Factors Linked To Blepharitis
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Similar risk factors for blepharitis and acne exist. Cosmetics, hair products, and facial treatments are irritants. Among the most prevalent risk factors for blepharitis are: (4)
Seborrheic skin inflammation
Blepharitis is a condition that is triggered by seborrheic dermatitis. It is a chronic inflammatory skin disease caused by a fungus (Malassezia) and characterized by red, scaly regions on the skin, as well as yellow or oily scales. It can affect any region of the body, including the face, eyes, groin, chest, and scalp, among others.
Seborrheic dermatitis is more prevalent in areas of the body that produce a lot of oil, such as the scalp or face. The oil produced by sebaceous glands lubricates hair follicles and skin pores. This oil becomes thick and sticky for individuals with seborrheic dermatitis as a result of changes in the yeast germs residing in skin tissues. This clogs the tiny hair follicle openings at the root of the eyelashes. This clogging results in an accumulation of dead skin cells, which often appear as flaky, yellow scales on the surface of the skin.
Contact sensitivity
Contact allergies are a prevalent blepharitis risk factor. Medications, cosmetics, household cleansers, soaps, and detergents expose the eyes to a wide variety of allergens. This may include fragrances in face creams, pigments in eyeliner or mascara, preservatives in cosmetics and eye drops, and even solutions for contact lenses. According to studies, individuals who are allergic to cosmetics and compounds (such as perfume) have an increased risk of developing blepharitis. These allergens cause dryness on the eyelids and adjacent skin, resulting in redness, irritation, and eventually eyelid scaling.
Some individuals are more susceptible to eye infections caused by contact lenses than others. If you have contact lens-related eye infections or skin allergies, blepharitis may be more likely to develop.
Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes is the leading cause of seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory condition of the conjunctiva characterized by redness and scaling. According to a 2010 article published in the “Journal of Family Practice,” patients with diabetes are more likely to develop blepharitis. This may be due to increased hormones as well as an increase in inflammatory bacteria on the eyelids. Patients with blepharitis and diabetes must be aware of these risk factors to ensure appropriate treatment for both conditions; however, there is no evidence that treating one will prevent the other.
Poor sanitation
Blepharitis is primarily associated with poor sanitation practices. Those who do not routinely cleanse their faces are more likely to develop the condition. This typically results in the accumulation of microorganisms on the eyelids, which can cause inflammation and irritation.
This can cause bacteria to develop on your eyelashes if you do not remove your contact lenses properly or if you do not clean around them regularly. Other bad hygiene practices are linked to low treatment adherence, poor wound healing, and increased bacterial resistance. Blepharitis-causing bacteria can be distributed around the eye area by improperly closing eyelids during sleep, not washing hands before bed, or rubbing eyes with dirty fingertips.
Cosmetic cosmetics
Women’s cosmetics can be quite potent. Makeup is a broad term that incorporates numerous cosmetic products, including foundation, sunscreen, moisturizers, and makeups. As an example, numerous varieties of mascara contain the chemical phenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause skin reactions. Makeup can sometimes obstruct pores and cause blepharitis.
Mascara, foundation, and eyeliner are the most common cosmetics believed to increase the risk of developing blepharitis. When mascara is applied, the conjunctival sac can become clogged. The sebum content of mascara makes the eyelids more susceptible to infection.
Age
The risk of developing blepharitis increases with age. People with blepharitis tend to be elderly, as symptoms are most prevalent in those 50 and older. As we age, our eyes become more susceptible to this condition, and the severity of the symptoms increases. Age may increase the risk of blepharitis due to the eyelid’s shrinking, which reduces the extent of its opening. This can cause eye pressure and increase the likelihood of bacterial proliferation.