Top Natural Cures for Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the eyelids. The inflammation is generally caused by an infection that results as a malfunction in the oil glands located at the base of your eyelashes. If you have blepharitis, you’ll likely experience a variety of symptoms including watery or red eyes, a gritty or burning sensation in your eyes, itchy eyelids, greasiness in your eyelids, crusting of your eyelashes, and light sensitivity.
There are two types of eyelid inflammation – anterior and posterior. Anterior eye inflammation occurs on the outside of your eyes, while posterior eyelid inflammation occurs in the inner corners of your eyes.
The exact cause of blepharitis is not yet known, however certain factors definitely increase your risk. Such factors include dandruff on your scalp or eyebrows, eyelash mites or lice, side effects of medication, certain types of bacterial infections and malfunctioning oil glands.
Blepharitis can cause a lot of discomfort and even affect your vision.
Eyelash loss is a potential complication of blepharitis.
As untreated blepharitis can lead to a serious eye infection, you should see your doctor right away. A thorough eye examination can rule out the possibility of a serious infection due to the presence of bacteria, fungi or viruses.
For minor symptoms, you can try some simple home remedies.
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.
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.
Scrub Your Eyelids
You need to scrub your eyelids often to prevent accumulation of oil residue and scaly patches on the eyelids. It will also prevent the development of crusts on the eyelids that can delay the healing process.
• Prepare a solution with 2 or 3 drops of baby shampoo in 1 cup of warm water.
• Dip a clean cotton ball into the solution.
• Use it to gently scrub the base of your eyelashes for 15 seconds per eyelid.
• Rinse both your eyes with cool water to get rid of any remaining residue.
• Pat dry gently using a soft towel.
• Repeat this remedy 2 or 3 times a day.
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.
Coconut Oil
Another simple treatment to try at home is coconut oil. It is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and other nutrients that help reduce inflammation, itching and pain as well as restoring eye health.
• Soak a cotton ball in coconut oil.
• Place it directly on the inflamed eyelid for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Use this remedy at regular intervals throughout the day.
You can also apply the oil before going to bed and rinse it off the next morning. If you do not have coconut oil, you can try olive oil.
Aloe Vera
When dealing with eyelid inflammation, you need to keep the eyelids properly moisturized to prevent formation of crust and flakes. The moisturizing property of aloe vera is very helpful in this regard. Plus, its anti-inflammatory property helps reduce redness, swelling and inflammation. It is also effective at fighting infection.
• Cut open an aloe vera leaf to extract the fresh gel.
• Apply this gel on your eyelid and rub gently.
• Allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
• Use this remedy 2 or 3 times daily.
Note: Use fresh aloe vera gel only. Do not use over-the-counter lotions that contain aloe vera gel.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial for treating blepharitis. These fatty acids are useful in reducing the symptoms of blepharitis. Diet having fatty acids is beneficial for health.
Compiled by Manizheh Soleimani Fard
Resources:
earthclinic.com
searchhomeremedy.com
top10homeremedies.com
findhomeremedy.com
Other links:
Effective Natural remedies for Dark Circles under Eyes
Contact Lens and Eye Care
8 Ways to Treat an Eye Injury
