$Unique_ID{BRK01528}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Condition Causes Red and Crusty Eyelids?}
$Subject{eyelid inflammation inflammations blepharitis Sense Infection
infections infected Crusty Eyelids blepharitis bacteria bacterial bacterium
eye crusting eyelashes sties dry eyes lid margins vision senses lids sight
seeing see}
$Volume{F-21, A-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Condition Causes Red and Crusty Eyelids?


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QUESTION:  Would you please tell me what you think I have, a condition that
makes my eyelids all red and crusty.  They itch and burn something fierce.
Can this condition be treated?

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ANSWER:  Sounds like "blepharitis", an inflammation of the edge of the eyelid,
usually caused by bacteria.  There is often a feeling of something in the eye,
such as a speck of dust might provoke.  Symptoms include; red, puffy eyelid,
sore eye, crusting of skin at base of eyelashes, recurring redness of eye or
eyelid, frequent sties, burning of eyes, and the eyelids sticking together in
the morning.  Many persons with "dry eyes" have this chronic inflammation of
the lid margins.  A visit to the physician is important because untreated
blepharitis can result in serious complications, which may eventually endanger
your vision.  Proper treatment controls blepharitis.  Use warm compresses,
wash the eyelid carefully with a cotton tip applicator, and apply prescribed
antibiotic ointment as directed.  Warm compresses must be used for a minimum
of five minutes to loosen the crusted skin and dirt, which must then be washed
away.  Avoid getting particles of crust in the eye, and be careful not to
strike the eye with the applicator.  When you apply the ointment, some of it
may get in the eye, but it's usually all right.  Here's one time when
following your doctor's advice exactly will most certainly pay off.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.