Are antibiotics necessary for treating styes. How effective are home remedies for stye relief. When should you see a doctor about a stye. What are the best ways to prevent recurring styes.

Understanding Styes: Causes and Symptoms

A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is a painful bump that develops on the eyelid due to a bacterial infection. These small, pimple-like growths can appear on the upper or lower eyelid, either along the lash line or underneath the lid. While they may vary in size from a tiny speck to the size of a pea, styes can cause significant discomfort and cosmetic concerns.

Common symptoms of a stye include:

• A noticeable bump on the eyelid
• Pain and swelling in the affected area
• Redness and irritation of the eye
• Crusty eyelids
• A persistent feeling of having something in the eye
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Watery eyes

While styes themselves are not contagious, the bacteria causing them can spread. To prevent this, avoid sharing face towels, washcloths, or cosmetics with others, especially when you have an active stye.

Types of Styes: Internal vs External

Styes can be classified into two main types based on their location:

1. Internal styes: These occur on the inside of the eyelid and are typically caused by an infection in the oil-producing glands that line the eyelid. Internal styes are less common but can be more challenging to treat.
2. External styes: These develop along the outer edge of the eyelid and are usually infections of the eyelash follicles. External styes are more common and often easier to treat.

The Natural Course of Styes: Will They Go Away on Their Own?

In most cases, styes are self-limiting conditions that resolve without medical intervention. The typical duration for a stye to heal on its own is 1-2 weeks. During this time, the body’s immune system fights the bacterial infection, leading to a gradual reduction in symptoms and eventual disappearance of the bump.

Do all styes require medical treatment? No, the majority of styes will clear up without the need for antibiotics or other prescription medications. However, in some instances, such as recurring infections or particularly stubborn styes, medical intervention may be necessary to expedite healing and prevent complications.

Antibiotic Treatment for Styes: When Is It Necessary?

While most styes don’t require antibiotic treatment, there are situations where a healthcare provider may prescribe them. These typically include:

• Recurring stye infections
• Styes that don’t improve with home remedies after 1-2 weeks
• Large or particularly painful styes
• Signs of the infection spreading beyond the immediate area

What types of antibiotics are used for stye treatment? The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for styes include:

1. Topical antibiotics: Erythromycin is often the first-line treatment, applied directly to the affected area as an ointment or cream.
2. Oral antibiotics: In more severe cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed. These can include:
   • Doxycycline
   • Tetracycline
   • Cephalosporin
   • Amoxicillin

Is it important to complete the full course of antibiotics for a stye? Yes, even if the stye appears to have resolved, it’s crucial to finish the entire prescribed course of antibiotics. This helps prevent the infection from recurring and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Potential Side Effects of Stye Medications

As with any medication, antibiotics used to treat styes can cause side effects. Most are mild and may include:

• Burning or irritation at the application site (for topical antibiotics)
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite

When should you be concerned about side effects from stye medication? If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention as they may indicate an allergic reaction:

• Rashes
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling in the face or throat
• Any other sudden or severe changes in your health

Effective Home Remedies for Stye Relief

For many people, home remedies can provide significant relief from stye symptoms and may even help speed up the healing process. Here are some of the most effective home treatments:

1. Warm Compresses

How do you apply a warm compress for a stye? Follow these steps:

1. Ensure your eye is clean and free of makeup
2. Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water
3. Gently wring out excess water
4. Apply the cloth to the affected eye with gentle pressure
5. Hold for 10-15 minutes
6. Repeat 3-4 times daily

Warm compresses can help ease pain and encourage the stye to drain naturally. Remember to use a clean cloth each time to prevent reintroducing bacteria to the area.

2. Warm Tea Bag Compress

Similar to a warm compress, a warm tea bag can help reduce swelling and irritation. Black, green, or white tea bags are often recommended due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

How do you use a tea bag for stye treatment?

1. Steep a tea bag in hot water for about a minute
2. Remove the tea bag and allow it to cool until it’s comfortably warm
3. Place the tea bag over the affected eye for 5-10 minutes
4. Repeat 2-3 times daily

To prevent contamination, use a fresh tea bag for each application.

3. Proper Eye Hygiene

Maintaining good eye hygiene is crucial for both treating and preventing styes. Here are some tips:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or face
• Clean your eyelids daily with a gentle eye wash or baby shampoo
• Remove all eye makeup before going to bed
• Replace eye makeup regularly, especially mascara and eyeliner
• Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or cosmetics with others

4. Avoiding Makeup

When you have an active stye, it’s best to avoid wearing eye makeup, particularly mascara and eyeliner. These products can irritate the stye and potentially introduce more bacteria to the area.

If you must wear makeup, what precautions should you take?

• Use only clean makeup brushes and applicators
• Check that your cosmetics are not expired or contaminated
• Apply makeup as gently as possible to avoid irritating the stye
• Remove makeup thoroughly at the end of the day

5. Contact Lens Care

If you wear contact lenses, they can exacerbate stye symptoms and potentially spread the infection. Here’s how to manage contact lens use when you have a stye:

• Avoid wearing contact lenses while the stye is present, if possible
• If you must wear them, ensure they are properly cleaned and disinfected
• Limit the duration of contact lens wear
• Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses
• Consider switching to daily disposable lenses during the infection to reduce the risk of recontamination

Preventing Recurring Styes: Best Practices

While styes can occur despite our best efforts, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing them:

1. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes unnecessarily.
2. Remove makeup thoroughly: Always remove all eye makeup before going to bed.
3. Replace eye makeup regularly: Discard and replace mascara, eyeliner, and other eye cosmetics every 3-6 months.
4. Clean eyelids daily: Use a gentle cleanser or baby shampoo to clean your eyelids, especially if you’re prone to styes.
5. Manage underlying conditions: Treat conditions like blepharitis or rosacea, which can increase your risk of developing styes.
6. Use clean linens: Regularly wash pillowcases, towels, and washcloths used on your face.
7. Protect your eyes: Wear safety glasses when working in dusty or debris-filled environments.

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

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Stye

While most styes are harmless and resolve on their own, there are situations where medical intervention may be necessary. You should consult a healthcare provider if:

• The stye persists for more than two weeks despite home treatment
• You experience severe pain or swelling
• Your vision is affected
• The stye is recurring or you develop multiple styes
• You have a fever or chills along with the stye
• The redness and swelling spread beyond the eyelid to the cheek or other parts of the face
• You have an underlying condition that may complicate healing, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disorder

What can you expect during a medical consultation for a stye? Your healthcare provider will likely:

1. Examine your eye and eyelid
2. Ask about your symptoms and how long you’ve had the stye
3. Inquire about any home treatments you’ve tried
4. Discuss your medical history, including any recurrent eye infections

Based on this assessment, they may recommend continued home care, prescribe antibiotics, or in rare cases, suggest a minor procedure to drain the stye.

Complications of Untreated Styes: What You Need to Know

While most styes are benign and self-limiting, leaving them untreated can occasionally lead to complications. These may include:

• Cellulitis: A potentially serious bacterial skin infection that can spread to surrounding tissues.
• Preseptal or orbital cellulitis: Infections of the tissues around the eye, which can be sight-threatening if left untreated.
• Chalazion formation: A painless, firm lump that can develop if a stye doesn’t drain properly.
• Scarring: In some cases, particularly if a stye is picked at or improperly drained, it can lead to scarring of the eyelid.

How can you differentiate between a stye and more serious eye conditions? While styes are typically localized and painful, other conditions may present with more widespread symptoms or affect your vision. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Stye Prevention

While not directly linked to stye formation, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can support your overall eye health and immune system, potentially reducing your risk of developing styes.

What dietary factors may help prevent styes?

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these can help reduce inflammation.
• Vitamin A: Essential for eye health, found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.
• Vitamin C: Supports immune function and can be found in citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers.
• Zinc: Important for immune health, found in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain overall eye health.

Lifestyle factors that may contribute to eye health and stye prevention include:

• Getting adequate sleep to support immune function
• Managing stress, which can impact overall health and immunity
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Regular exercise to promote overall health and circulation

By incorporating these dietary and lifestyle changes, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing styes and support your overall eye health.

Antibiotics for Styes: Are They The Best Treatment?

Though they can be unsightly and uncomfortable, styes typically are not cause for concern.

In fact, most styes go away on their own or with the help of some basic home remedies.

However, in some cases, it’s necessary to take antibiotics for a stye.

In this article, we’ll explore what a stye is, antibiotics and treatments for  styes, how to prevent a stye, and when to see a doctor about a bump on your eyelid.

What Is a Stye?

A stye (or hordeolum) is a painful bump caused by a bacterial infection that develops on the eyelash line of the eyelid.

It may appear on the upper or lower eyelid or underneath the eyelid.

A stye can be as tiny as a pimple or as large as the size of a pea.

It can also lead to swelling of the entire eyelid and make the eye appear red, inflamed, and irritated.

Common stye symptoms include:

• A bump on the eyelid
• Eyelid pain and swelling
• Eye irritation and redness
• Crusty eyelids
• A constant feeling of having something in the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Watery eyes

Although styes themselves are not contagious, you should avoid sharing face towels or cosmetics with others to avoid spreading the bacteria that caused the stye.

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Internal stye

As the name suggests, internal styes (also called internal hordeolums) occur on the inside of the eyelid.

Most happen when oil-producing glands that line the eyelid become infected.

Internal styes are less common than external ones.

External stye

External styes (or external hordeolums) occur along the lining of the eyelid.

Most are infections of the eyelash follicles.

Will a Stye Go Away on Its Own?

Styes are rarely serious and typically resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks.

In some cases, however, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotic to help clear the infection faster or prevent further infection.

Antibiotics for a Stye

Most styes don’t require antibiotics.

But in the case of recurring infections or a stye that won’t go away, a topical antibiotic cream or ointment may be necessary.

Erythromycin is the most commonly prescribed topical antibiotic for styes.

If the bacterial infection spreads to other parts of the eye or is persistent even after using the antibiotic cream, a doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics.

Common ones prescribed for styes include:

• Doxycycline
• Tetracycline
• Cephalosporin
• Amoxicillin

Even if a stye goes away, be sure to complete the full course of antibiotics to prevent the infection from coming back.

Common side effects of stye medication

Side effects of stye medication are usually mild.

Topical antibiotics may cause burning or irritation where applied.

Oral antibiotics may cause nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or decreased appetite.

However, if you experience rashes, trouble breathing, swelling in the throat or face, or any other abnormal symptoms or abrupt changes, contact your healthcare provider immediately and seek emergency medical care, because  those are signs that you may be having an allergic reaction.

Other Remedies for a Stye

Home remedies may help ease the discomfort of a stye and even help the stye go away.

The following treatments often help.

Use a warm compress

Warm compresses may help ease pain and encourage the stye to drain.

Before using, make sure the eye is clean and free of any makeup.

Soak a clean washcloth in warm water and wring it out.

Use this to apply gentle pressure to the stye. Do not rub or scrub.

Repeat throughout the day as needed for relief.

Use a warm tea bag

Similar to a warm compress, a warm tea bag may help reduce swelling and irritation around a stye.

Black, white, or green tea may be the best types of teas for this use.

Steam a tea bag and let it cool until warm, then apply it to the affected eye.

To avoid contamination, do not reuse the same tea bag.

Frequently clean the area

Leaving makeup on for extended periods of time or not washing your face before bed may increase the risk of styes.

In order to avoid this, clean your eyes daily with a gentle eye wash or cleanser. (Sometimes doctors recommend baby shampoo.)

Before washing your eyes, wash your hands.

Also, avoid touching your eyes and face more than is necessary.

Avoid makeup

If you have a stye, it’s best to avoid makeup, especially mascara and eye liner.

If you must wear it, use clean makeup brushes to apply products that are not outdated or contaminated.

Do not share cosmetic products with anyone, and do not share or reuse face towels or washcloths.

Take out contact lenses

Contact lenses may increase eye irritation if you have a stye, so avoid wearing them if possible.

If you must wear them, ensure that they are properly cleaned, and keep them on for as short a period of time as possible.

Always clean your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes and putting in or removing contact lenses.

Try over-the-counter medications

If a stye is causing pain, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may provide some relief.

While you can also find OTC eye drops that help to relieve itching or dry eyes, these will not cure or treat styes. 

Lightly massage the area

If your eye is crusty or dry, gently massaging the area may help alleviate some discomfort.

Wash your hands thoroughly.

Place a warm washcloth over the affected area and use gentle circular motions.

Do not rub or scrub the area, and never try to pop or break a stye.

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Stye Prevention

Having a stye once can increase your risk of developing one again in the future.

Still, some basic habits may help reduce the risk of future styes:

• Always remove makeup properly and cleanse your eyes, especially before sleep.

• Never share makeup and replace cosmetics every 2-3 months to prevent bacterial contamination.

• Thoroughly clean your hands before touching your eyes or inserting contact lenses.

• Do not share face towels, washcloths, or other hygiene products.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice a bump on your eyelid or have any symptoms associated with a stye, contact your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Some other eye conditions have some similar symptoms and require different treatments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need an antibiotic for a stye?

Not all styes require antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic or a topical antibiotic if your symptoms do not resolve or if you have recurring styes.

Which antibiotic is best for eyelid infection?

Your doctor will consider your current health status, symptoms, and other medications you take to prescribe the best antibiotic for your stye. Common antibiotics for eye infections include erythromycin, doxycycline, amoxicillin, and cephalosporin.

When do styes need antibiotics?

A stye may require an antibiotic if it takes longer than one week to go away, if symptoms worsen, or if the infection spreads.

Is there an over-the-counter antibiotic for styes?

Antibiotics are not available over the counter in the U.S. You must have a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain any antibiotic.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

• Hordeolum. (2021).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441985/

• Stye. (2021).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459349/

• Styes and Chalazia (Inflammation of the Eyelid): Overview. (2019).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557372/

7 ways to treat or get rid of a stye

Styes stem from a bacterial infection and usually resolve, with or without treatment, in 1–2 weeks. Warm compresses and careful cleaning may help relieve discomfort.

A stye is a painful, inflamed bump that develops on an eyelid or at the base of the eyelashes. The medical name for a stye a hordeolum,

However, there are a number of things a person can do to get rid of a stye. Keep reading to learn more about them, as well as some causes, symptoms, and reasons to see a doctor.

The following home remedies may help ease the pain of a stye:

1. Warm compresses

Share on PinterestA number of home remedies may ease the pain of a stye.

Put a very warm, but not hot or scalding, wet compress on the eye for short periods of time a few times per day.

This can help open up the glands and drain the stye more quickly. It may temporarily ease the pain.

However, one study found no conclusive evidence that this technique helps heal the stye.

2. Eye hygiene

It is important to keep the eye area clean. Styes are contagious, which means that it is possible to spread the bacteria to other people and to other parts of the eye. Bacteria that get into the stye can worsen the infection and slow healing.

Following these tips can help prevent the infection from getting worse:

• Avoid sharing any eye care products, including eye drops and eye makeup.
• Do not try to pop or squeeze the stye.
• Avoid rubbing or touching the eyes, unless to apply medication or compresses.
• Wash the hands with soap and water before and after touching the eye to apply medication or compresses.
• Gently rinse the eye if dirt or dust gets under the eyelid.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses until the stye heals.

3. Pain medication

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication may also ease the pain of a stye.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and might therefore help with burning and swelling.

4. OTC stye remedies

Many drugstores sell eye drops that may help relieve the pain of styes. These remedies will not heal the stye, but they may help ease the pain.

Only apply these remedies with clean hands, and do not allow the tip of the bottle to touch the eye.

Very large styes and those that do not go away on their own may need medical treatment. A doctor may recommend one of the following options:

5. Antibiotics

Antibiotics can kill the bacteria that cause a stye to grow. This prevents the stye from spreading and eases the pain.

It is important to use the right antibiotic for the specific bacterium infecting the eye, so a person should not reuse old antibiotics. In most cases, a doctor will recommend antibiotics in the form of eye drops or eye cream.

In rare cases, a stye can cause a systemic infection that spreads to other areas of the body. People with weak immune systems are more vulnerable to such infections.

When this type of infection occurs, a person may need oral or intravenous antibiotics.

6. Steroids

Steroids can help the body heal itself more quickly. A doctor may inject a steroid into the stye to promote healing and reduce pain.

Steroids in the form of topical creams and eye drops may also help, but a person should talk to a doctor before trying these remedies.

7. Surgery

When a stye does not go away or turns into a chalazion, a doctor may recommend surgery. A chalazion is similar in appearance to a stye, but it results from a blocked oil gland rather than an infected oil gland.

A simple procedure, which a person usually undergoes under local anesthetic, can drain the stye. Draining it may also prevent the stye from coming back.

An external stye develops when one of the hair follicles of the eyelashes becomes infected. Internal styes affect the underside of the eyelid.

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus causes most styes, though other bacteria, including other types of staph — such as Staphylococcus epidermis — can also cause styes.

Anyone can get a stye, because most people carry the type of staph that causes the infection.

Anything that causes these bacteria to spread to the eyes can increase the risk of developing a stye. Some potential risk factors include:

• having a weak immune system due to diabetes or another medical condition
• having blepharitis, a condition that causes skin irritation on the eyelid
• having a previous history of styes
• having high serum lipids
• having a skin condition such as rosacea
• sharing eye makeup with someone who has a stye
• using makeup or eye care products that irritate the eyes or block the hair follicles of the eyelids

A stye is a painful bump or lump near the eye. However, it may take several days for the bump to grow large enough to be visible.

Some people notice pain, burning, or irritation in the eye area before the bump appears.

Some other symptoms of a stye include:

• a red bump or lump that may resemble a pimple at either the base of the eyelashes or under the eyelid
• a sensation that something is in the eye
• sensitivity to light
• difficulty fully opening the eye, especially if it is very swollen
• oozing or irritation

A similar condition called a chalazion appears when the oil glands of the eyelid become clogged. Some chalazia are painless. These bumps can grow very large, and they sometimes appear after a stye heals.

Learn more about the differences between a chalazion and a stye here.

A person should see a doctor if:

• a stye does not get better with home treatment
• other signs of an infection, such as a fever, develop
• a baby or very young child has a stye
• a person with a stye has a recent history of eye injuries, such as being poked in the eye
• a person frequently gets styes or often experiences eyelid irritation
• a person with a stye has trouble seeing
• the eyelid swells shut
• there is blood oozing from the eyelid or the stye

Although most styes do not require medical treatment, a doctor can often prescribe antibiotics or pain relief medication to ease the symptoms and quickly clear the infection.

If symptoms interfere with daily life or become very painful, it is best to see a doctor.

Styes can be painful, but they are not usually dangerous. Home treatment is usually safe and effective.

For larger styes, surgical and antibiotic treatments are available.

Sometimes, a more serious condition may appear to be a stye, so if the symptoms do not improve or seem very severe, do not delay consulting a doctor.

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?

2767094

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 causative agents 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 at the edge), patients note redness of both the skin and eyes, watery eyes without loss of visual acuity, feeling that there is a foreign object in the eye. 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 followed, it is also important to study the information about the storage conditions of the 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. It is important to regulate the work of the sebaceous glands, monitor your health, strengthen the immune system, and improve nutrition. You should also regularly visit an ophthalmologist to check the condition of the organs of vision.

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Barley: licks, which are used for licking

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Editorial team

Creation date: 04/27/2021
Update date: 07/21/2023

Barley – rotten inflamed sebaceous follicles or hair follicles.

General information

In case of any illness, they can fight:

• Hair balls. In this type, barley is an analogue of a boil – a pit of purulent inflammation on the skin, as it develops near the root of the hair.
• Seal ridges, stitched on the outer surface of the lining.
• Sebum, rotting on the inner surface of the lining: the stench sees a sebaceous secret that protects the lining from the wetness of the lacrimal motherland.

Causes of barley The stench calls out more rotten diseases in people. The main factors, how to sprout vineyard barley on the scale:

• Reduced immunity. Significant, trivial, frequent infectious diseases are indicated.
• Damaged robotic sebaceous ridges, if the secret of them is important to enter the name.
• Getting into the eye of zabrudnenya. For example, barley often develops in children after rubbing the stench of their eyes with their bare hands.
• Professional shkidlivosti, if you drink saws in your eyes, dim.

Symptoms

The lesions show swelling, red skin. Illness, sickness, discomfort, bіl. Dotik to povіki vyklikaє significantly intensify the pain. The conjunctiva of the eye is red, there may be dried up crusts.

Approximately after 2 dobi (types 1 to 4), an abscess begins to appear at the site of swelling. Vin looks like protruding heads of a yellow color. Nezabarom vin breaks through, and rotten names come in. As soon as the other symptoms subside, there is an apprehension.

Occasionally, barley of the eye leaks in important forms: it gets worse, it feels sick, the body temperature rises, it increases in size and becomes painful lymphatic nodes, rotting of the skin yu on the neck, near the potile region, above and below the clavicles.

What can you do if you have barley rising on your eyes? If it is robititse, then the infection can be consumed in the blood-bearing vessels, and according to them – at the empty skull. I threaten the development of such unsafe infections, like meningitis, encephalitis.