blepharitis

  Can you tell me what problems can mimic blepharitis? Would these
  problems cause loss of eyelashes? Is Tobradex used for blepharitis,
  and if so, help eyelashes grow back?
  Thank you
_________
Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelids usually caused by a low grade, chronic infection.  It is a common condition.  It is commonly seen in people with oily skin, dry eyes or those with a condition called acne rosacea.  People with blepharitis are more likely to get styes or chalazions.  In your case, loss of lashes can be seen in blepharitis, however, it is not the typical case.  If the lashes are lost from the blepharitis, they will usually regrow after the condition improves.  It is important that you see an ophthalmologist who is comfortable with treating eyelid conditions because other conditions can mimic this (eg., Discoid Lupus blepharitis, Acne Rosacea, and even some types of eyelid cancer).  The usual treatment of blepharitis includes  manual cleaning with lid scrubs, antibiotic ointment, and even oral antibiotics at times.  Good luck.
This information is provided for medical educational purposes only.
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-JL
*Keywords:  blepharitis