Allergic blepharitis is a disease of the eye apparatus resulting from individual intolerance to certain substances. As a rule, the disease affects both organs of vision. But in the presence of hypersensitivity to cosmetics, a one-sided pathological process is observed. The article talks about allergic blepharitis, its symptoms and treatment.
Features of pathology
The disease can provoke complications and worsen the appearance of the patient. To reduce the likelihood of such consequences, timely access to a specialist, diagnosis and properly selected therapy, which is carried out under the supervision of a doctor, will help. Therefore, if symptoms of allergic blepharitis occur, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor.
What is a disease? This is an inflammatory process affecting the eyelids (upper and lower). Irritation and redness of the skin, discomfort and itching are caused by external factors.
Allergic blepharitis in ICD 10 is designated by the code H01.1. This concept refers to the defeat of the anterior or posterior edge of the eyelids. Sometimes the ailment affects the upper part of the organ of vision, next to the lash line. There are cases of inflammation in the sebaceous glands. This type of pathology leads to disruption of the eye apparatus.
Factors that provoke the onset of the disease
According to ICD 10, allergic blepharitis refers to diseases of the skin of the eyelids that are not associated with infection. Its appearance is explained by the following reasons:
- Using medicines (eye drops or ointments) that make the patient intolerant.
- Increased sensitivity to cosmetic products.
- A negative reaction of the body to dust, feathers from pillows and animal fur, pollen.
- Influence of pathogens of infectious diseases.
- Intolerance to household products.
In medical practice, there are cases when allergic blepharitis is accompanied by other pathologies (angioneurotic edema, urticaria, rhinitis). This situation is usually associated with the use of foods or drugs that cause a negative reaction in the body.
Types of disease
Types of allergic blepharitis include:
- Isolated shape. The pathological process extends only to the corners of the organs of vision.
- Anterior marginal type. The disease affects the outer eyelids. The rest of the tissues remain he althy.
- Posterior marginal form. The disease affects the area of the eyelid in the region of eyelash growth. This variety is considered the most serious.
In addition, the disease can occur in acute and chronic form. In the first case, it is easily treatable. In the second, when contact with substances that provoke individual intolerance occurs, a relapse is observed. Inflammatory processes in the eyelids worsen not only the appearance and general condition of the patient, but also negatively affect visual function. In the acute type of the disease, ignoring the norms of hygiene leads to the further development of the infection, which complicates the course of the disease.
How to recognize the presence of pathology?
In the case of allergic blepharitis, the symptoms are as follows:
- Red tint of the skin on the surface of the eyelids, swelling. In some patients, the edema is small. For others, it looks huge and does not allow you to fully open your eye.
- Itching and burning sensation. As a result of discomfort, the patient combs and rubs the skin on the surface of the eyelids. This leads to mechanical damage: cracks, sores, wounds.
- Profuse tear fluid, intolerance to bright light.
- Feeling of a foreign object in the eyes.
Dark shade of skin on the surface of the eyelids
With advanced pathology, there is a loss of eyelashes, the appearance of scars. In place of scars, bald patches remain. This is explainedchange in the nature of the tissues of the eyelids. Eyelashes either no longer grow, or are formed incorrectly. Experts warn about the likelihood of such a complication when talking about allergic blepharitis, symptoms and treatment. The photo clearly demonstrates the external signs of pathology.
In addition, the acute form of the disease leads to severe discomfort, which prevents the patient from sleeping normally and working. In the chronic process of inflammation, there is a burning sensation and constant swelling of the skin around the eyelids, fragility of the eyelashes.
Diagnostic procedures
Continuing to talk about allergic blepharitis, symptoms and treatment of the disease, it should be noted that if symptoms occur, the patient should consult an ophthalmologist. Examinations include:
- External examination of the organs of vision.
- Laboratory analysis of scrapings from eyelashes and mucous membranes of the eyes.
- Examination with a medical device - slit lamp.
- Performing allergy testing to determine the substance that provokes individual intolerance.
- Laboratory blood test.
Therapy Methods
In case of signs of allergic blepharitis, treatment consists primarily in eliminating or reducing contact with a substance that causes a negative reaction of the body. To reduce the symptoms of individual intolerance, a person needs to use antihistamines, drugs,improving metabolic processes in tissues, drops to fight microbes. In addition, physiotherapy is used as a therapy, for example:
- Treatment with impulse current. This method contributes to the restoration of the follicles, the growth and strengthening of weak eyelashes.
- Galvanophoresis. This event is aimed at improving the functioning of the immune system, protecting the body from microbes.
- Procedures using UHF radiation. They help improve blood circulation. Used for rapid healing of affected tissues.
- Treatment with ultraviolet rays. Helps fight toxic compounds and substances that cause individual intolerance, restores the skin.
Physiotherapy for this disease not only eliminates the signs of the inflammatory process, but also helps to avoid complications. The type of procedure and its duration are determined taking into account the age category of the patient.
Medicines with antihistamine properties
The following drugs are recommended for allergic blepharitis:
- Cetrin.
- Allergo.
- Ksizal.
- Zodak.
As a rule, the duration of therapy with such drugs varies from seven to fourteen days. At the discretion of the doctor, the treatment period is extended. In some cases, you have to switch to another medication. Not only tablets, but also eye drops have an antihistamine effect.
These include:
- Opatanol.
- Allergodil.
- Lecrolin.
The required number of drops and the duration of therapy should be determined by the doctor.
Other treatments
To avoid further spread of the infectious process, the patient is recommended means that destroy bacteria. They are sold in the form of drops. This group of medicines includes:
- Maxitrol.
- Tobradex.
- "Normax".
In severe forms of the inflammatory process, stronger drugs are prescribed, for example:
- Hydrocortisone ointment.
- Prenacid and Fluorometholone drops.
If the patient experiences a pronounced sensation of dryness of the mucous membranes, the following drugs are recommended:
- Khilobak.
- Vizin.
- Hilo Chest of Drawers.
- Oftanic.
In the formation of ulcers on the surface of the eyelids, the following drugs are prescribed:
- Sofradex.
- Okomistin.
- Tobrex.
During the entire period of therapy, patients should stop using cosmetic products (mascara, eye shadow, eyeliner, creams and lotions). In addition, it is not recommended to use contact means for vision correction. It is important to avoid long work at the computer, do not strain your eyes, do not scratch inflamed skin.
Folk Therapy
Means based on medicinal plants will help get rid of discomfort. However, such methods should be used asancillary rather than primary therapy. These methods include:
Tinctures and decoctions made from chamomile flowers, calendula, eucalyptus leaves
- Means should be used to wipe the skin around the eyes at least 5 times a day.
- Boric acid solution. The drug is used to treat the eyelids.
- Compresses made from fresh cottage cheese wrapped in gauze.
- Lotions of honey in the amount of 1 large spoon and a decoction of raw onions. The tool is applied 5-6 times a day. It promotes the growth and strengthening of weak eyelashes.
- Decoction of thyme. Used to fight inflammation.
Disease Prevention
For the prevention of allergic blepharitis (ICB code 10 H01.1), the following rules must be observed:
- Avoid exposure to factors that provoke individual intolerance.
- Wear sunglasses when it's sunny.
- To prevent relapse, use decoctions prepared from calendula, chamomile, eucalyptus leaves.
- Refuse cosmetic products, lenses.
- Don't strain your eyes.
