Get Educated - Blepharitis the ELE enemy!

A great topic to know about if you are an ELE stylist! 


So to start Im going to refer you to a link:
Images of different Blepharitis


The above link has some great info about Bleph and also shows you visual images to help you identify Bleph in a client. Basically Belpharitis is inflammation of the eyelid(s). It is an infected eyelash follicle that has become blocked. The sebum (oil), dead skin cells and bacteria on the eyelid block up the natural lash follicle. Over time the mouth of the follicle (at skin level) becomes inflamed and red. The natural lashes become thinner and sparse causing big gaps between the natural lashes. 


The start of Blepharitis usually appears to look like dandruff between the lashes and is usually accompanied by itchiness. Pull the eyelid and stretch the skin out to the side (like your drawing eyeliner on it) and have a good look at the follicles. The skin around the lashes will look raised, bumpy and white.


Some symptoms of Bleph are as follows:

• Redness of the eyelids.
• Flaking of skin on the lids.
• Crusting at the lid margins, this is generally worst on waking.
• Cysts at the lid margin (hordeolum).
• Red eye.
• Debris in the tear film, seen under magnification (improved contrast with use of fluorescein drops).
• Gritty sensation of the eye.
• Reduced vision.

What Bleph means in the ELE industry:

Your clients will usually develop Bleph due to poor eye hygiene. Most clients feel that if they clean the eye area they will cause the ELE to fall off and therefore they dont clean the eyes as well as they should be cleaned!

You should always point out to your clients that they should clean their eyes at least twice a week with mild baby shampoo - as it is less likely to cause any irritation. They should use our foaming bottles (which can be purchased off the website www.hypnoticlashes.com) mix one part shampoo to two parts water. This will assist to remove any make up and oils that have accumulated on the skin. 

If you have a client that you suspect has Bleph, you need to inform her in the gentlest way possible. Be polite, ask questions about her cleaning routine, the best thing YOU as a stylist can do is make sure all your clients are informed. Let your client know that Blepharitis requires medical attention by an eye specialist. The treatment will involve removal of all the ELE, so that the follicle mouth can be washed with hot soapy water followed by the application of an antibiotic cream. Unfortunately it is not possible to cure Blepharitis completely; however the symptoms can be managed. Once the symptoms are managed and hygiene is introduced, ELE can be reapplied.

The one thing you will need to inform your client is that all her eye makeup and possible some of her foundations may be contaminated - your client will need to dispose of her make up and replace it or she will continue to keep getting it back. This is where you as the stylist will need to keep a close eye on her eyes to ensure there is no reoccurrence - if there is then you need to start at the beginning and question her hygiene routine, if she has had treatment and if she has replaced her makeup.

The below instructions have been taken from www.allaboutvision.com

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Use a cotton-tipped swab to apply cleaning solution recommended by your eye doctor. Rub gently around the edges of your upper and lower eyelids, but do not get cleaning solution in your eye.

Blepharitis can be difficult to manage because it is often chronic, meaning that it never goes away completely. Your eye doctor may recommend one or more of these steps involving good eyelid hygiene and massage:

• Apply a warm compress such as a washcloth to the outer eyelids.
• Cleanse the eyelids with a commercial lid scrub or other recommended product.
• Gently massage the outer eyelids.

A warm compress loosens the crust on your eyelids and eyelashes before you clean them. The warmth also can loosen any blocked residue in the oil-secreting meibomian glands in your eyelids.

To use a warm compress:

• Wash your hands, then dampen a clean washcloth with warm water.
• Place the washcloth over your closed eyes for several minutes.
• Open your eyes, and then use fingers to rub gently around the outer eyelids in a circular motion. Don't press too hard on the eyeball.
• Follow your doctor's recommendations on how often to use a compress and how long it should be kept in place.

When you first begin treatment, your eye doctor may suggest that you do this several times daily, for about five minutes each time. Later on, you might apply the compress once daily for a few minutes.

Cleaning the eyelids is essential to blepharitis treatment. Your doctor will recommend what cleansing agent to use, such as warm water only, baby shampoo diluted with warm water or a special over-the-counter product made specifically for cleansing the lids.

To clean eyelids:

• Wash your hands, then dip a clean washcloth, cotton swab or gauze pad into your cleaning solution.
• Make sure you squeeze out any excess moisture.
• Gently wipe across your lashes and lid margin.
• Rinse with cool water.
• Repeat the process for your other eye, but use a different washcloth, swab or pad.

Your eye doctor may have you clean your lids several times daily to start, and then once daily thereafter. — GW