For blepharitis, common antibiotic creams/ointments prescribed by doctors include Erythromycin or Bacitracin applied to the eyelid margins, effective for bacterial infections and inflammation, often used overnight. Other options might involve Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim drops or newer treatments like Azithromycin (drops) for stubborn cases, but always consult a doctor for the right prescription, as most antibiotic treatments require one.
Chronic blepharitis
A topical antibiotic ointment (erythromycin, bacitracin/polymyxin B or drops such as azithromycin 1.0% or sulfacetamide 10%) may be added to reduce bacterial counts on the eyelid margin when cases are unresponsive to weeks of eyelid hygiene.
Treating blepharitis in a toddler involves consistent eyelid hygiene: warm compresses (5-10 mins, several times daily) to loosen crusts, followed by gentle eyelid scrubs with a diluted baby shampoo/warm water mixture or specific eyelid wipes, and then massaging the eyelids to clear oil glands. Avoid eye makeup, encourage frequent handwashing, and consult a doctor for potential antibiotic ointments or severe cases, as treatment focuses on symptom control, not a one-time cure, notes this health resource, this health resource, and this health resource.
Patients with mild symptoms often start with an otc treatment for blepharitis. These include artificial tears, gentle cleansing pads, or non-prescription ointments.
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic medicine. It's mainly used to treat eye infections (such as conjunctivitis) and sometimes ear infections. Chloramphenicol comes as eyedrops or eye ointment. These are available on prescription or to buy from pharmacies.
Erythromycin is one of many antibiotic eye ointments used to treat eye infections. Other common treatments include: Tobramycin – An antibiotic used for eye infections. Tobradex is a common brand name for the combination of tobramycin and a steroid used to treat bacterial eye infections.
Fucidin Cream is an antibiotic that is applied directly to the skin. It's prescribed for infections caused by germs called staphylococcal bacteria. It's available only on prescription and comes in 15g and 30g tubes.
Eyelid hygiene
Warm moist compresses such as washcloths or microwaveable heat masks, or electronic compresses, can be applied to the eyelids and eyelashes with eyes closed for 10 minutes. Follow that with a gentle cleaning of the eyelids and eyelashes with eyes closed for 30 seconds.
Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe's range of multi-tasking eye creams are ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for use around the eye area, as well as by contact lens wearers.
How to cure blepharitis fast
Lack of hygiene is often a contributing factor in infectious anterior blepharitis. Posterior blepharitis: Involves the Meibomian glands, which produce essential lipids for tear film stability. Dysfunction in these glands, such as blockage or atrophy, can lead to evaporative dry eye.
Blepharitis should always be evaluated with a thorough consultation and examination by a your eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan as it may be a symptom or sign of a serious illness or condition.
A GP might suggest using an antibiotic cream or ointment that you rub on your eyelid if your blepharitis does not clear up after cleaning your eyelids regularly. If blepharitis has caused other problems, such as a lump of fluid under the skin (cyst), antibiotic eyedrops or tablets may be recommended.
Use Chlorsig antibiotic ointment at night for 2 weeks (some in eye and some on lid margin). 3. Preservative free lubricants - Optive Advanced or Bion tears 2-4x per day (for at least 3 months).
An antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin can be applied at bedtime to the eyelids where the lashes come out. This may help with the problem by softening the oil deposits and reducing bacteria on the eyelids which can worsen the irritation.
At a glance
Putting a thin layer of Vaseline® Jelly under the eyes will lock in moisture, and form a protective barrier.
Kim Kardashian's primary eye cream is the SKKN by Kim Plumping Peptides Eye Cream, a luxurious formula with peptides and caffeine designed to hydrate, firm, reduce puffiness, and brighten the under-eye area for a smoother, more youthful look, though some users mention it as a pricier option. She also reportedly uses drugstore alternatives like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream and RoC Retinol Eye Cream for a budget-friendly approach.
OTC treatments for blepharitis
Blepharitis comes from inflammation of the eyelids, often due to an overgrowth of Staphylococcus bacteria, blocked oil (meibomian) glands, or Demodex mites, linked to skin conditions like dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) or rosacea, allergies, or poor eye hygiene, leading to crusty, red, irritated eyelids. It's a multifactorial condition, meaning several factors can contribute, and the exact cause isn't always clear, but it involves bacterial issues, oil gland dysfunction, and sometimes parasites.
Beyond being a new, FDA-approved treatment designed to treat blepharitis, XDEMVY addresses the root cause of blepharitis by targeting the bacteria and inflammation responsible for eyelid irritation.
This means it is very effective at treating bacterial infections. Fucidin cream is only available on prescription, which means you cannot buy it over the counter in the UK. You will need your GP or pharmacist to prescribe it for you — they will only be able to do this after a medical consultation.
Unless you're using the cream or ointment to treat your hands, always wash your hands afterwards, too. Put a thin layer of cream or ointment onto the infected area and gently rub it in. Be careful to avoid your eyes if you use it on your face.
Your doctor may have prescribed Fucidin® Ointment for another reason. Ask your doctor why this medicine has been prescribed for you. This medicine is not addictive. This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.