Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelash follicles, along the edge of the eyelid.

Eyelid inflammation

Blepharitis is caused by an overgrowth of the bacteria that is normally found on the skin. It is usually due to seborrheic dermatitis or a bacterial infection. Both may occur at the same time.

The cause is overgrowth of the bacteria that is normally found on the skin.

Allergies and lice that affects the eyelashes may also cause blepharitis, although these causes are less common.

People who have blepharitis have too much oil being produced by the glands near the eyelid. This allows bacteria normally found on the skin to overgrow.

Blepharitis may be linked to repeated styes and chalazia. You are more likely to develop this condition if you have seborrheic dermatitis of the face or scalp, rosacea, lice, and allergies.

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Blepharitis

Review Date: 08/03/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)