1. Community
  2. Eyes
  3. Blepharitis

Blephartis severe

Posted , 8 users are following.

KP1953
KP1953

I have been battling a severe case of Blephartis since September. It is not under control and I have bad flare ups every 3 weeks even with every treatment known. I know don't over treat but when your appearance and comfort is unbearable you have to do it all.

I was my face and eyes with a foam type cleanser, then use Wet Ones (red type) wrapped on a qtip to each eye lid margin. I wait 10 to 20 minutes and use preservative free eye drops, then apply Blephaclean or Cliradex. Sometimes Ocusoft max (light blue packet) this is a morning and night time.

Between I shower and wash eyes again use a Blephaclean wipe. I only can use a gel type eye moisturizer, lotion seem to cause stress, rash, tearing. I vari routine if I have a lot of desqualmous peeling skin and use ocusoft wipe in dark blue packet to remove skin then rinse. I will use a Systane wipe at times.

I know it's a lot but I have to do it at times during raging flares even in between I follow a morning and night routine and a lid wipe during the day.

I need a new job but who would hire me looking like a zombie? I would like a new relationship but how do I meet someone. They keep saying its common condition, well then how come I never see anyone with this? It's a pain in the ass, horrible disease and I don't understand why it's chronic and no cure. I have allergies but this Blephartis is a horrible condition, my quality of life is affected.

1 like, 24 replies

24 Replies

Next
  • Tripadvisor
    Tripadvisor KP1953

    Posted

    HI KP, I feel your pain, believe you me and the total frustration. Like yourself Ive tried absolutely everything and felt so hopeful when I got full diagnosis (demodox) and ordered the cliradex. Ive spent a fortune on it and lower lids horrible swollen and badly scarred. My last option (that I know of) is to try the Manuka HOney eye drop. Only available in Australia so I will ask my sister to get and send by parcel post. They say manuka honey has remarkable healing properties for many issues so Im gonna try spreading the drops over the lower lids . I actually stopped socialising for months and almost became a recluse so I fully appreciate what youre saying about meeting someone or indeed getn a job. Ditto, Im sick of hearing how supposedly common this disgusting disease is but yet know of nobody with it...and then this statement that theres loads have it and dont know they have....seriously how could you have it and not know, IM like a different person, its like a I have a pair of eyes that belong to someone else, how the heck would I not know I had it......

    Wishing you the best and please keep in touch here, maybe we can all eventually find success in having normal healthy eyes again..we must hold on to hope...

    • agnes99004
      agnes99004 Tripadvisor

      Posted

      Hello everyone I just want to throw out there my latest experience with caring for the skin condition that occurs after your youth into a bad bout . The bacteria escapes your eyes while you sleep and you wake up with dry rings around your eyelids with the skin thickening more each day as you struggle through getting a handle on your eyes again . Once you do as I have after using my ophthalmic antibiotic solution on my eyelids for two weeks I am now due to be off it for a week before resuming it again whether or not I have symptoms this will be I am told the key to maintaining my eyes free from symptoms fingers crossed. In any case I want to a dermatologist about the scaly skin left behind she prescribed an antibiotic cream that I was to apply but my insurance coverage deductible plus co-pay came to almost $350 so I didn't buy it. Instead I started applying coconut oil melted coconut oil with a Q-tip on the affected areas and two days later the skin because the basket has flaked away the redness has gone down 90% and I figured another day or two I'll be able to have my regular skin again coconut oil has many antibacterial properties and I was hoping I'd made the right choice I'm glad I did so before you buy expensive creams or feel frustrated over the skin condition that blepharitis can sometimes cause try dipping your clean fingertips and coconut oil and applying it to the affected areas over and over again it does sleep in to the skin so it dries up almost immediately and you have to put it on again and again eventually you see good results good luck to everyone

  • JJ111
    JJ111 KP1953

    Posted

    I feel your pain!!  No one understands this disease unless they have it.  It is the biggest curse that has been bestowed upon my life.  My best advice is to keep trying solutions until you find something that works for you.  When I have a really bad flare I use prescription erythromycin eye ointment at night.  It knocks it down and then I use my regular 20 different things to keep it at bay.  The pain is constant and I look like a tired zombie most of the time.  I think the condition is common but the severity is very different among suffers including people on this board.  Some people have it very much under control and go moths without pain and there are others like myself that are in daily pain and discomfort no matter what I do.  Even people on this board don’t believe me a say it is not that bad.  Guess what it can be bad, almost suicidal bad and I have an OK life.  It is just the constant pain drags me down, the way I look drags me down and the effort I put into this to manage it drags me down.  I don’t give up and I keep pushing on for a solution and that is what I tell you.  Keep fighting and looking for something that will work for you.
    • KP1953
      KP1953 JJ111

      Posted

      Sorry you are going through this suffering.  It is as bad as you describe.  Just terrible.

       

    • JJ111
      JJ111 KP1953

      Posted

      Thanks KP.  I apreciate the thoughts and I am sorry you are suffering too.  Don't give up and keep fighting.  I think the best thing all of us suffering can do is manage the symptoms until there is a cure.

  • agnes99004
    agnes99004 KP1953

    Posted

    Dear KP yes this is a horrible condition. I am just getting over a flare up that occurred three weeks ago. I was told I did too much and exacerbated the condition.

    . My ophthalmologist urges me to use the antibacterial ophthalmic solution called AzaSite for two weeks two or even three times a day, depending on the severity of the outbreak, then stop for one week then on again for two weeks and again tstop for a week this on and off routine ensures that the antibacterial properties continue to be effective. ask your doctor about this opthalmic solution, which you rub across each lid with eyes closed morning and night, and mid day if necessary. it's expensive but worth it. I also use OccuSoft foam to wash in the morning and before I retire, carry scrubbing wipes (Occusoft, Systane-- Cliradex is too expensive) with me when I'm out during the day. never touch your eyes unless your hands are clean, or use a wash cloth for warm compresses more than once. this is very important to protec.t against cross contammination.. use Systayneb Nightime Vel to get good sleep . Change your pillowcase every other day so that as your eyes get better you don't reinfect them with bacteria . I also take an antihistamine a 10 mg tab it helps with the itch and the weeping eyes try this it won't hurt you . Also start taking Omega3 supplements ... 6000 mg daily...this has helped many others here.

    good luck

    You will get better. Dont do too much, dri k plenty of water too.

    God bless

    Agnes

  • Debbie444
    Debbie444 KP1953

    Posted

    When I was first diagnosed with blepharitis, I used foaming Eye wash, too. I still had flare up's about once a week. As I write this, I haven't had a flare up in months (knock on wood.)

    I have taken a little advice from several people on this site and now have a routine that I follow and NEVER deviate from.

    First, I stopped using the eye wash and started using baby shampoo which I add some drops of tea tree oil. (I use essential oils)

    So, my routine now is as follows:

    I wash my eyes with the baby shampoo mix immediately when I wake up in the morning, and use dry eye drops. Then, when I take my shower shortly after, I stand under the hot water and let the water hit my eye area for as long as I have, up to 10 minutes and once again I wash my eye area with the baby shampoo mix. I wash my hair with tea tree shampoo that I buy at a dollar store. I am picky so after that I use my regular salon shampoo and conditioner. After the shower, I use dry eye drops again, and then I use small squares of the Wet Ones on my upper and lower eye lids. At night, I wash my eyes again, put in eye drops, use the wet ones, and before I go to sleep, I use my blepharitis eye mask for at least 10 minutes. It has worked well for me. I will do this for the rest of life, because before I started doing this, I suffered greatly!

    P.S. The only thing is, I wear my makeup, but I have been afraid to try mascara again yet, but I am going to try it soon!

    • JJ111
      JJ111 Debbie444

      Posted

      Debbie that is just exausting what you go through to manage this condition.  I do much of the same with constant pain each day.  I still can't believe there is not a cure for this a people have to suffer so much.  Best of luck to you and I hope your routine continues to work.

    • Debbie444
      Debbie444 JJ111

      Posted

      Hi JJ,

      You are right! It can be exhausting. I work a job

      That requires 50-60 hours a week, so my time is valuable, but there were days I could barely drive myself to work because my eyes were so sensitive to the light. I also could barely sleep at night because I would wake up with shooting pain in my left eye. I was in a lot of pain and was just miserable. So, this is such a great relief to have found something that works for me. I don't know if it is one of my routine items that work, or if it is the combination, but I am not willing to find out...lol. I hope everyone out there can find something that works for them!

    • Debbie444
      Debbie444 JJ111

      Posted

      Hi again JJ,

      One more thing I wish I would have said. Please do try tea tree oil mixed with baby shampoo if you haven't tried that yet. I just use several drops and mix it in with the shampoo bottle, so it is less work than it may sound. I really think that is a big part of what made a difference for me. I swear by essential oils anyway. It depends on the brand you choose, but make sure it is a therapeutic grade. I hope it will help you!

    • Tripadvisor
      Tripadvisor Debbie444

      Posted

      Hi Debbie

      Im sure you may have mentioned in previous posts (apols if you have) but are your lower eyelids swollen and scarred with the bleph? Its this aspect that Im finding very annoying and frustrating and yes the restrictions re eye makeup is very upsetting as a woman...Cliradex has done nothing for the lower lids for me but because I received a demodox diagnosis Im reluctant to stop using it....Im actually physically and mentally worn out from this complaint. I feel like its taken over my life, just want normality agaain....

    • agnes99004
      agnes99004 Tripadvisor

      Posted

      You can treat the scarring that happens after a severe bout of life with coconut oil . Get some organic coconut oil melted little love it and with Q-tips or very clean fingertips apply it to the affected area regardless of the reason for the condition this helps to heal the red raw swollen and scarred lids above and below your eyes I almost purchased a very expensive nonsteroidal cream to deal with this after visiting a dermatologist . But I could not afford the deductible and the co-pay for the medication which came to almost $350. Coconut oil has many natural antibacterial properties read about it research it have faith in it it can't hurt you even if it leads into your eyes . I hope this helps

    • agnes99004
      agnes99004

      Posted

      I am sorry that the message gets garbled when I dictate . It should say after a severe bout of the condition
    • Tripadvisor
      Tripadvisor agnes99004

      Posted

      Agnes, sincere thanks for your help here. I will try the coconut oil so but I also have my sis in Aus trying to get me some Manuka honey eye drops....Im determined not to give up on this and regain some normality in my life....

      Thanks, Trip

    • agnes99004
      agnes99004 Tripadvisor

      Posted

      I feel the same way...worn down and finally steeling myself to accept this as my new n normal.

      I am determind to stick with my antibacterial opthalmic solution ,AZASITE, though it is expensive...two weeks on rubbing a ti y droplet on my clean fingertip across ea h lid twice a day, morning and night, and one week off so that the effectiveness is not diminished with constant use, like any antibiotic. My most recent flareup was acute be ause I failed to adhere to this schedule and now Iam on a thirty day revimen of doxcycline because my eyes puffed up to epic proportions.

      Its a cautionary tale im citing here...when you find something that works do not deviate from your routine.

      I am now dealing with the raw, red, superdry skin around my eyes that the seepi g bacteria caused by applying covconut oil several times a day and its working. This oil has many natural antibacterial properties ... read about it.

      I also wSh each morning when off the AZASITE with a single drop of tea tree oil in a squirt of baby shampoo, so the bacteria wont get a hold while im off the AZASITE. I AM ALSO TAKING 20 mg of an antibistamine tablet to control itch and weeping and 5-6000 mg og Omeg3 and 1,000 mg of primrose oil S at my age, 67,I suspect a hormonal imbaLance may have played a part in my developing this condition. Im retired and ble to dedicate lots of time to normizing my life to whatever extent possible now. My heart goes out to the you ger people on this board who are struggli g. I can only say be superconscientious about the mai tenance good lu k.

      Also stand in the shower with warm water on your face for at least five minutes each morni g, use your Refresh gel drops, more soothing than the more liquidy ones, carry your Occusoft wipes for on the road midday cleaning, and never go to bed without washi g with a drop of tea tree oil in baby shampoo and using either your gel drop or a ribbon of Systane Nightime Gel.

    • Debbie444
      Debbie444 Tripadvisor

      Posted

      Hi,

      No I guess luckily scarring has not been an issue. I noticed before that I had "pockets" of fluid (looked like a big whitehead) on my lower left lid, but once I started using my blepharitis mask (called eye soothe) that went away.

      I feel for you. Keep trying things. I felt quite hopeless in the beginning. The Opthamologist that I went to asked me what the worst part of it was to me and I told her it was the pain of it. It just flat out hurt. I always felt like I had something in my eye, and that was the pain on a good day. I started a routine, which I talked about earlier but it was after I added the baby shampoo mixed with tee tree oil that I finally stopped having symptoms. Not to say it is gone, I can feel it still very slightly, but it doesn't stop me from living and doing what I want to do anymore. It is so much better but I will never forget. Best of luck. I hope you find what you need to make your symptoms livable. And I think you will. BTW, I found this site last January, the day I was finally diagnosed. If Lynda79 is still around, I credit her with getting me started on the right track with the wet ones! Thanks Lynda!

    • agnes99004
      agnes99004 Debbie444

      Posted

      Hi Debbie

      so nice to learn that you have found something that works for you. Question: while using the tear tree oil and baby shampoo twice a day, do you also employ use os the Wet Ones...say midday or some other time?

      Im using the mix during my week off the antibacterial Azasite I use mirning and night for two weeks on and one week off. I dont want to do too much and invite severe reprecusdions, like a particularly bad flareup.

      Thanks in advance for your response.

      Best...Agnes

    • Tripadvisor
      Tripadvisor Debbie444

      Posted

      Hi Debbie

      thanks so much for your reply. I try very hard to remain positive and hopeful but to say this has taken over my life is an understatement. I feel Im not me anymore and Ive developed an anxiety disorder from it, am always on tender hooks. IM so self conscious of how I look and not being able to wear eye makeup. Im goin to a dermatologist in March as Ive also developed a severe allergy to house dust mites so IM hoping apart from her dealing with the allergy she could even recommend or prescribel something for the eyes. Im using cliradex Id be reluctant to try the wet ones for fear they do further damage, my biggest problem is the horrible swollen and scarred lower lids.. I will sign off for now , please keep me posted on any other info you discover, Debbie

      Thanks

      Trip

    • Debbie444
      Debbie444 agnes99004

      Posted

      Hi Agnes,

      Sorry it took me so long to respond! Traveling the last few days. Anyway, I do it all in each session. I think it has really helped that I immediately wash my face when I wake up with the baby shampoo with tea tree oil and then I usually take a shower about an hour later, so once again I will wash my eye area with the same mix, and for me, I then use dry eye drops because dry eye syndrome is what caused the blepharitis in the first place! After that is when I cut a small piece of a wet one and wipe the upper and lower part of my eye lid. I just wrap the wet one around my index finger to wipe. At night, I repeat this routine. Oh also, I run hot water over my eyes in the shower, and st night I always use my blepharitis mask (the one I use is called Eye Sooth). Works great. I hope this helps because I know how awful this condition can be!

      Best Of Luck,

      Debbie

    • agnes99004
      agnes99004 Debbie444

      Posted

      Thank you so much Debbie for your response. I will look into the tea tree oil that you mention. I use the Teatree oil I purchased in my local health food store but I'm also using once a day my ophthalmic solution rubbing it across each eyelid. The solution is very expensive but I'm afraid to stop using it though I'm down to once a day. My ophthalmologist does not agree with the Teatree oil treatment but as we all know on this block the doctors don't have a clue

      Thanks again continued good luck with your success story act

    • rita02437
      rita02437 Debbie444

      Posted

      Debbie, thank you very much. I am learning from you. What a stamina and persistence that we all need.

      I think the  worst culprit in bleph is dryness and bacterea. I succeded over dryness with my EYEECO wet glasses. You can get them on Amazon.

      But bacterea is A HARD ENIGMA. Warm compresses 2 times a day help but this is not enough. I bought expensive Cliradex wipes.But they are too harsh for me. Have no idea where you guys but Wet Ones.

      Please respond.

      Yes all of us sufferers.God bless. Prayer helps too

    • agnes99004
      agnes99004 rita02437

      Posted

      WET ONES (use those in red container/dispenser only) are a tibacterial hand wipes with the Active Ingredient benzethonium chloride 0.3% strength. They are available in any drugstore in the USA.

      Maybe you can buy them on Amazon if you are in the UK. I've had some success with them, mostly for maintenance.. To clear up a severe outbreak, which I've had about a half dozen times since i was diagnosed last July. It feels like forever ago.

      I end up using my AzaSite when it gets bad as well as the tea tree oil mix and Wet Ones.. it takees me almost a week to get a handle on it sometimes ten days. This med is very e,pensive for a tiny bottle but when you're miserable money is no object.

      Good luck to us all.

      Agnes.

Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.