Test the temperature on the wrist. Some doctors recommend applying warm compresses, before using soap or commercial cleaning products, to remove any residue that has accumulated at the base of the eyelashes. Other doctors recommend using a clean washcloth or a lint-free cloth, soaked in warm water, to gently rub the base of the eyelashes. Gently rubbing for 15 seconds per eyelid loosens any residue and helps to wash it off.
The key is to rub very gently, just enough to moisten the fabric and release the residue. Exfoliating eyelid pads or washes are gentle cleansers formulated to soothe inflamed eyelids. Contrary to their name, they don't contain “exfoliating granules” like a facial scrub. However, they have the ability to eliminate bacteria, pollen, crusts and oils that develop along the eyelash line, helping to relieve itching and inflammation.
Eyelid scrubs can also kill microscopic mites that may harbor more on the eyelashes than on the next. Eyelid scrubs can also kill microscopic mites that can take refuge in eyelashes. Cliradex, Systane, Opti-Soothe, LidHygenix and OcuSoft are five of the leading over-the-counter eyelid scrubs for blepharitis on the market. People with blepharitis should practice good eyelid hygiene by regularly using an eyelid scrub to keep the eyelids crust-free, especially during exacerbations.
A chalazion is a small, firm lump in the eyelid caused by a blocked opening or infection of the fat-producing glands located in the upper or lower eyelids. Eyelid scrubs can be effective in relieving dry, itchy, and peeling eyelids due to ALMD or PLMD, although PLMD is more likely to return over time. Opti-Soothe preservative-free wipes are an excellent choice for those looking for a more natural way to treat blepharitis, but are also suitable for daily eyelid hygiene. Unlike other eyelid wipes or scrubs where the product is removed, the HOCI solution is designed to stay on the skin.
Irritation around the orbital area can mean many things, including an underlying skin condition, but an eyelid cleanser (or eyelid wipes) can provide relief and, at the same time, improve eyelid hygiene. The most common reason for using eyelid cleansing pads is a condition called blepharitis, a non-contagious condition that causes inflammation of the eyelid that is often associated with a burning sensation, eye fatigue, crusts and dandruff-like scales or scales near the lash line. People with blepharitis should practice good eyelid hygiene and apply a mild cleanser (such as a baby shampoo) to the eyelids to keep them crust-free, especially during exacerbations. Regular use of warm compresses, gentle eyelid massages and eyelid scrubs can help eliminate crust formation and reduce inflammation.