Eyelid scrubs are gentle cleansers that soothe inflamed eyelids and help treat some eye conditions. They eliminate bacteria, oils and crusts that form along the lash line. This helps to relieve itching and inflammation. Eyelid scrubs, such as the HypoChlor eyelid scrub or Cliradex foam, are practical cleansing solutions for the face and eyes.
Cliradex provides natural, gentle and all-natural relief from the symptoms of blepharitis and dry eye, such as eye irritation and eye redness. HypoChlor provides an additional boost for eyelid cleansing, including antibacterial cleansing, suitable for use in severe cases of dry eyes. 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. Optometrists often recommend eyelid scrubs to cleanse the eyelids of debris and reduce the risk of blockage of the meibomian gland. Some doctors prefer commercially packaged eyelid scrubs, which are combined with warm water to thoroughly clean the eyelid margin and safely remove residues, including makeup.
Many of the prepackaged eyelid scrub options contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory soaps, which can help combat concurrent eyelid conditions, such as blepharitis. If you can't use commercially prepared eyelid scrubs, ask your doctor how to safely clean your eyelids with warm water and diluted baby shampoo. The wipes provide on-the-go comfort to maintain eyelid health and relieve eyelid itching, dryness, or inflammation. So the question is: can you preserve the integrity of the delicate eye area by thoroughly cleansing your eyelids? Are eyelid scrubs bad for you? 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.
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.