What is the Difference Between Squamous and Ulcerative Blepharitis?

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Squamous and ulcerative blepharitis are two different types of blepharitis, which is an inflammatory condition of the eyelid margin. The main differences between the two are their causes and symptoms:

  • Squamous Blepharitis:
  • Also known as non-ulcerative blepharitis.
  • Caused by seasonal allergies or other allergic reactions.
  • Does not cause open sores but leads to patches of white or gray scaly skin.
  • Signs and symptoms include eyelid inflammation, irritation, redness, and white or gray flakes of skin.
  • Ulcerative Blepharitis:
  • Caused by bacterial infections.
  • Characterized by small sores that ooze and bleed.
  • Infectious ulcerative blepharitis typically causes more crusting due to increased discharge.

Both squamous and ulcerative blepharitis can lead to eye inflammation and irritation, but they are not life-threatening medical conditions. Treatment options for ulcerative blepharitis may include antibiotic ointments for a 7 to 10 days period.

Comparative Table: Squamous vs Ulcerative Blepharitis

Squamous and ulcerative blepharitis are two distinct subtypes of blepharitis, each with its own characteristics and underlying causes. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:

Feature Squamous Blepharitis Ulcerative Blepharitis
Causes Allergies (e.g., seasonal allergies) Bacterial infections
Clinical Presentation White or gray flakes of skin Formation of small open sores
Inflammation Inflammation of the eyelids, specifically affecting the squamous or outermost layer of the eyelid margin Inflammation of the eyelid margins that may be acute or chronic
Symptoms Redness, itching, and irritation of the eyelids Itching and burning of the eyelid margins
Treatment Warm compresses, eyelid cleansing, and sometimes topical corticosteroids Antibiotic ointments (e.g., bacitracin, polymyxin B, erythromycin, or gentamicin) for 7 to 10 days

Squamous blepharitis is usually caused by allergies and leads to patches of white or gray scaly skin, while ulcerative blepharitis is often caused by bacterial infections and is characterized by small sores that ooze and bleed.