Eyelash dandruff, also known as blepharitis, causes the eyelids to become red, inflamed, and itchy, and the lashes to develop scales that resemble flakes. Germs or skin diseases, such as rosacea or scalp dandruff, can trigger this common eye ailment. Blepharitis has the potential to cause discomfort. However, it is not communicable and often does not result in long-term eye damage. We know that the condition sounds like a strange problem, but surprisingly, it is quite a common issue! Keeping your eyelids clean and clear of crusts is the primary therapy for blepharitis. Although blepharitis seldom goes away entirely, there are things you may do to control your symptoms. So what causes dandruff on the eyelashes? Keep reading for an in-depth guide filled with home remedies and early signs!
What causes eyelash dandruff?
Blepharitis, or eyelash dandruff, is often caused by an excess of germs on the base of your eyelashes on eyelids. It's natural to have microorganisms on your skin, but too many might be harmful. Blepharitis may also result from irritation or blockage of the oil glands in your eyelids.
- Flaky areas of skin on your face or scalp are called dandruff.
- Rosacea is a skin disorder that often affects the face and produces redness and pimples.
- Greasy skin
- Allergies affecting the lashes
What are the symptoms of eyelash dandruff?
A gritty or burning feeling in the eyes, excessive tears, itching, red and swollen eyelids, dry eyes, or crusting of the eyelids are all symptoms of blepharitis. Blepharitis just slightly irritates and itches certain people. More serious symptoms, such as blurred vision, missing or misdirected eyelashes, and inflammation of other eye tissue, especially the cornea, may result from it. Touching and rubbing the inflamed region may also lead to the development of a secondary infection.
What are the types of eyelash dandruff?
Based on the look of the eyelid margins, an optometrist can identify the kind of eyelash dandruff. The following list includes the various types of eyelash dandruff and their associated symptoms:
- Patients with staphylococcal blepharitis often have enlarged lid margins, absent or misdirected eyelashes, and slightly sticky eyelids.
- Patients with seborrhoeic blepharitis exhibit minor redness of the eyelids and oily flakes or scales around the base of the eyelashes.
- Patients with ulcerative blepharitis have thick, matted crusts around their eyelashes. Little lesions that leak and bleed are left behind after the crusts are removed. These individuals may also have persistent tearing, eyelash loss, and deformation of the eyelids' front borders. The cornea, which becomes the transparent front layer of the eyeball, becomes irritated under extreme situations.
- Patients with meibomian blepharitis have redness of the eyelid lining, poor tear quality, and obstruction of the oil glands in the eyelids.
What are some home remedies for eyelash dandruff?
The following natural treatments may help with minor cases of eyelash dandruff:
- For ten minutes, while keeping your eyes closed, apply warm, wet compresses to the eyelids and lashes using washcloths, microwaveable heat masks, or electronic compresses.
- After that, spend 30 seconds gently cleaning the eyelids and lashes while keeping your eyes closed. Scrubs include commercially marketed lid-scrub treatments that come in the shape of foams or disposable wipes, as well as diluted, foamed infant shampoo. Additionally, there are spray-on solutions available that may have antiseptic or antibacterial properties.
- Close your eyes and rinse your eyelids and lashes with fresh water to complete the procedure.
- Massaging aids in the expression of the glands' oily contents once the sebum has been released using a heated compress. Make tiny circular movements to massage the edge of the eyelid, which contains the glands and eyelashes, using your finger, a cotton-tipped applicator, or a swab.
What are some clinical treatments for eyelash dandruff?
- Artificial tears: These are over-the-counter medications that may help combat blepharitis-related dry eyes throughout the day. The greatest kind of artificial tears to use are those that don't include preservatives.
- Cool compresses: To help reduce eyelid inflammation, apply a cold compress to the eyelids while keeping your eyes closed for ten minutes at a time throughout the day. As prescribed by your physician, this may be alternated with warm compresses.
- Lubrication: Blepharitis and dry eye are often treated together. Unless otherwise prescribed by your physician, it is usually advised to use chilled, preservative-free artificial tears four times a day in both eyes.
- Prescriptions: Prescriptions for antibiotics, steroids, and other drug combinations are given as oral tablets or ocular drops. It is crucial to adhere to all your doctor's dosage recommendations to minimise the risk of negative medication interactions, side effects, and other issues.
- Dietary and lifestyle modifications: Dietary and lifestyle modifications are often suggested by nutritional doctors. Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, dietary supplements containing essential fatty acids, such as omega-3, are sometimes advised. However, because not all dietary supplements are suitable or beneficial, you should always speak with your dietitian and primary care physician before beginning any new supplement regimen.