Bradley Walsh health: The star’s ‘struggle’ with appearance changing condition- symptoms

The Chase: Bradley Walsh reveals he loves yum yums

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The Larkins is based on the classic novel The Darling Buds of May by H.E. Bates which was also a television series that started in 1991. The original series saw Sir David Jason play the role of Pop Larkin making the phrase “Perfik!” – which Bradley revealed is not used as much in this newer adaptation – extremely popular. Off screen, Bradley has to take a pill everyday to keep his health condition at bay.

Talking on This Morning the star revealed that most people do not realise that he suffers with “seriously bad blepharitis.”

Blepharitis is an eye condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids. Usually affecting both eyes, along the edges of the eyelids.

Although not particularly serious, the condition can lead to other problems such as dry eyes, cysts and conjunctivitis.

For Bradley however, the condition seems to be a real struggle, with him revealing that one day he will need surgery to permanently fix it.

The star said: “I have to take one pill a day for it or I really struggle. I am going to need my eyes operated on at some point to sort it out.

“So many times, people have commented on how I look. But they don’t realise. If I take medication though, I’m fine.”

Although the star states that he is “fine” with the use of medication, one Chase viewer questioned if the star was drunk one episode due to his red eyes.

The fan favourite host said that his symptoms include: red, swollen, itchy eyelids and flakes or crusts at the base of the eyelashes.

His condition started when he was a teenager, and has stayed with him into adulthood. Without surgery as Bradley suggests, he will always suffer from the condition.

The Mayo Clinic explains that blepharitis commonly occurs when tiny oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, causing irritation and redness.

Symptoms of the condition include the following:

  • Watery eyes
  • Red eyes
  • A gritty, burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
  • Eyelids that appear greasy
  • Itchy eyelids
  • Red, swollen eyelids
  • Flaking of the skin around the eyes
  • Crusted eyelashes
  • Eyelid sticking
  • More frequent blinking
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred vision that usually improves with blinking.

Typical treatments include antibiotics, drops or cream but the NHS also states that regular and proper eye cleaning will keep the condition from recurring.

Follow these steps to ensure that you are cleaning your eyes properly:

  1. Soak a flannel or cotton wool pad in warm water and place on your eye for 10 minutes.
  2. Massage your eyelids gently for 30 seconds.
  3. Clean your eyelids using the cotton wool pad, a small amount of baby shampoo, or shampoo that is 50 percent water mixed in may help with this.

In addition to this process, WedMD recommends a few simple lifestyle changes that may help to prevent the condition.

This includes removing all make-up before bed, not using eyeliners or products that are placed on eyelashes, replacing products that are used near or on your eyes more regularly and, in some drastic cases, cease to use make-up at all.

Anti inflammatory medication and medications that fight infections can also be used to curb symptoms if self-care measures are proving to not be enough.

If gone untreated the condition can develop into more serious complications.

This includes the following:

  • Eyelash problems. Blepharitis can cause your eyelashes to fall out, grow abnormally (misdirected eyelashes) or lose colour.
  • Eyelid skin problems. Scarring can develop on your eyelids from long-term blepharitis. Or the eyelid edges might turn inward or outward.
  • Excess tearing or dry eyes. Abnormal oily secretions and other debris shed from the eyelids, such as flaking associated with dandruff, can build up in your tear film — the water, oil and mucus solution that forms tears. Abnormal tear film interferes with keeping your eyelids moist. This can irritate your eyes and cause symptoms of dry eyes or excess tearing.
  • Sty. A sty is an infection that develops near the base of the eyelashes. The result is a painful lump on the edge of your eyelid. A sty is usually most visible on the surface of the eyelid.
  • Chronic pink eye. Blepharitis can lead to recurrent bouts of pink eye (conjunctivitis).
  • Injury to the cornea. Constant irritation from inflamed eyelids or misdirected eyelashes can cause a sore to develop on your cornea. Not having enough tears could increase your risk of a corneal infection.

The Cleveland Clinic states there are two different types of the condition – anterior blepharitis and posterior blepharitis. But anyone who is experiencing symptoms should seek advice from a medical professional.

Anterior blepharitis occurs where eyelashes emerge on top of the eyelid, causing the distinctive red and swollen symptoms. Whereas posterior blepharitis occurs when oil glands produce an excess of oil on the underside of the eyelid, causing irritation and leaky eyes.

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