What are the common signs of a stye. How can you treat a stye at home. When should you seek medical attention for a stye. What causes styes to develop. How can you prevent styes from occurring.

Understanding Styes: Types and Characteristics

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a common eye condition characterized by a swollen, painful bump along the edge of the eyelid. These bumps are typically caused by bacterial infections, most commonly involving Staphylococcus bacteria. There are two main types of styes:

• External styes: These occur at the base of an eyelash follicle
• Internal styes: These develop in the oil glands inside or under the eyelid

While styes can be uncomfortable and unsightly, they are generally not serious and often resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, understanding their causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help manage this condition more effectively.

Recognizing Stye Symptoms: What to Look For

Identifying a stye early can lead to faster relief and prevent potential complications. What are the telltale signs of a stye? Here are the key symptoms to watch for:

• A red, swollen bump along the edge of the eyelid
• Pain or tenderness in the affected area
• A small yellow spot at the center of the bump, indicating pus formation
• Eyelid swelling
• Watery eyes or increased tear production
• Sensitivity to light
• A gritty or foreign body sensation in the eye
• Crusting along the eyelid

It’s important to note that symptoms may start mild and gradually worsen as the stye develops. In most cases, styes affect only one eye at a time, though it is possible (albeit rare) for both eyes to be affected simultaneously.

Differentiating Styes from Chalazia

How can you tell if you have a stye or a chalazion? While these conditions may appear similar, there are key differences:

• Styes are typically painful and develop quickly
• Chalazia are usually painless and grow more slowly
• Styes are often red and inflamed, while chalazia may be less noticeable
• Chalazia tend to be larger and can persist for longer periods

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Stye Development

Understanding what causes styes can help in prevention and management. What are the primary factors contributing to stye formation?

• Bacterial infection, primarily Staphylococcus
• Blockage of oil glands or hair follicles in the eyelid
• Poor hygiene practices, such as touching eyes with unwashed hands
• Use of expired or contaminated eye makeup
• Improper removal of eye makeup
• Chronic blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)

Certain individuals may be more prone to developing styes. What factors increase the risk of stye occurrence?

• History of previous styes
• Skin conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis
• Diabetes or other conditions that weaken the immune system
• Hormonal changes, such as during adolescence or menstruation
• Long-term use of corticosteroids

Effective Home Remedies for Stye Relief

While styes often resolve on their own, several home remedies can provide relief and potentially speed up the healing process. What are some effective at-home treatments for styes?

Warm Compress Application

How should you apply a warm compress for stye relief?

1. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water
2. Gently press the cloth against the affected eye for 10-15 minutes
3. Repeat this process 3-4 times daily

The warmth helps increase blood circulation to the area, promoting faster healing and encouraging the stye to drain naturally.

Proper Hygiene Practices

Maintaining good eye hygiene is crucial in managing styes and preventing their recurrence. What hygiene practices should you adopt?

• Wash hands thoroughly before touching the eye area
• Avoid wearing eye makeup until the stye heals
• Replace old eye makeup, especially if you’ve had a stye recently
• Clean eyelids gently with mild, tear-free baby shampoo
• Avoid sharing towels or washcloths with others

Gentle Massage

Can massaging help with stye relief? Yes, but it should be done carefully. Gently massaging the area around the stye can help stimulate drainage. However, it’s crucial to:

• Wash hands thoroughly before touching the eye area
• Use very gentle pressure to avoid spreading the infection
• Stop if you experience increased pain or discomfort

Medical Treatments for Persistent Styes

While most styes resolve with home care, some may require medical intervention. What treatments might a healthcare professional recommend for persistent styes?

Antibiotic Therapies

How are antibiotics used in treating styes?

• Topical antibiotic ointments may be prescribed for external styes
• Oral antibiotics might be necessary for more severe or internal styes
• Antibiotic eye drops can help prevent the spread of infection

Steroid Injections

In some cases, a doctor may recommend a steroid injection to reduce inflammation and swelling associated with a stubborn stye. This treatment is typically reserved for cases where other methods have been ineffective.

Surgical Drainage

When is surgical intervention necessary for a stye? If a stye persists for several weeks or begins to interfere with vision, a minor surgical procedure may be required. This involves:

• Numbing the area with local anesthesia
• Making a small incision to drain the infected material
• Removing any damaged tissue to promote healing

This procedure is typically quick and can provide immediate relief in many cases.

Preventing Styes: Proactive Eye Care Strategies

Prevention is often the best approach when it comes to eye health. What strategies can help reduce the risk of developing styes?

• Practice good hand hygiene, especially before touching your eyes
• Remove eye makeup thoroughly before bed
• Replace eye makeup every 3-6 months
• Avoid sharing eye makeup or applicators with others
• Clean contact lenses properly and replace them as recommended
• Treat underlying conditions like blepharitis or rosacea
• Manage stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle to support overall immune function

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing styes and maintain better overall eye health.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Stye

While most styes are harmless and resolve on their own, certain situations warrant professional medical attention. When should you consult a healthcare provider about a stye?

• The stye persists for more than two weeks despite home treatment
• You experience severe pain or swelling
• Your vision becomes affected
• The stye begins to spread to other areas of your face
• You develop a fever or other signs of systemic infection
• You have recurring styes
• You have a weakened immune system or other underlying health conditions

Seeking timely medical attention can prevent potential complications and ensure proper treatment for more serious cases.

Potential Complications of Untreated Styes

What complications can arise from untreated styes? While rare, potential issues include:

• Spread of infection to surrounding tissues
• Development of a chalazion (a painless, hard lump)
• Cellulitis (a more serious skin infection)
• Temporary changes in vision due to pressure on the cornea

These complications underscore the importance of proper care and timely medical attention when necessary.

Living with Styes: Impact on Daily Life and Eye Care

How does a stye affect daily life and eye care routines? While styes are generally not serious, they can cause discomfort and affect your appearance. Here are some considerations for managing daily life with a stye:

Makeup and Contact Lens Use

Should you wear makeup or contact lenses when you have a stye? It’s generally best to avoid both until the stye heals. Why?

• Makeup can introduce additional bacteria to the affected area
• Contact lenses may become contaminated or cause further irritation
• Applying makeup over a stye can delay healing

Once the stye has healed, be sure to replace any eye makeup products you used before or during the infection to prevent recontamination.

Work and Social Situations

How can you manage a stye in professional or social settings? While styes can be noticeable and sometimes embarrassing, remember that they are common and typically harmless. Consider these tips:

• Explain the situation to colleagues or friends if you feel comfortable doing so
• Continue to practice good hygiene to prevent spread or reinfection
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers if discomfort affects your concentration
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eye, especially in public settings

Long-term Eye Health Considerations

What long-term strategies can help maintain eye health and prevent future styes? Consider incorporating these habits into your routine:

• Regular eyelid cleaning with gentle, eye-safe cleansers
• Using warm compresses preventively, especially if you’re prone to styes
• Staying hydrated to support overall eye health
• Managing stress, which can affect your immune system and eye health
• Getting regular eye check-ups to address any underlying conditions

By adopting these practices, you can promote long-term eye health and reduce the likelihood of recurrent styes.

Understanding the Connection Between Styes and Overall Health

How do styes relate to your overall health? While styes are primarily a localized eye condition, they can sometimes be indicative of broader health issues. What connections exist between styes and general health?

Immune System Function

Can your immune system affect your susceptibility to styes? Yes, the strength of your immune system plays a crucial role in preventing and fighting off stye-causing bacteria. Factors that can impact immune function include:

• Chronic stress
• Poor nutrition
• Lack of sleep
• Certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, HIV)

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support your immune system and potentially reduce your risk of developing styes.

Hormonal Influences

Do hormones play a role in stye development? Some individuals may notice an increase in stye occurrence during times of hormonal fluctuation, such as:

• Puberty
• Menstruation
• Pregnancy
• Menopause

These hormonal changes can affect oil production in the eyelid glands, potentially increasing the risk of blockages that lead to styes.

Nutritional Considerations

Can your diet impact your susceptibility to styes? While no specific diet has been proven to prevent styes, maintaining overall eye health through nutrition may be beneficial. Consider including the following in your diet:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts)
• Vitamin A (found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens)
• Vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers)
• Zinc (found in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds)

These nutrients support overall eye health and may contribute to a stronger defense against infections like styes.

Innovations in Stye Treatment and Prevention

What new developments are emerging in the field of stye treatment and prevention? While traditional methods remain effective, ongoing research is exploring new approaches to managing this common eye condition.

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques

How are healthcare professionals improving stye diagnosis? New imaging technologies, such as high-resolution ultrasound and optical coherence tomography (OCT), are enabling more precise diagnosis of eyelid conditions, including styes. These tools can help differentiate between styes, chalazia, and other eyelid lesions, leading to more targeted treatments.

Novel Treatment Approaches

What innovative treatments are being explored for styes? Emerging therapies include:

• Photodynamic therapy: Using light-activated compounds to target bacteria
• Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy: Potentially effective for treating and preventing recurrent styes
• Probiotics: Exploring the use of beneficial bacteria to support eye health

While these approaches are still being studied, they offer promising avenues for more effective stye management in the future.

Preventive Technologies

How is technology contributing to stye prevention? Innovations in this area include:

• Advanced eyelid cleansing devices: Designed to more effectively remove debris and bacteria from eyelids
• Antimicrobial makeup and applicators: Aiming to reduce bacterial growth in cosmetic products
• Smart contact lens cases: Incorporating UV sterilization to maintain lens hygiene

These technologies, while not yet widely available, represent the ongoing efforts to improve eye health and reduce the incidence of conditions like styes.

Causes, home remedies, medical treatment, and symptoms

Several home remedies and best practices can help most styes clear faster. If the stye is persistent or severe, a person can get medications or have it surgically removed.

Styes are swollen glands that form along the edge of the eyelid, close to the lashes. Sometimes, a stye can occur inside or under the eyelid.

Styes are the result of a bacterial infection. Although styes are not normally serious, they can be irritating and painful.

There are two types of stye, depending on their location. External styes occur at the base of an eyelash follicle. By contrast, internal styes occur in the oil glands inside.

This article discusses the home treatments, causes, and symptoms of styes.

Styes usually occur in one eye at a time, though it is possible for both eyes to have a stye.

Early symptoms of a stye are generally mild and may include slight discomfort or redness along the lash line. The affected eye may also be irritating.

As the stye develops, other symptoms may include:

• a discolored bump that resembles a pimple along the eyelid that is close to the eyelashes
• a small yellow spot in the middle of the bump
• feeling as though something is in the eye
• light sensitivity
• eye discharge or crustiness along the eyelid
• excessive tear production

A chalazion produces similar symptoms, but the bump is hard and painless.

Styes are bacterial infections of an oil gland or hair follicle on the eyelid. Staphylococcus bacteria are the most common cause of styes.

Styes often occur if debris blocks the oil glands or hair follicles of the eyelid. These blockages can trap bacteria, resulting in an infection.

Risk factors

Anyone can develop a stye in their eye, but there are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing them:

• previously having styes
• certain skin conditions like rosacea or dermatitis
• other medical issues including diabetes, that impair immune function
• using old makeup or not completely removing eye makeup on a regular basis

Most styes clear up on their own in 1-2 weeks.

However, people can often prevent styes from forming, or reduce irritation from existing styes with home remedies.

The following tips will minimize the duration of a stye and prevent recurrences:

• Using a warm compress: A warm compress can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. This is often the most effective home treatment.
• Washing hands regularly: Regular handwashing prevents particles from reaching the eye and clogging up the glands. This can prevent styes from developing and reduces irritation of an existing stye.
• Do not pop styes: Squeezing and popping a stye can release pus and spread the infection.
• Altering makeup habits: Covering the stye with makeup can slow healing and irritate the stye. More bacteria can also be spread into the region by makeup brushes and pencils.

Styes typically resolve on their own without medical intervention. However, if a person has persistent or repeated styes, doctors may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics.

The doctor may also give a steroid injection to reduce swelling or inflammation in the stye.

If these treatments don’t work or the stye converts into a chalazion and impacts vision surgical removal may be necessary. For this procedure, the doctor will inject numbing medication around the affected area. They will then make a little opening in the stye to drain the infected fluid.

If the stye doesn’t go away within a few days of applying warm compresses or keeps recurring despite treatment, people are recommended to see a doctor.

Other signs that it is time to see a doctor include if:

• the stye gets worse very quickly
• it is bleeding
• it starts to affect vision
• the stye spreads to the white of the eye
• there is redness in the cheeks or other parts of the face

Styes are discolored, swollen bumps on the eyelid. They can occur in follicles at the base of an eyelash, or in glands on the inside of the eyelid.

Styes are the result of a bacterial infection, most commonly the Staphylococcus bacteria. Most styes resolve independently within 1-2 weeks. Maintaining good eye hygiene and applying warm compresses can help to reduce the severity of existing lumps.

Written by Nicole Galan

Stye: Causes, prevention, and treatment

A stye is an inflammation of the eyelid, mostly due to an infection with Staphylococcus bacteria. Styes form a bump with a small amount of pus inside. Causes include inadequate hygiene when using cosmetics or contact lenses.

A stye is an inflammation of the oil gland. It is sometimes spelled “sty” and is also known as a hordeolum. A bacterial infection causes inflammation to occur.

In the majority of cases, styes get better within a week. However, other people may experience symptoms not healing and require further treatment.

This article will cover the symptoms of a stye, diagnosis, treatments and home remedies, risk factors, and possible complications.

Fast facts on styes

Here are some key points about styes. More detail and supporting information are in the main article.

• Styes can be painful but often heal without medical intervention.
• If a stye persists for more than a week or affects vision, a person should seek medical attention.
• Styes can be external or internal.
• Home remedies for styes include a warm compress and over-the-counter pain medication.

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A person with a stye will have a painful red swelling on the eyelid, making the eye produce tears and become red. Often the lump looks like a boil or pimple.

Styes very rarely affect both eyes simultaneously. An individual will generally have one stye in one eye. However, it is possible to have more than one stye in the same eye or one in each eye.

Other symptoms of a stye may include:

• tenderness
• crusting of the margins of the eyelids
• burning sensation
• itching of the eye
• blurry vision
• discharge of mucus from the eye
• light sensitivity
• tearing
• discomfort when blinking
• the feeling that there is an object in the eye

A person should speak with a doctor if:

• the stye persists for more than a week
• vision problems arise
• the swelling becomes particularly painful, bleeds, or spreads to other parts of the face
• the eyelid or eye becomes red

Most styes form on the outside of the eyelid and may turn yellow and release pus. Some styes do appear inside the eyelid, and an internal stye tends to be more painful.

There are two general categories of a stye:

External hordeolum

External styes emerge along the outer edge of the eyelid. They can become yellow, filled with pus, and painful when touched.

Infections in the following areas may cause external styes:

• Eyelash follicle: The small holes in the skin from which eyelashes grow.
• Sebaceous gland: This gland is attached to the eyelash follicle and produces sebum. Sebum helps lubricate the eyelash and stops it from drying out.
• Apocrine gland: This gland also helps prevent eyelashes from drying out. It is a sweat gland that empties into the eyelash follicle.

Internal hordeolum

The swelling develops inside the eyelid. Generally, an internal hordeolum is more painful than an external one. Doctors also refer to them as internal styes, and they most commonly occur due to an infection in the meibomian gland. These glands produce a secretion that makes up part of the film that covers the eye.

Patients may also experience a burning sensation in the eye, crusting of the eyelid margins, itchiness on the eyeball, sensitivity to light, tearing, a feeling that an object is in the eye, and discomfort when blinking.

Adolescents tend to have styes more commonly, but people of any age can develop them. The following can increase the risk of developing a stye:

• using cosmetics after their use-by dates
• not removing eye makeup before going to bed
• not disinfecting contact lenses before putting them in
• changing contact lenses without washing the hands thoroughly
• inadequate nutrition
• sleep deprivation

Although styes are not contagious, if a household member has a stye, the other residents should not share washcloths or face towels. Avoiding this type of contact minimizes the risk of cross-infection because there may be residual bacteria on the towels.

Sometimes a sty occurs as a complication of blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids.

A bacterial infection causes blepharitis, but it can also sometimes be a complication of rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects the skin of the face.

Most styes go away on their own without the need for any medical intervention. However, pain relievers may be helpful if the stye is particularly sore. It is best not to apply eye makeup, lotions, or wear contact lenses until the stye has completely gone.

Doctors also recommend the following home remedies and treatments:

Warm compress

Doctors recommend people not to burst a stye themselves but apply a warm compress.

A warm compress held gently against the eye may help ease symptoms and release pus more readily. The water should not be too hot. If applying the compress to someone else, a person should take special care to avoid it being too hot or applying too much pressure.

A person should hold the compress against the eye for 10–15 minutes, three or four times each day.

As soon as styes rupture, symptoms tend to improve rapidly. Not only does the compress ease the discomfort, but it may also encourage the pus to drain away.

Antibiotics

If the stye persists, the doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic cream or antibiotic eye drops. If the infection spreads beyond the eyelid, a medical professional may prescribe oral antibiotics.

Other treatments

When an external stye is extremely painful, the doctor may remove the eyelash nearest to it and drain the pus away by lancing it with a thin needle. This procedure should only be carried out by a professional. If things do not improve, a doctor may refer a person to a specialist, for example, an ophthalmologist.

Complications, although extremely rare, may sometimes occur, including:

Meibomian cyst

A meibomian cyst is a cyst of the small glands located in the eyelid. The glands discharge a lubricant called sebum in the edge of the eyelid. A persistent stye inside the eyelid can eventually develop into a meibomian cyst or chalazion, especially if it obstructs the gland. This type of cyst is easily and effectively treatable.

Preseptal or periorbital cellulitis

Cellulitis may develop if the infection spreads to the tissue around the eye. The layers of skin around the eye become inflamed, making the eyelids go red and swollen. Doctors treat this type of infection with antibiotics.

While these complications can occur, most cases of a stye will clear with minimal intervention.

Although uncomfortable and incredibly common, styes are not generally a cause for concern. Some complications are associated with styes, such as if the stye develops into a cyst or the infection spreads. However, doctors can treat both rare complications that may occur.

There are also certain factors associated with the risk of developing a stye, including lack of sleep or certain cosmetics.

Doctors suggest people with styes use home remedies to treat the inflammation but may prescribe antibiotics in cases where the stye persists.

Read the article in Spanish.

Barley on the eye – symptoms, causes, signs, types and methods of treatment in adults and children

Medical advice

What are the most effective treatments for barley? Is it necessary to go to the doctor to get rid of the disease? How to avoid its appearance?

2714414

03/30/2022

How to treat barley?

Ocular stye is a pathology that 4 out of 5 people face at least once in their lives. It can occur in a child and in an adult, in a person who leads an active lifestyle, and in someone who does not move much. It appears equally often on the lower and upper eyelids, usually in one eye, but it can also occur in both.

Treatment takes up to three days and does not require a doctor’s visit. But sometimes you have to turn to a specialist, for example, if the barley does not go away for a week or longer, if the patient’s condition worsens, the child has a disease, and in other cases.

Contents

1. What is barley?
2. Causes of barley: pathogen
3. Inner and outer barley: symptoms
4. Diagnosis: signs of barley at different stages
5. Is barley contagious?
6. Treatment of barley
7. Barley prophylaxis

What is barley?

Styes – Inflammation of the eyelid, usually near the lash line. It resembles a pimple or boil filled with pus. Some patients note the similarity of education with a grain, which explains the name of the disease.

Barley species

Classification by location

1. Outdoor. Inflammation is localized on the outer surface of the eyelid. At the initial stage, the eyelid turns red, may swell a little, swelling appears, which is explained by the accumulation of inflammatory cells at the site of infection. For several days, the “pimple” swells, then a white-yellow abscess ripens on its top: it grows, then opens, the pus comes out, the disease goes away on its own. The process usually takes no more than 10 days.
2. Internal. Localized in the area of ​​the meibomian glands, on the inner surface of the eyelid, that is, closer to the mucosa. The disease also develops within a few days. The difference between this barley is not only in the location of the abscess, but also in the consequences: after the breakthrough of the abscess, a small scar may remain on the skin, it may become chronic (chalazion). Usually it is not as noticeable as the external one, and does not cause much discomfort.

Classification according to the number of pus heads

1. Single. In this case, there is only one redness, which subsequently swells and turns into a single abscess.
2. Multiple. In addition to the number of ulcers, it is distinguished by symptoms and causes. For example, patients report an increase in body temperature, weakness, aches. This happens because the cause of multiple styes is the general diseases of the body itself, and not some local lesions. Without the help of an ophthalmologist, it will not be possible to cure such barley and avoid the development of complications. Your doctor may also refer you to other specialists.

Classification according to the nature of the course of the disease

1. Sharp. If such a purulent inflammation occurs, a person may feel unwell, so it is recommended to consult a doctor.
2. Recurrent. This is not the first time this has happened. To avoid re-education, it is necessary to identify the pathogen and increase the body’s immune forces.

Causes of barley: pathogen

Barley is caused by a bacterial infection. Her pathogens can be:

1. Pyogenic bacteria, more often Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus aureus. Every fifth person has staphylococcal bacteria. Usually it does not manifest itself, but in stressful situations for the body, for example, overwork, injury, illness, etc. , it can be activated and provoke inflammation.
2. A small conditionally pathogenic parasite living on the eyelashes – a mite of the genus Demodex.

For a stye to form, the pathogenic bacterium must enter the sebaceous glands or hair follicle (the area near the eyelash line). It disrupts the proper functioning of the glands. The body is trying to get rid of the bacteria, so pus accumulates in the affected area.

Causes of barley: who is at risk

As mentioned above, styes can occur in any person if he is at risk. The list of factors contributing to the development of pathology includes:

• weakened body, which occurs due to impaired immunity, stress, lack of sleep and rest, infectious diseases, as well as during recovery from illness;
• metabolic disorder, vitamin deficiency;
• skin problems: they talk about disorders of the sebaceous glands, which are directly related to the appearance of barley;
• endocrine diseases, in particular diabetes mellitus;
• insufficient hygiene, for example, if a woman uses someone else’s or dirty tools when applying cosmetics, if a child or teenager does not wash well or does not wash at all, rubs her eyes with dirty hands, if a person works in unsanitary, unfavorable environmental conditions, a dusty room;
• chronic eye diseases and injuries, eg conjunctivitis;
• hypothermia or regular exposure to low temperatures;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• allergy;
• diseases of the organs that are located near the eyes: tonsillitis, sinusitis, caries, etc.

Barley may appear as one of these causes, or due to a combination of several.

Internal and external barley: symptoms

It is possible to diagnose barley on the eye even without the help of an ophthalmologist, since the disease causes great discomfort. Fortunately, due to the fact that barley makes itself felt rather quickly, treatment can be started quickly.

Symptoms of barley on the eye

• the appearance of a small bump that can be confused with a pimple;
• redness, swelling in the area of ​​the eyelid;
• discomfort, feeling that a speck of dust or other foreign object has got into the eye;
• causeless lacrimation.

Most often, patients experience the first and second symptoms. It is noteworthy that barley does not affect the vision of patients, even if it is located on the side of the conjunctiva.

Diagnosis: signs of barley at different stages

The disease makes itself felt even before the appearance of an abscess. Depending on the localization, the upper or lower eyelid turns red, swells, sometimes itching accompanies these symptoms. But you can’t scratch your eyes, otherwise you can spread the infection to neighboring tissues.

Sometimes patients confuse the disease with allergies, other eye diseases, for example, they can take it for chalazion, conjunctivitis, inflammatory reactions that do not cause a decrease in visual acuity. But after about two days, the redness turns into an abscess (it looks like a pimple or boil), so even without special medical diagnostics it becomes clear that this is barley.

1. Initial stage, before the appearance of an abscess: the skin of the eyelids begins to itch, it may develop a slight thickening (usually on the edge), patients note redness of both the skin and eyes, tearing without loss of visual acuity, feeling that there is foreign object. The period lasts up to 3 days.
2. Stage of suppuration when stye itself appears: symptoms change. On the eyelid, in the place of edema, a “pimple” appears, so the internal barley is easier to determine than the external one. But since the neoplasm usually hurts and itches even at rest (the pain can be aching or shooting), diagnosis is not difficult. Sensitivity to light may occur, and if the lachrymation did not begin in the previous stage, it may appear in this. If the disease is severe, then the patient may have a fever, he may complain of general weakness and body aches. The stage ends in 3 days.
3. Breakthrough stage, when purulent content comes out: swelling of the eyelid increases, a feeling of tightness may appear, the abscess becomes larger, and the skin on it is thinner, and the abscess bursts. But this does not always happen, sometimes barley does not go away on its own, and you have to seek help from an ophthalmologist who opens the boil. As a rule, pus comes out in one day, but the process can last 2-3 days.
4. Healing stage, when the pus came out: the inflammatory process is left behind, the eyelid heals (the process lasts up to a week). A crust may appear at the site of the breakthrough, you can’t touch it, it is also especially important at this time to follow the rules of hygiene.

Is barley contagious?

The disease is not contagious, since there are no pathogenic bacteria on the surface of the abscess, they are inside and in small quantities. But after opening the barley, it is better not to forget about the basic recommendations, including the observance of hygiene rules, the use of individual personal hygiene products and the application of cosmetics.

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Treatment of barley

Usually the abscess erupts on its own without the help of an ophthalmologist. The pus comes out, the inflammation subsides completely, and the wound heals in a few days. But you can speed up this process or make it less painful.

How to treat barley yourself

1. Apply a dry, warm object. When symptoms appear, a warm clean soft cloth, a warm boiled egg wrapped in a towel, or something else can be applied to the abscess – this will speed up blood circulation and shorten the stages of development of the abscess. Keep warm for about 15 minutes until the material cools down. The frequency of procedures is up to 4 times a day, the duration of the course is until the formation of a purulent head.
2. Take vitamins. All body systems are closely connected, so it is important to strengthen the immune system. It is optimal if the medications are selected by an ophthalmologist or other specialist after the examination, depending on the cause of barley and the general condition.

How not to treat barley at home

1. Cauterize barley with a solution of calendula, rubbing alcohol or other tinctures. There is a lot of information about the effectiveness of these methods, but in practice they have not proven their effectiveness.
2. Press barley. This can only be done by a medical specialist after diagnosis, if indicated and with the help of special tools. The reason is that the blood circulation in the eyelids is very plentiful: if the barley is squeezed out incorrectly, the infection can enter the bloodstream, provoke infection and cause a number of complications.
3. Make tea lotions. Alternative methods of treatment are ineffective. And if the tissue is touched, then, as in the case of extrusion, the infection can spread to the tissue nearby. Such self-treatment can adversely affect both vision and the state of the body as a whole. You can also use lotions from chamomile, St. John’s wort and other herbs only with the permission of a doctor.
4. Take antibiotics. The treatment program is selected by an ophthalmologist after the diagnosis.

When to see a doctor

1. Multiple or recurrent stye. These situations indicate malfunctions in the body, so you may have to visit not only an ophthalmologist, but also other medical specialists. Among the likely tests: checking blood for sterility, for sugar, diagnosing the state of immunity.
2. Concomitant symptoms have appeared. For example, fever, body and joint aches, headache, enlarged cervical lymph nodes.
3. Pain and swelling increase and are difficult to bear.
4. The disease does not go away for more than 10 days (from the moment the first symptoms appeared, but the barley did not “break through”).
5. Barley appeared in a child.

Treatment methods for barley: what treatment can a doctor prescribe after diagnosis

Medication: drops, ointments, tablets, etc. The use of drugs is aimed at improving the whole body, normalizing the functioning of the sebaceous glands, they can suppress the symptoms of barley, for example, pain, etc. All recommendations for the treatment of purulent inflammation must be observed, also it is important to study information about the storage conditions of drugs, otherwise the therapy will be ineffective.

1. UHF therapy. This is also the effect of heat, but already under the supervision of a specialist.
2. Operation. Used if other methods have not helped, there is a risk of infection in the blood, the patient’s condition is severe or there are complications.

Barley medicines

All medicines are selected by the doctor after diagnosis. This is important because the preparations differ:

• contraindications: some should not be used by children, lactating and pregnant women;
• application time: drops are suitable for use at any time, the ointment is placed behind the lower eyelid before going to bed;
• side effects: ointments may blur vision;
• place of application: if the abscess is on the inner surface, the drug will come into contact with the mucous membrane, so the choice of drugs is limited.

Barley preparations

1. Eye drops. Most often, these products contain an antibiotic, so they can fight staphylococci and fungi, as well as many dangerous bacteria that cause barley. Usually, after diagnosing an eye disease, the doctor recommends the following drops: Floxal, Vitabact, Albucid, Vigamox, Levomecitin, Tobriss, Fucitalmic, Gentamicin. Depending on the instructions, they are dripped from 3 to 6 times a day, the bottle itself should not come into contact with the structures of the eye.
2. Ointments. They reduce the activity of bacteria in the affected area, have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, relieve pain, swelling, redness, and accelerate regeneration. But ointments cloud vision, so they should be applied before bedtime, sometimes not on the edema itself, but on a gauze bandage. Popular eye preparations include: Floxal, Oftocypro, Tetracycline, Erythromycin ointment, Maxitrol. Excess ointment can only be removed with a napkin moistened with an antiseptic.

What must not be done during treatment?

1. Rub your eyes.
2. Wear contact lenses.
3. Use cosmetics.
4. Violate the rules of hygiene.
5. Use expired products.
6. Self-medicate.
7. Rinse eyes with running water (should be filtered or boiled) and with dirty hands (should be washed with soap).

How to treat barley in children?

Barley in a child is a reason to go to the clinic to see a doctor. The reason is that it is difficult for children not to scratch their eyes, moreover, the disease at a young age is often recurrent. Only a doctor will select recommendations and prevent the development of complications and the recurrence of inflammation.

Barley prophylaxis

Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, as well as wearing contact lenses, the rejection of cheap cosmetics, the habit of regularly cleaning the surface of the eyelids and not touching the eyes with your hands are one of the basic rules for preventing the disease.