Sometimes the continual irritation sets up a situation where stsphylococus bacteria can set up housekeeping, resulting in a true infection on top of the already compromised eyelid mechanical problem. More rarely, the route cause of the blepharitis is an initial bacterial invasion. Blepharitis can be a one-time self limiting problem. The body fixes the condition in a day or so without intervention. It may come and go or become chronic and long lasting.
Treatment consists primarily of attending to eyelid hygiene.
As blepharitis is most often a mechanical problem, manual intervention is required. If sebhorrea is the route cause, careful attention to controlling the scalp condition is required. Treatment must continue until all symptoms resolve and remain clear for at least one week. Sometimes, if a bacterial infection is present, treatment with antibiotic ointment, especially at bedtime, is recommended. Should the condition return, it is best to begin treatment immediately.