Is blepharitis an infection?

Usually it is inflammation with bacterial overgrowth along the lash line rather than a true infection — but infections can occur, which is why an exam matters.

Does blepharitis go away on its own?

It tends to flare and settle. A consistent lid-hygiene routine, plus treatment of the gland problem underneath, is what keeps it quiet.

Is this why I keep getting styes?

Very often, yes. Blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction make styes and chalazia more likely.

What causes blepharitis?

Most often, too much bacteria at the base of the eyelashes. Clogged or irritated oil glands in the lids can cause it too, and so can an overgrowth of Demodex mites, which live in the lash follicles. It is more common in people with oily skin, dandruff or rosacea. An exam tells which type you have, and the treatment differs.

Is blepharitis contagious?

No. Blepharitis is inflammation of your own eyelid margin, driven by bacteria, mites and gland problems that everyone carries to some degree, and it does not pass to other people.

How long does blepharitis last?

A flare usually settles within days to a few weeks once lid hygiene starts, but the tendency is long-term, so it comes back when the routine stops. Treating the gland problem underneath, with gland expression, IPL or in-office lid cleaning, lengthens the quiet stretches.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Bijan Cohenmehr, OD Last reviewed October 24, 2026

Blepharitis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Red, flaky, crusted eyelid margins that never quite calm down.

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid edges, usually where the lashes meet the lid. Debris and bacteria build up along the lash line, the lids get red and itchy, and the tear film becomes unstable — which is why blepharitis and dry eye so often arrive together.

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Feels like: Itchy, burning, crusted lids
Worst: In the morning
Often with: Dry eye and MGD
Care: Lid hygiene + in-office treatment

You might notice

Flakes or crust at the base of the lashes, especially on waking
Red, thickened eyelid edges
Itching, burning, or the feeling that something is in your eye
Watery eyes that still feel irritated
Frequent styes or chalazia

Why it keeps coming back

Blepharitis is chronic: it is managed, not cured. A routine that keeps the lid margin clean, plus treatment of the underlying gland problem, is what breaks the cycle.

How we treat it

Treatment

Calming the lid margin.

Daily lid hygiene: wipes, cleansers or sprays matched to what we see on your lids
Warm compresses that hold heat long enough to soften blocked oil
Professional eyelid exfoliation (ABMax®) to remove debris and biofilm
Targeted therapy for Demodex blepharitis and eyelid mites, when present
Treating the meibomian glands themselves (our IPL program) when gland dysfunction drives the inflammation

Because blepharitis destabilizes the tear film, our eye doctors in Los Angeles usually evaluate it as part of a complete dry eye exam, including imaging of the meibomian glands. When Demodex mites are part of the picture, IPL earns its place twice: it calms the inflamed lid margin and helps destroy the mites themselves, while exfoliation clears the debris they leave behind.

Same-day care

Painful, swollen, or spreading redness?

A tender lid bump may be a stye that needs attention
Spreading redness around the eye deserves a same-day visit
Urgent eye care is always welcome, with same-day appointments available

Call 310-828-2010

Common questions

Blepharitis, answered.

Anything else, call the office at 310-828-2010.

Usually it is inflammation with bacterial overgrowth along the lash line rather than a true infection — but infections can occur, which is why an exam matters.
It tends to flare and settle. A consistent lid-hygiene routine, plus treatment of the gland problem underneath, is what keeps it quiet.
Very often, yes. Blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction make styes and chalazia more likely.
Most often, too much bacteria at the base of the eyelashes. Clogged or irritated oil glands in the lids can cause it too, and so can an overgrowth of Demodex mites, which live in the lash follicles. It is more common in people with oily skin, dandruff or rosacea. An exam tells which type you have, and the treatment differs.
No. Blepharitis is inflammation of your own eyelid margin, driven by bacteria, mites and gland problems that everyone carries to some degree, and it does not pass to other people.
A flare usually settles within days to a few weeks once lid hygiene starts, but the tendency is long-term, so it comes back when the routine stops. Treating the gland problem underneath, with gland expression, IPL or in-office lid cleaning, lengthens the quiet stretches.

Also consider

Next step

Get your lids looked at.

An exam tells us whether it’s blepharitis, Demodex, gland dysfunction, or all three. It also shows what will actually calm it.

Book Today Or call 310-828-2010