Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a subacute or chronic inflammation of the skin of the eyelid margin, eyelash follicles, and associated glands, characterized by dryness, itching, stinging, and a foreign-body sensation. Clinically, it can be classified as squamous, ulcerative, or angular blepharitis. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this condition falls within the categories of “red, ulcerated eyelid margins,” “wind-related red, ulcerated eyelid margins,” and “red, ulcerated canthi.”
TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Redness and itching along the eyelid margin, burning pain, and bran-like scales at the base of the eyelashes
In plain language:
- The edge of the eyelid (eyelid margin) becomes red and itchy; blinking or rubbing may make it more noticeable.
- The eyelid may feel hot and painful, with an uncomfortable sensation like a burn.
- Small, dandruff-like scales may be visible at the base of the eyelashes, adhering along the lash line.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Dispel wind and relieve itching; cool the blood and clear heat
In plain language:
- Ease the irritation associated with itching so the skin is less prone to repeated itching.
- Reduce internal heat and clear excess heat, with the aim of easing redness, warmth, and a burning sensation.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Pain and itching in the affected eye; redness and ulceration of the eyelid margin; crusting with pus or blood; sticky discharge and tears; sparse eyelashes, or misdirected or lost eyelashes
In plain language:
- The affected eye may be both painful and itchy, causing considerable discomfort.
- The eyelid margin becomes red and ulcerated, and the area may look broken or uneven.
- Discharge may contain pus or blood and form a crust as it dries.
- Eye discharge and tears may become sticky and adhere to the eyelashes.
- The eyelashes may become sparse, with a noticeable reduction in number.
- Misdirected eyelashes may develop, with lashes turning inward and irritating the cornea.
- Loss of eyelashes may occur, leaving some areas sparse or without lashes.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Clear heat and drain dampness; dispel wind and relieve itching
In plain language:
- In TCM terms, reduce internal heat and dampness to ease redness, warmth, and sensations of stickiness or heaviness.
- Dispel factors associated with itching to ease itching episodes and improve comfort.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Redness of the eyelid margin at the canthus, with burning, stinging, and itching; in more severe cases, the eyelid margin may become red and ulcerated, with pus or bleeding
In plain language:
- The eyelid margin at the corner of the eye becomes red, with a noticeably deeper color.
- The affected area may feel hot and prickly or itchy, with greater discomfort when blinking or rubbing.
- In more severe cases, the eyelid margin may become red and break down, with ulceration on the surface.
- Pus or blood may be discharged from the area, with a noticeable increase in discharge.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Clear heart fire, with wind-dispelling measures as an adjunct
In plain language:
- In TCM terms, reduce excess heat in the heart to ease restlessness, heat in the mouth, and facial warmth.
- Use measures to dispel wind as well, aiming to ease shifting discomfort and surface-level symptoms and help stabilize symptoms.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Recurring redness of the eyelid margin, dry or cracked skin or scaling, itching, and irritation
In plain language:
- The eyelid margin repeatedly becomes red, with symptoms that may improve and then return.
- The skin may become dry and cracked or develop fine scaling.
- The eyelid may itch or feel irritated, causing general discomfort.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Nourish the blood, dispel wind, and moisten dryness
In plain language:
- In TCM terms, support nourishment and skin hydration to ease dryness and tightness.
- Dispel factors associated with itching and shifting discomfort to reduce repeated scratching.
- Support the body’s fluids to reduce scaling, dry mouth, and dry throat.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
References
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- Li Zhiyong. Advances in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of blepharitis [J]. Chinese Journal of Ophthalmology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2005, 15(1): 59–60.