An ulcer is basically a break in the skin that may lead to a discharge. This damage can be caused by trauma, infection or inflammation. An ulcerated eyelid is the term given to an eyelid that has an ulcer on it.
Causes
There are many different causes for eyelid ulcers.
The epidermis of the skin contains basal cells. A basal cell carcinoma is basically a type of skin cancer that results from the abnormal proliferation of these cells. This results in characteristic sores that fail to heal. They may appear to get better after scabbing but they tend to bleed again. This can involve the eyelid causing ulcers.
Lupus is another cause of eyelid ulcers. Lupus itself is an autoimmune condition where the immune system becomes out of control and ends up attacking the healthy tissues in the body instead of killing off foreign organisms. It can affect any part of the body and when it involves the skin it can lead to rashes or even ulcers.
Inflammation of the eyelid, also known as blepharitis, can also result in the formation of an ulcer. This can occur as a result of sensitivity to a certain substance including mascara, contact lens solution, chemicals, spray, and other allergens floating around in the air. It can also be caused by an infection at the base of the eyelash.
Symptoms
The symptoms will depend on the cause of the ulcer. Usually there is pain and burning, and there may be a discharge of pus or blood. Some accompanying symptoms may include redness, swelling, as well as flaking off of the surrounding skin. Eyelashes may fail to grow normally or may be lost altogether. If the ulcer is associated with a fever then this indicates an infective cause. If it is accompanied by red or itchy eyes then this indicates an allergic cause.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause of the ulcer. If it is due to an infection by bacteria then antibiotics may be given. If it is due to some sort of cancer then the underlying caner will have to be treated. With an autoimmune disease like Lupus, corticosteroids may be helpful to dampen down the immune response. If it is due to allergies that are out of control then avoidance of allergens would help, and corticosteroids or antihistamines may also be helpful.
Irrespective of the cause there are some general measures that can be taken. Always ensure that you keep your eyes clean and wash gently with warm water. Avoid using harsh soaps or chemicals that may further damage the skin and make the ulcer worse. Avoid using make up until the ulcer has healed completely. The doctor may give you special ointment that will help the ulcer heal. If the ulcer persists despite treatment this may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, in which case you should return to the doctor immediately. This also applies if you have been having recurrent eyelid ulcers or ulcers elsewhere in the body as well.
