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Blepharitis is the technical term for inflamed eyelids. There are many potential causes of symptoms such as redness, itching and swelling of the eyelid, so an eye care specialist should make the diagnosis. Sometimes, it is associated with acne rosacea. Infection with bacteria or fungus may also trigger eyelid inflammation. Dry eyes resulting from dysfunction of the meibomian glands may be the source of the problem. Meibomian glands produce oil to help coat the surface of the eye and keep it moisturized. When they get plugged, the result can be very irritating. What is the solution for blepharitis? Readers have tried a variety of products.
Battling Yeast Helped Calm Itchy Eyelids:
Q. Dry eyes and itchy lids have been a problem for years. Doctors recommended warm compresses, saline rinses, lid scrubs, eye moisturizers and antihistamines. They did not think antibiotics were needed.
Based on People’s Pharmacy reports, I have tried dandruff shampoo (T-Gel or Nizoral). These helped but did not completely resolve the problem.
Then I took an OTC product called Candida Cleanse because I was suffering with itchy skin and a stubborn sinus headache. Doctors didn’t think I had a yeast infection. However, after reading reviews and why other people took Candida Cleanse, I decided to give it a try.
My sinus headache is history and so is my blepharitis (itchy eyelids). This is the first winter my eyes, eyelids and nasal passages have been comfortable when the humidity dropped. I’ve had no bloody nose, red eyes or red, itchy lids.
I suspect yeast may have been the culprit for years. My eye doctor noted very little bacteria at the base of my lashes. Thank goodness for People’s Pharmacy and Candida Cleanse.
A. Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) is often blamed on bacterial overgrowth. A recent review of research in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology (Jan. 1, 2025) suggests that Demodex mites may contribute to this condition. Such mites are often implicated in another skin condition, rosacea. These investigators also point out that a common treatment, washing the lids with baby shampoo, is ineffective. We will no longer be recommending it.
One of the ingredients in Candida Cleanse is oregano leaf powder. It may have some activity against mites (Molecules, Sept. 27, 2023). Some other natural products, diluted tea tree oil and Manuka honey, can be used topically for treating Demodex. Please consult an eye doctor before using such products, though.
OCuSoft Lid Scrub for Blepharitis:
Q. I have blepharitis, which makes my eyelids red and itchy. In searching for a solution for blepharitis, I used baby shampoo and hot compresses, per doctor’s order, for about ten years. Then a different eye doctor recommended OCuSoft lid scrub original cleanser. I love it! It’s so much easier to use than all that other stuff.
A. Doctors often recommend baby shampoo to remove crust from the eyelids because it is gentle and shouldn’t irritate the eyes. We recently learned that it does not seem to be effective, though.
OCuSoft Lid Scrub contains several gentle detergents to remove oil and debris from the eyelids. Although there is no “house brand,” Systane also makes an eyelid cleanser and might also be worth a try.
Is There a Solution for Blepharitis?
Q. I have had a bad case of blepharitis for many years. It looks like pimples on my eyelids.
My doctor prescribed eyedrops for dry eyes, an antibiotic that merely clogs up the sebaceous glands even worse and hot compresses.
The problem is that I am supposed to keep a hot compress on the eyes for anywhere from three to fifteen minutes. It’s impossible to keep a washcloth or a gauze pad hot for more than about a minute.
I discovered a great solution for blepharitis. Using a ‘hand warmer’ works like a champ. This is a packet that one shakes to activate and then can stuff in a glove to keep one’s hands warm in winter. Once the hand warmer reaches target temperature, it stays warm for hours. It’s hot enough to provide relief but not so hot that it hurts the eyes. This way I don’t need to constantly replenish the wet compress with hot water or warm it in the microwave.
Another Solution for Blepharitis:
A. Thank you for sharing this intriguing idea. Another option for people with dry eyes is a Dry Eye Relief Mask (DERM). This moist-heat compress contains tiny silica beads which can be warmed in the microwave. It too lasts more than a minute and may prove an alternative to the hand warmer. There is more information at www.eyeeco.com.
Heat can help make the oils in the meibomian glands of the eyelids less thick. This in turn can help ease blepharitis and dry eye syndrome.
Will Dandruff Shampoo Offer a Solution for Blepharitis?
Other readers report that washing the lids gently with dandruff shampoo can help ease blepharitis temporarily. Here is one person’s story:
Q. After having increasingly itchy and swollen eyelids for over a year, I tried the dandruff shampoo solution mentioned in your column. It worked and I have had no problems at all in over two months. I am so relieved and grateful! No more blepharitis.
A. Some doctors recommend applying dandruff shampoo (T/Gel) to the eyelids while showering. Such shampoos knock out yeast that lives on the skin and causes seborrheic dermatitis. Be very careful to keep shampoo out of eyes!
If eyelid inflammation is due to bacterial overgrowth, a commercial eyelid cleanser such as SteriLid might be helpful. We have heard that mineral oil applied carefully with a cotton swab to the edge of the lower eyelid may also aid in controlling some forms of blepharitis.
DEH offered this testimonial:
“I began having blepharitis over a year ago, went to 2 doctors and was prescribed antibiotics. Eye scrub pads were also recommended. I had 4 outbreaks in one year and by the last one, antibiotics and eye scrubs did not work at all and actually made the problem worse. Instead, I started using T-gel and baby shampoo about 3 months ago and got immediate relief. Now I use only baby shampoo, twice each day, and have not had another outbreak. In December I looked like I had lost a prize fight and now in March, I am almost completely symptom-free–only a little tearing each morning. I am so happy I saw this advice on The People’s Pharmacy!”
Mimi
I also use rice-filled bag for heating pad; stays warm a long time after 2 minutes in microwave. If you sew, you can make a nice one. I give them as gifts!
Frugal T
I have used OCuSoft lid scrubs on my crusty eyelids. I cut them in fourths. I use one of the four squares a day. I scrub one eye lid then flip it over and scrub the other eye lid. Very cost effective!
Susan
This product called “Candida Cleanse” that several people are recommending – can someone tell me which brand??? When I looked at Amazon there are several different ones with the same name, but made by different brands. Thanks.
Carol
An optician suggested filling a clean sock with dried beans, tying it off, and then microwaving about 30 to 40 seconds before placing it across eyes for 10 minutes. It stays warm at least this long.
John
As a construction worker I struggled with ‘stuff’ getting in my eyes on a regular basis. I was usually able to resolve the situation by lying back and dripping contact-lens solution into the affected eye. At 77, I now do this each morning in both eyes as part of waking up. It feels great,and I am delighted to have the same great vision as always, especially as other senses falter. It’s cheap, sterile and – duh – designed to go in the eye! More on-point: I have no way of knowing if it prevents blepharitis but it feels good to wash my ENTIRE face first thing in the morning with something I’ve used my whole adult life as a contact-lens wearer (nearly 60 years).
Elsa
I bought a gel beads filled eye mask at Walmart years
ago for about $3-4, plastic on one side, plush cloth on
other side. 10 sec in microwave, stays warm quite a while.
I like a camomile tea soaked cotton pad under the warm mask.
My dog’s eyes get crusty too from sniffing too much
outside. I use diluted camomile tea or colloidal
silver water to clean his eyes and fix/prevent brown
eye stains. Silver is a natural antibiotic and antibacterial..
Cynthia
Amazon sells electric eye masks that have 5 heat settings. I put a damp paper towel between that and my eyes to create the moist heat that is recommended. This is much easier than the microwave options.
Daniel
I have used OCuSoft lid scrub and it worked well, but I found that Ivizia Micellar eyelid cleaner wipes a bit easier to use, less messy, more convenient, and still very effective and soothing to my eyes. A bit more expensive though, but I’m more inclined to apply it due to ease of use.
Carey
I use an eye heating pad that plugs in (it has a plug for the computer; I use an adapter). I keep in on for 10 minutes. I don’t know how you could do that with a compress. When I tried to do that after oral surgery I kept burning myself, but it cooled off way too fast.
I am able to use one wipe over 2 days by using one end, then putting it carefully back into its envelope with the unused side farther down. The envelope is open at the top, but it stays wet enough for the next day.
My doctor said it’s not a bacterial infection, but the antibiotic ointment helps anyway. Some people can finish the first tube and not need more, while others do need more.
Emily
My doctor recommended an eye mask heated gently in the microwave. It did seem to help with the blepharitis. Since having DMEK surgery for Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy, however, I have been prone to occasional sub-conjunctival hemorrhages, and during the time I used the mask, I started having them weekly. I discontinued the use of the mask and have had only one in the past three months since then. I may experiment with less heat and less time on my eyes. But based on my limited experience, it seems that people who are prone to these “bleeds” might wish to proceed with caution.
SoCal R
I use a drop of baby shampoo and a clean washcloth. It has been a game-changer. Also tried a popular eyelid scrib but it’s expensive and just a lot of packaging for one wipe to clean lids.
Rosel
I developed blepharitis about four years ago. Itchy swollen eyelids, lots of crud and a thick, stringy white discharge. Searching online led me to manuka honey. I already had some because I use it for all skin irritations or cuts. I dabbed the honey on my upper and lower lids several times a day and at bedtime. I felt almost instant relief from the itching, and four days later the blepharitis was GONE and has never returned. It felt like a miracle!
Sue
The doctor found that I have a plugged right tear duct and reduced function of the Meibomian glands in both eyes. In addition to an eyelid “scrub” with dilute baby shampoo, my opthamalogist recommended filling an old sock with dry rice and heating it in the microwave for 20 or 30 seconds. This holds the heat long enough to be helpful.
Barry
In my ophthalmology practice I found the best results and the best patient reviews from Blephadex pads, which contains tea tree oil addition to a gentle soapy solution. The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil seems to really help, and it’s not at all irritating. Although no prescription is required, for some reason the company chooses to sell it only through doctors’ offices. It would seem to make sense to sell it in drugstores but they don’t.
Carol
My optometrist suggested filling a sock with dry beans, tie it off, then microwave it. Easily stays warm for ten minutes when placed across eyes.
Cindy
I have used Castor Oil in my lashes and on my lids. I had a clogged pore along my eyelash. It cured it in 2 days. It is an ingredient in Restasis, for the eyes, so I can’t be bad for your eyes. It is also good for skin and can have some good effect on pre-cancerous spots. I apply good quality Castor Oil – cold-pressed and without. Can just put it on with a cosmetic pad. I apply it first thing in the morning. I take a capsule a day of flaxseed oil for dry eye. It has completely cured that.
LINDA
After my diagnosis, my doctor recommended baby shampoo. After many years using it, I found that putting it in a foam soap bottle and diluting with distilled water makes the best solution. I wash my whole face with this solution. Works great!
Catherine
Central Florida
I’ve been having dry skin at the edges of my eyes and the skin near the nose near the front of the eye. Very itchy and scaly, and the skin keeps pealing off. Is this blepharitis? My eye waters and itches on the skin and sometimes eyelid. My eye swelled, and the crease cracked. I used Neosporin on the crack. It healed but am still having very dry skin in the ends and the inside skin area near nose.
Toby
Virginia
Get a pair of Baby socks
Add rice tie with wool or string etc
Heat for about 25 seconds
I wet half a cloth and place socks on dry side
Hold wet side over eyes for about 5 minutes
after I wash eyes with baby shampoo
Ginny F.
I may have had blepharitis as a child but it was dormant for many years. In the recent past, as an adult in my 60’s, I was diagnosed as having it, by two different ophthalmologists. It comes and goes and is not a constant problem.
I can relate to the warm compresses mentioned above but what a nuisance they are so I went online and ordered two dry eye compresses back in May 2018. Back then they were only $9.99 each. I use it about 2 or 3 times a week as a preventative measure. I heat one up in the microwave for less than 30 seconds. It was only 20 seconds when they were new. If I need a second one, I will then microwave it and use back to back. Very pleased with the results. Occasionally, I will hand wash them. It takes a long time for them to line dry. I place them on a clean face. I don’t use the straps on the compress and just place the eye mask directly on my eyes. Afterwards I wash my eyes out with diluted baby shampoo soap and then put in a certain type of OTC eye drops. The ophthalmologist suggested a number of brands.
Trisha
Iowa
A few years ago I started having outbreaks of red, itchy, watering eyes. We thought it might be an allergy so went to allergy specialist who sent me to ophthalmologist. Never having to wear glasses in my life, I went for a complete eye exam for the very first time in 73 years. He told me I had blepharitis and recommended a simple daily procedure as described by others posting on this site. I wash my eyes once a day with baby shampoo and place warm compresses on my eyes for 2-5 minutes once a day. I use plain white washcloths I keep just for this purpose. No drugs!!!! Worked like a charm, and I’ve never had a problem since. Sometimes I get lazy and stop the regimen and start having itchy eyes. As soon as I repeat the baby shampoo wash and warm compresses it goes away.
A year later I did have to start wearing glasses, and the eye doctor who tested me complemented the ophthalmologist who had diagnosed blepharitis and given me that simple treatment. My eye doctors’ comment was that it is too bad the first treatment often given is prescribing drugs when a simple home remedy often works best.
One of my sisters recently visited me and complained she had tried everything including drugs for what seemed to me like the same problem. I explained my problem and treatment, and she immediately found it worked perfectly for her, too.
Kathy
Maple Valley, WA
I used to wonder how I was getting black grit under my fingernails, and it turned out to be the hand warmers I was using. Those little bags leak! So they don’t seem like a very safe solution to use on your eyes.
Edward
07901
I never knew I had blepharitis until I was being examined for cataract surgery. The surgeon picked it up. I had no prior symptoms and my regular opthamologist had never mentioned it. The surgeon prescribed “Avenova” spray solution, which is rather costly. I spray it on to cotton rounds that can be found in the HBA section of any CVS or Walgreens. Cotton balls also work. When it runs out I will move over to water diluted baby shampoo (4 to 1). For those with symptoms it may be better to use a water diluted dandruff shampoo.
Pat
CA
Heating 2 small red potatoes in the microwave for 1 minute is also a great solution for a way to keep the hot compress warm. Scrub the potatoes first and poke with a fork – so they don’t explode; then use a wash cloth dipped in warm/hot water, wring it out, and roll the heated potatoes in the washcloth and place on eyelids. The potatoes stay hot/warm for 10+ minutes. And the same potatoes can be re-used multiple times.
Patsy
Dacula, HA
Did the user combine the Teel and baby shampoos or use them separately? I’ve been struggling with meiobium gland inflammation and dry eyes for years.
Al
Houston
I tried all of the treatments described. None of them consistently worked for blepharitis. What has worked perfectly for the last several years is twice daily use of Avenova Spray Solution or Heyedrate Lid & Lash Cleanser
Florence
NYC
I have used Neem salve with much success.
CMK
TX
I have used baby shampoo, for decades, to wash my lids ever time I shower.
Melody
Summerfield
Dry eyes and itchy lids have been a problem for me for years. Doctors recommended warm compresses, saline rinses, lid scrubs, eye moisturizers and antihistamines. They did not think an antibiotics was needed. I learned from People’s Pharmacy to use dandruff shampoo, T-Gel or Nizoral. These helped but did not completely resolve the problem. I took an OTC product called Candida Cleanse because of itchy skin and a stubborn sinus headache. Docs didn’t think I had a yeast infection, but after reading reviews of Candida Cleanse and why other people took it, I decided to give it a try. Sinus headache is history and my blepharitis and itchy eye lids are also history. This is the first winter my eyes, eye lids, and nasal passages have been comfortable when the humidity dropped. No bloody nose, no red eyes or red, itchy lids. I think yeast may have been the culprit for years. My eye doctor noted that there was very little bacteria at the base of my lashes. She never told me I had excessive bacteria on my lids! Thank goodness for People’s Pharmacy, Candida Cleanse, and comments for other people. Hope my comments help someone else.
Rita
Houston
A few drops of baby shampoo on a small bottle of water,shake, and gently scrub eyelids twice a day with a Q tip does the trick.
I have been doing this for at least 20 years and have not had a single outbreak of blepharitis.
Kathy
Tampa, FL
I use Novartis Eye Scrub twice a day as recommended by my ophthalmologist and it keeps the blepharitus away. I’ve recommended it to others who have been helped by it too. Worth a try if you’re suffering from this condition. It’s easy and quick.
Jane
You cam make your own warm eye compress device with half of a sock filled part way with rice and tied off with string at the open end. 45 seconds in the microwave provides heat for 5-10 minutes. There is a bit of a smell from the rice but it is a great use of an old clean sock.
Carling
South Carolina
I’ve had blepharitis my entire life. I recall my mother putting salve in my eyes as a preschooler. I get tiny cysts which feel like eyelashes in my eyes. My thick, long lashes began to fall out at about age 60. About 5 years later the rims of my upper lids became thickened by a layer of white scar tissue — giving me “pig eyes”. Every ophthalmologist has said, “We don’t know what causes it.” Has anyone had success treating this chronic condition?
Marilynn
NE Illinois
My eye doctor recommended washing with diluted baby shampoo. Works!
Jane
Chicago
Wash your eyes daily with baby shampoo. Symptom free for over 3 years now.
Nancy
North Carolina
My ophthalmologist recommended washing your eyes using baby shampoo to help with the swelling, itchy redness. It doesn’t irritate the eyes and helps with this problem.
Dino
Salisbury NC
If away from home and your eyelid itch becomes unbearable try chapstick, it’s easy with no mess; works for me.
Linda
Texas
I had no idea why my eyes were hurting. After going to an eye doctor for an examination, he said to use baby shampoo 4 times a day to wash out my eyes (doesn’t hurt eyes). Using warm water to do this also helped as well as a warm cloth warmed in the microwave. It took about a month to get over Blepharitis. No antibiotics were needed – very simple.
Ellen
NJ
I now use eye wipes twice a day.
Have not had another outbreak since.
Helen
Chapel Hill
I use tea bag, soaks in hot water, then put it in a plastic bag, (then apply it to my eye.) I can also reuse the tea bag by putting it in the microwave to warm it up.
I have a question, I use Cetaphil to clean my face, can I use it on my eye also, instead of baby shampoo? Does baby shampoo has special ingredient in it? Thanks so much.
KitKat
Central Texas
Some doctors recommend applying dandruff shampoo (T/Gel) to the eyelids while showering. Such shampoos knock out yeast that lives on the skin and causes seborrheic dermatitis. Be very careful to keep shampoo out of eyes!
How in the world does one apply a thick liquid to the eyelid and keep it out of the eye. This is impossible.
Marcy
Perry Hall, Md
I had shingles in the face in June 2017. The doctor said blepharitis. I was given antibiotics, eye drops, plug, etc. Nothing relived the feeling of dirt under the eye lid. If I could roll the lid back and washed it out would feel good. After reading this I’m going to try the shampoo and warmers. If I would apply warm compressions, it would feel better. I will let you know if this works.
Aline
Texas
I also used baby shampoo and hot compresses per doctor’s order. After 10 years a different eye doctor said try this and he handed me a packet called OCuSoft lid scrub original cleanser. So much easier than all that other stuff. So for the last 10 years I used one of these pads in the shower to scrub my eyelids and I love these. Either Walmart or Amazon have the best prices.