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BLEPHARITIS MARGINALIS

Categories: Diseases of The Eye and Ear

This means a chronic inflammation of the margin
or edge of the eyelids accompanied by congestion, thickening and

ulceration of the parts and the formation of scales and crusts.



Causes. The underlying cause is often an inflammation of the conjunctiva

where the proper care is not taken in cleansing the roots of the lashes

when the discharge collects.



Other causes are keeping late hours, smoke and dus
.



Symptoms. The red swelling along the roots of the lashes is often the

only symptom. This comes and goes at the least excuse, such as eye strain,

late hours, dust and wind. Scales and dust form in the severe forms, of

the disease. It is most common in children, extends over many years and

may finally result in the loss of the lashes, with the edge of the lid,

thickened, reddened and turned out.



Treatment. This is tedious. Fit glasses if there is eye strain, reform

the mode of life and attend to any constitutional disease that may tend to

make it worse.



Local treatment. Keep the parts thoroughly clean. The edges of the lids

should be washed carefully with soap and warm water or mild solution of

borax or soda until the crusts are all cleaned off and then use at night

an ointment composed of the following ingredients:



Yellow oxide of Mercury 2-1/2 grains

Petrolatum 2-1/2 drams



Mix and make an ointment and rub on the edge of the lids every night,

first cleaning them. The conjunctivitis must be cured.



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