Discover the Right Way to Perform an Eyelid Scrub (2024)

If you have blepharitis, your healthcare provider may recommend using an eyelid scrub. This can help relieve blepharitis symptoms like dry, itchy eyelidsquickly. You can purchase eyelid scrubs over-the-counter or you can make your own with a few simple items.

This article discusses eyelid scrubs for blepharitis, how to make one at home, as well as other treatments that relieve symptoms of eyelid inflammation.

How Eyelid Scrubs Relieve Blepharitis

Eyelid scrubs are a process for removing material from the eyelids in order to treat blepharitis. Since they're inexpensive and easy to perform at home, eyelid scrubs are a great way to keep your eyelashes clean and alleviate symptoms like itching and inflammation.

Blepharitis can develop when there are excessive bacteria on the eyelids and at the base of the eyelashes. Blepharitis can also develop if the oil glands in the eyelids become clogged and lead to irritation or inflammation.

Blepharitis is often associated with other conditions, including dandruff, rosacea, oily skin, and allergies that affect the eyes.

Blepharitis gets better with treatment, but it usually does not completely go away. It is commonly a recurrent problem that can be managed with regular daily eyelid hygiene.

DIY Eyelid Scrubs

Although there are many different over-the-counter eyelid scrubs available for purchase, it's easy to make your own eyelid scrub at home for a fraction of the cost.

What you Need

• Clean washcloth or Q-tip
• Warm water
• Baby shampoo

It is best to use medical-grade Q-tips because they are sterile and more tightly wound, so you won't get pieces of the Q-tip cotton in your eye.

What to Do

1. Mix baby shampoo with clean, warm water in an equal one-to-one ratio to make the eyelid scrub solution.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
3. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water.
4. Apply a small amount of the diluted baby shampoo solution to the washcloth or Q-tip.
5. Close one eye and gently rub the base of your eyelashes with the warm washcloth or Q-tip. Rub the entire area for one minute.
6. Carefully rinse your entire eyelid with clean, cool water.
7. Repeat with your other eye, using a fresh clean washcloth and Q-tip.

Over-the-Counter Eyelid Scrubs

Over-the-counter eyelid scrubs contain ingredients that treat the root causes of blepharitis. They may come in the form of eyelid cleansers and eyelid wipes.

The right medicated wipes or eye solution will depend on the underlying cause, so ask your healthcare provider about which one to use. You can find over-the-counter eyelid scrubs in pharmacies or order from many online retailers.

Other At-Home Treatments

People with blepharitis need to practice good eyelid hygiene.

In addition to using an eyelid scrub, a regular daily routine may also include:

• Warm compresses: A clean, warm washcloth is applied over a closed eyelid for three to five minutes at a time to break down oils that may be clogging the eyelid glands.
• Eyelid massages: After applying a warm compress, massaging the eyelids can help move oil out of the eyelid gland. Gently rub along the length of the upper and lower eyelids for 30 seconds.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If your blepharitis doesn't get better or keeps coming back, you may need to talk to your healthcare professional about other treatments. A healthcare professional may recommend:

• Steroid eye drops for reducing swelling and inflammation
• Antibiotics, if a bacterial overgrowth is identified
• Treatment of the underlying health problem, such as dandruff or rosacea

Summary

You can make your own eyelid scrub for blepharitis by simply using warm water and baby shampoo. Eyelid scrubs (homemade or OTC) can help wash away micro-organisms and crusts that form along the lash line, which can ease itching and inflammation caused by blepharitis.

Complete elimination of blepharitis may not be possible, but adhering to a regular eyelid hygiene routine should reduce symptoms, severity, and flare-ups. Regular use of warm compresses and gentle eyelid massages may further relieve blepharitis symptoms.