How to Treat Dandruff of the Eyelids

Dandruff that affects the eyelids is a medical condition known as blepharitis. It is a bacterial condition that is a source of irritation to the eye. Normally, when people think of dandruff, they visualize white flakes along a collar line, but dandruff of the eyelid is different. It is a serious medical condition that should not go untreated. This condition that affects the eyelid will cause severe itching, redness, excessive tearing and may produce a burning sensation. It is referred to as a disease, and the more advanced forms may include a crusty buildup around the eyelid and lashes. Patients will also experience swelling and the feeling that there is something in the eye. The condition is not contagious, but does resemble symptoms of conjunctivitis.

There are two forms of this eyelid condition, seborrheic blepharitis and ulcerative blepharitis. Many people are familiar with the term seborrhea and relate it to conditions of the skin and scalp. This type of blepharitis appears as flakes around the base of the lashes combined with redness on the eyelid. The ulcerative type is not as common, but is more serious. Ulcerative blepharitis is characterized by hard crust around the lashes. When this crust is removed, it can cause small sores to appear that will ooze and bleed. Some patients may experience a loss of the eyelashes and excessive tearing in the affected eye. This type is much more serious because the cornea itself could also become inflamed and irritated.