Blepharitis
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What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis (blef-eh-RITE-is) is common swelling (inflammation) of the eyelids usually at the base of the eyelashes. Your child’s eyes might feel itchy or like they are burning. Their eyes may look crusty, swollen or red. Some people say it feels like having dust in your eyes.
What is the treatment?
If your child has blepharitis, you can help them by:
- Use a warm compress. Wet a washcloth with hot water (test it on your wrist to be sure it isn’t too hot) and place the washcloth over your child’s eyes for 1 minute. Do this in the mornings and before bedtime, followed by lid scrubs.
- Clean the eye lids with moist cotton swabs (lid scrubs). Take a cotton swab (Q-tip) and gently rub a diluted solution of 1 part baby shampoo (no tears) and 1 part water at the base of the eyelashes. Do this in the mornings and before bedtime after the warm compress.
- Use artificial tears. To help with discomfort, use artificial tears, which are over-the-counter eye drops that lubricate the eyes. Use this medicine only if recommended by your healthcare provider. Check with your doctor first before giving any type of medicine to your child.
If you try these treatments and your child still has symptoms, your doctor may prescribe other eye drops.
To Learn More
- Ophthalmology
206-987-2177 - Ask your child’s healthcare provider
- seattlechildrens.org/patient-education
Free Interpreter Services
- In the hospital, ask your nurse.
- From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
