Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. There are two types of blepharitis: seborrheic and staphylococcus (staph).  Seborrheic blepharitis is associated with dandruff and may be part of an overall skin disease.  With seborrheic blepharitis, the tear glands overproduce tears and they become waxy and greasy.  Staph blepharitis usually originates at birth and is infectious. It is caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus.

Symptoms of seborrheic blepharitis

• Eyelid redness
• Scaling and flaking around the eyelashes
• Abnormal tear film (waxy and greasy)
• Scales will accumulate at the bottom of the eyelashes and flake off easily

• Matted and hard crust around the eyelashes
• Crusts may make opening the eyes hard in the morning
  
• Removal of the crusts may cause ulcers and bleeding
  
• Red eye or sty
  
• Matted or broken eyelashes

If you have these symptoms visit your ophthalmologist.  If this condition is left untreated, it could scar the cornea or lead to other eye problems.  The doctor will teach you how to clean your eye and prescribe antibiotics.  Hot packs can provide temporary relief from pain.  Heat allows better circulation in the infected area and helps clean out infected pores.