to Manage Your Symptoms at Home
You can find significant relief from blepharitis with a consistent daily routine. The main goal is to keep your eyelids clean, which helps soothe inflammation and prevent flare-ups. You can try these things at home to relieve symptoms:
- Apply a warm compress: Lay a clean, warm washcloth over your closed eyes for about five minutes. This heat helps loosen crusts on your lashes and softens blockages in your oil glands.
- Gently clean your eyelids: Use a cotton swab or a clean cloth with a small amount of diluted baby shampoo or a pre-made lid scrub, and gently rub along your lash line to remove debris.
- Rinse well: Finish by carefully rinsing your eyelids with clean, warm water. It’s a good habit to use a fresh cloth for each eye.
- Artificial eye drops: Lubricating eye drops can help relieve symptoms of dryness associated with the inflammation.
What to Avoid During a Flare-Up
You may want to skip wearing eye makeup and contact lenses until your symptoms improve. This break helps reduce potential sources of irritation and allows your eyes to recover.
Book an Appointment with Us Today
If at-home care doesn’t bring relief after a few days or your symptoms worsen, it may be time for a professional evaluation. We can examine your eyes and correctly identify the cause of your discomfort during a comprehensive eye exam.
Based on the findings, our team can create a personalized plan that may include prescription ointments, in-office treatments to deep clean the eyelids, or advice for managing related conditions.If you are struggling with ongoing eyelid irritation, contact us at Verona Vision Care. We can help you find comfortable solutions. Schedule an appointment today to get the personalized care your eyes deserve.
