Eyelid Infection

If your eyelids are red and seem to be infected, there can be two reasons for it. It can either be a case of blepharitis or what is commonly known as a sty. While both result in inflammation of the eyelids, the causes for each are different. Blepharitis happens when the tiny glands in the eyelids are unable to lubricate the eye properly leading to a dry and itchy sensation. The symptoms will be a reddening of the skin on the eyelids, an extremely dry and itchy eye and a feeling of heaviness on the eyelids. Eye sty on the other hand is caused due to an infection or block in the sebaceous gland in the eyelid and at times due to an external agent like an inferior quality mascara or eyeliner. An eye sty will display symptoms such as a red lump on the eyelid, usually painful, a tender swelling of the eyelid, and a tiny yellow spot at the center of the swelling. There will be sensitivity to light in the event of both these afflictions and exposure of the eye to sun can be extremely painful. However, they can be treated quite easily from the comfort of your own home.

A diluted solution of a baby shampoo or any mild shampoo is an excellent remedy for blepharitis. Dilute some shampoo in 500 ml water and dab the solution on the eyelids very carefully using a ball of soft cotton. This loosens the scales on the skin in the event of blepharitis and greatly relieves the resulting irritation. After dabbing the solution, rinse your eyelids clean with cold water. Repeat this at least thrice a week and you will see a marked improvement. In case of an eye sty, hot or warm compresses are most advocated. Guava leaves warmed and placed on a cloth dipped in warm water is an excellent compress. It almost instantly reduces the redness and the swelling. Turmeric is another effective remedy. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric in a cup of water, cool and strain the mixture several times through cheesecloth. Administer this solution in the form of eye drops three times a day to relieve the irritation. Another effective remedy is boiling coriander seeds in water. Use one teaspoon of coriander seeds in a cup of water and boil for a long time. Cool and strain the liquid and wash your eye with it 3 to 4 times a day.h1