You're going to find a lot of advice and different ways to deal with this here in this sub, from Wet Ones to putting honey on your eyelid. I've posted my own things a few times, but as you think it's bacterial, I'd look into this. It's the best money I've ever spent and I use it twice a day. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q1DVG7S/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If your blepharitis is caused by the skin condition Ocular Rosacea, there is a possibility for an overgrowth of demodex mites. Solantra is the dermatologist prescribed ivermectin formulated medication for this condition. It's not to be used on the eyes, best I know. Tea Tree oil can also kill demodex mites and is available in several different eyelid washes for this purpose. Tranquil Eyes Eyelid & Facial scrub addresses demodex also. I use it and really like it.Tranquil Eyes Eyelid & Facial Cleanser
I haven’t tried it but maybe something like this tape along with your regular mask. It helps stop your breath going upwards towards your eyes.
This is the best. OPTASE Moist Heat Eye Mask for Dry Eyes - Dry Eye Mask with HydroBead Technology - Washable, Microwaveable Eye Compress for Dry Eyes - Dry Eye Therapy Mask Holds Heat for 10 Minutes - Step 1 Heat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N43NOYP/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_801958Q0YK7QF7ZE03DS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You can try the Aroma Seasons one. I've used mine a lot and it can get really hot and due to the design, it really does concentrate the heat on your eyelids.
Throw makeup out. And your makeup brushes. If you want to wear eye makeup,order makeup brushes online. Ipurchased these. EXFOLIATING 100 Pack Multicolor Disposable Eyelash Mascara Brushes Wands Applicator Makeup Brush Kits https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085CB6VY1/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_1V7TSFV8MZV08RX5JZNJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 they are inexpensive. N Purchase a new mascara take the brush out,use this one for each eye,just the tips then throw away and recap. I use these to apply tee tree oi/codliver oil one for/ each eye and I apply it at night. It helps keep blepharitis at bay. Shadow I'd use a q-tip. Cut in half one per eye. No double dipping. I eventually gave make up up. So much work to treat the blepharitis I'd rather just not wear makeup than have to continually treat it.
I use this eyelid cleanser at night and also do hot compresses when I get flare ups. Advanced Formula Tea Tree Eyelid and Facial Cleanser (50 ml) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I064U5G/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_N1JS4Q9JSB2PVE4Q6RPB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have a mask from a company called Wizard. Purchased from Amazon. I'm very happy with it https://www.amazon.ca/DRY-EYE-MASK-Wizard-Research/dp/B07X58XS45
I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LBL172C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I like that one because it distributes the heat evenly, at least in my experience.
With the Ocusoft - I'm trying to remember. I certainly have dry eyes when I have Bleph happening, yes. On a regular basis I think my eyes are just kinda normal. I'm just saying though, the Ocusoft were just a bit TOO abrasive for me. I do know when I switched it was way better. Is the Skinsmart an antimicrobial?
I'm using Ocusoft products. I buy them on Amazon.
I've used both the lid scub wipes and the foam (which lasts longer than the wipes).
Here are the links
Ocusoft Foam Cleanser
I feel like Canada is very limited when it comes to over-the-counter eye products. These ocusoft products are being shipped from the US via amazon.
thank you so much for the response! Just to confirm, which of those 2 is the one you use for face wash and is there any difference between them?:
https://www.amazon.com/Vanicream-Z-Bar-Medicated-Cleansing-Bar/dp/B073VPSW6T
These are the Amazon links. For Braggs acv I use 50:50 ratio of water and acv. I use a q top to apply it around the eyelid skin as well as on the eyeball. It does sting a little but that goes away quick. I do that once at night after showering. The black soap I use every other night because it can be drying. I use it clean my whole face and rub some around the eyelid too. Make sure not to get the soap into your eye.
The warm compress thing never produced the desired results for me personally.
If your glands are blocked then one of these suckers will loosen em up -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P76NG3C
At times when I use this, my vision is blurry afterwards for an hour, due to all of the oil being released. It gets to the point where it's not safe to drive.
The NuLids Starter Kit – Nulids at-Home Dry Eye Treatment and Relief – Convenient & Easy to Use Handheld Device for Relief from Dry Eye, Blepharitis, MGD Symtpoms - Includes 30 Day Supply Of Soft Tips https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08247ZVLB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_3RD8SDN11X674X85GG5F?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Have you considered this? It might work for you if blephex did as you use it every day. I haven’t bought it yet as I want to try blephex treatment first.
Do you mind telling me which foods gave you the allergic reaction? And has a specialist said this was normal? I’ve recently been working on discovering which foods make my eyelid swell.
wow, thank you so much for the detailed routine and the links!! i’ve been using the occusoft demodex lid scrubs: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079TV1S1R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YQFXRQKDATEJMNXGNFPD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 but i have no clue how much it’s actually helping. they don’t seem to be making things worse but they also don’t seem to be making things better. my doctor recommended this specific one so that’s why i’ve been using it, but it has tea tree oil in it. I don’t wear makeup bcz i’m lazy and with covid and wearing masks I just feel no need honestly ahaha but i’m definitely going to have to look into the spray you mentioned at the end! thank you so much!
I've recommended the Aroma Seasons one before in this sub, this is the link. It's a bit smaller than the usual eye masks but really concentrates the heat on your eyelids. I got mine shipped overseas over a year ago and it's still been my best purchase for bleph!
I have this one (purchased in April 2021). I have a small face and it works well. I used it daily for a while (maybe a few months) and my blepharitis went away, but now it's back so I'm using it again.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08T96PGBN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's definitely a little pricey. I've read reviews of the cheaper masks and have noticed they either don't get as hot or break down after constant use. I had an issue with mine after 4 months, reached out to the company, and then they replaced it free of charge. The second one that came was an improved version so seems they fixed the issue because it's been going strong ever since.
I use high setting for 15 minutes morning and night then gently massage the upper and lower eyelids right after. Sort of pull down on the upper and roll up on the lower. Don't have the strap of the mask too tight it can leave a red mark I've noticed.
If you want to save money you could go for this:
I bought this for traveling in case I lose it in transit. Used this on a trip recently and it worked pretty well. Doesn't get quite as hot but does the trick.
I got the Aroma Season one from Amazon, it's a little smaller so it really concentrates the heat on your eyelids. It was a little pricey cos I had it shipped overseas, but I've been using it daily and it's still held up well and I've had it for almost a year already! Here's the link.
I was curious, so scrolled back a bit and found this. Don't know if you're still having these troubles, but I have a few thoughts for you.
Magnesium is vital to our body processes. Most people are deficient in it. Taking lots of it can have a big systemic improvement, including clearing up chronic dark circles around the eyes. Do some reading about the different kinds and how much is good to take.
I used to be sick for 6 months out of the year with hay fever, 3 months in spring, 3 in fall. I read about oregano oil and how it can help some allergies. I didnt want to pay for the super expensive oreganol, which is just oregano essential oil diluted in olive oil. So I bought solar ray capsules. When my eyes and nose started melting down, I took 1 a day before a heavy meal, in 2 weeks all my hay fever symptoms disappeared. I hate my hay fever, so I just kept taking it until the bottle was empty, 3 months. I did this for 2 years, then the allergies stopped coming. I didn't move or anything. Now if my eyes itch a little, I take it for a week and it's gone. It doesn't work for all allergies, but I feel it's worth a try, so I mention it to everyone who suffers.
You might find this book useful. It's what taught me about food allergies and sensitivities. It gave me the tools I needed to find my food and chemical sensitivities and reclaim my health after decades of chronic illness.
I'm not a doctor but I've struggled with this for over a decade. Stop with the baby shampoo. Try something like this instead. It's amazing and helped me out a ton when I found out about it from my optometrist.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B013M57VZG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_FWgDQ7LSrzbEu
Also see an opthalmologist or optometrist that is more up to date on blepharitis. The baby shampoo is an old treatment which doesn't work well.
Also hot compresses work well to open up the eyelids. Be gentle with it of course you want it warm, not hot. Clean your eyelids with the scrubs every morning and night. The other stuff your doing sounds good. I take allergy meds which help but this summer has been pretty bad so I'm doing the occasional hot compress.
I don't use waterproof mascara as find it takes ages to get off but it's a good one that seems to last anyway - L'Oréal millions.
I use a usb heat mask I got off Amazon Aroma Season Moist Heated Eye Mask for Blepharitis and Dry Eyes Treatment, Warm Therapy to Unclog Glands, Relieve Stye Eye, Dry Eye Syndrome and MGD (Gray) https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07P76NG3C/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_GHFACM1KGPPD01QHRM3V
Aroma Season Heated Eye Mask, For Stye Blepharitis Moist Treatment with Flaxseed, Warm Therapy to Unclog glands, Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome, Chalazion, Stye, MGD and Blepharitis (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBL172C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VPJ7YED9VPFS1H94W47S
>topical spray BRIOTECH
Thank you! I bought this, which is the same right, just more expensive. LOL https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q1DVG7S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hi there, fellow blephie here. I too, have the terrible itchy thing, and understand what your going through. When this happens, for some reason, and this was recommended to me by a dr friend of mine, (I bought it out of desperation) this works - but ONLY on the itching: https://www.amazon.com/Physicians-Formula-Refreshment-Cucumber-Puffer/dp/B077PR1PNW?ref_=ast_sto_dp
I don't know why, I don't question it. It just does.
Edited to say - I try not to get it IN my eyes, but if it does, it stings. I don't care, it stops the itching for me.
I don't like the Ocusoft. I felt like it aggravated my eyes more. I think it's super abrasive so I stopped using it. I like this instead: https://www.amazon.com/Formula-Cleanser-mililiters-Blepharitis-Symptoms/dp/B01I064M22?ref_=ast_sto_dp
I am no dr, but I will tell you once I stopped Ocusoft I think it helped!
Welcome. Avenova was a game-changer for me. I got it at CVS, but you can also get it on amazon. Warm compress helps, along with daily morning/evening cleaning. I hope you get to feeling better! Also, the tearing may be because of dry eye (disclaimer: I am not a doctor and have no idea).
https://www.amazon.com/Avenova-Eyelashes-Blepharitis-Dysfunction-Hypochlorous/dp/B07Q1DVG7S
I just bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SM61FCT/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o05\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and really am loving it so far. I was skeptical, but it's only been two days and I can already use the computer more comfortably! I canceled the order first when I found out there was a v2, then canceled that one after I read that most people preferred v1. Good luck!
I’m 32 and have been dealing with blepharitis since I was 18. I’ve tried just about every treatment. Antibiotics, drops, ointments, blephex and lipiflow. I’ve even had bumps from styes cut out of my eye lids. My dad also has it and his is terrible too.
A few years ago I switched ophthalmologists and she got it under control. She had me start using an eye wash that you can find on Amazon, use it morning and night and don’t skip a day, it will get better. I also see her every 3-4 months for blephex (it’s like a power wash for your eye lids).
Gentle Formula Tea Tree Eyelid and Facial Cleanser (50 mililiters) Helps Reduce Dry Eye and Blepharitis Symptoms Caused by Demodex https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I064M22/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_1qDVFb2HYW5BE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
There are products with tea tree oil .. Like scrubs , wipes , shampoo etc .. From brands like Oculeaf, Ocusoft that you can find on Amazon .. However for me personally none of the products worked on me ..there are many people who've seen good results though . . what worked for me is this product
https://www.amazon.com/Blepharitis-Dysfunction-Eye-Irritation-Hypochlorous/dp/B06VW5J11K