Blepharitis in Children: Care Instructions

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Eyeball and optic nerve

Your Care Instructions

Blepharitis is an inflammation or infection of the eyelids. It causes dry, scaly crusts on the eyelids. It can also cause your child's eyes to itch, burn, and look red. This problem is more common in children who have dandruff, skin allergies, or eczema.

Home treatment can help keep your child's eyes comfortable. Your doctor may also prescribe an ointment to put on your child's eyelids.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

  • Wash your child's eyelids and eyebrows daily with baby shampoo. To wash your child's eyelids:
    • Place a very warm face cloth over your child's eyes for about a minute. This will help soften and loosen the crusts on your child's eyelashes.
    • Put a few drops of baby shampoo on a warm face cloth.
    • Gently wipe your child's eyelids. This helps remove any crust. It also cleans the eyelids.
    • Rinse well with water.
  • Be safe with medicines. If your doctor prescribed medicine, use it exactly as directed. Call your doctor or nurse call line if you think your child is having a problem with the medicine.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your child has new vision problems.
  • Your child's eyes hurt.
  • Your child's eyelids bleed.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:

  • Your child's eye turns red, gets very teary, or has discharge.
  • After 2 weeks of home treatment, your child's symptoms are not better.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter U196 in the search box to learn more about "Blepharitis in Children: Care Instructions".

Current as of: March 3, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & A. Evan Eyler, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Psychiatry