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.

what to do, how to cure quickly, folk remedies

Medicine and health

01/30/23

Inexpensive and without unpleasant manipulations in the ophthalmologist’s office

Ani Gazoyan

medical journalist

Author profile

Barley is one of the most common eye diseases.

It is equally common in people of all sexes and races, and is more common in adults than in children.

Barley hurts and doesn’t look good, frankly. But in most cases, it is absolutely safe and does not require complex treatment regimens. We will tell you why barley occurs, how to treat it, and whether popular folk remedies work.

Go see a doctor

Our articles are written with love for evidence-based medicine. We refer to authoritative sources and go to doctors with a good reputation for comments. But remember: the responsibility for your health lies with you and your doctor. We don’t write prescriptions, we give recommendations. Relying on our point of view or not is up to you.

What is stye and why does it appear

Styes is an acute inflammation of the eyelid that looks like a reddish swelling or nodule. The medical name is hordeolum, hordeolum.

Algorithm for the treatment of meibomitis, barley and chalazion – “Ophthalmology”

Barley is caused by a bacterial infection – in most cases, Staphylococcus aureus, which lives on the skin and nasal mucosa. In the event of a decrease in immunity – for example, against the background of SARS – this bacterium can cause the development of barley.

Barley can be of two types:

1. Internal – when inflammation occurs in the meibomian gland. Such glands are located in the thickness of the cartilaginous plate that supports the eyelid – these are the sebaceous glands, which are visible at the gray line of the edge of the eyelid in the form of small dots.
2. External – inflammation of the hair follicle of the eyelash or glands of Zeiss and Moll. These are the ciliary glands that secrete a secret that maintains the elasticity of the eyelashes.

Inflammatory diseases of the eyelids from the position of an ophthalmic oncologist – Russian Medical Journal

The symptoms are the same in both cases: inflammation and swelling of the edge of the eyelid, redness, soreness.

Another disease associated with eyelid inflammation is chalazion. Unlike barley, chalazion is usually painless and looks like a nodule-like lump.

How we cured a child with chalazion surgically

Styes can occur once, or it can become recurrent, that is, repeat again and again. This happens, for example, with blepharitis – chronic inflammation of the ciliary edge of the eyelids, rosacea – a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin of the face with vasodilation. In these cases, in order to get rid of recurring styes, it is necessary to treat the underlying diseases.

But sometimes barley occurs regularly in healthy people without a specific reason.

Internal stye develops with inflammation of the meibomian gland, and external stye develops with inflammation in the hair follicle of the eyelash, Zeiss and Moll glands on the bottom century. Source: aoa.org

I had barley all my childhood

Alexandra Shkarina

podcast editor T⁠—⁠F

Author profile

When I was a child, I had styes very often, probably once a month. Out of the blue. Mom said: it’s because I was very angry, but such a theory confuses me. Perhaps this is due to the fact that I then had a stressful period: I went to school and a musician at the same time, my sister was born and there were three of us in the family. But these are just my guesses.

Especially often barley was from six to eight years. Then it started to happen less and less. And the last barley appeared when I was 20 years old.

How to properly treat barley

Usually, barley is treated with simple manipulations that can be done independently and at home. If you are not sure that with a century, or barley arose for the first time in a child, it is better to consult a doctor so that he can make an accurate diagnosis.

Eyelid lesions – Uptodate

You also need to go to the doctor if the barley does not go away on its own within one to two weeks or the condition worsens: inflammation increases, severe pain appears.

Stye – Mayo Clinic

Here’s what to do if you have internal or external stye on your eyelid.

✅ Leave barley alone. The main thing to remember about the treatment of barley is that in most cases it disappears on its own within one to two weeks without any intervention. If you don’t want to wait, try the following methods.

✅ Make compresses. Apply warm moist compresses at least twice a day for 5-10 minutes. Use plain warm water and a clean handkerchief or cotton pad. Compresses should be exactly warm, hot can worsen the condition. It is important to use two different handkerchiefs or discs if you have styes on both eyes.

✅ Massage. Very light massage and gentle rubbing of the affected eyelid after a warm compress will help to remove the pus more quickly. Do not forget to wash your hands with soap before and after the procedure.

✅ Use prescribed medicines. In rare cases – for example, if the barley did not go away on its own in two weeks – a combination of an antibiotic and glucocorticoid hormones helps. Only a doctor can prescribe them. The most commonly recommended topical treatment is ointments or eye drops.

Even more rarely, if the stye not only does not go away, but also begins to spread beyond the eyelid, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic tablets.

✅ Make an operation. In very rare cases, a minor operation may be necessary, during which the doctor makes an incision to remove the pus. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

❌ Forbidden! Do not try to squeeze out the barley. This can lead to the spread of infection.

How to be treated effectively and inexpensively

The best materials on how to check a prescription, choose a quality medicine from a dozen analogues and return money for treatment – in your mail twice a month on Thursdays. Free

Will folk methods help with barley

Many people prefer to use folk methods for treating barley. Various means are offered on forums and social networks. We will analyze which of them can be used, and which are strictly prohibited.

Barley – National Library of Medicine

✅ Safe folk remedies for the treatment of barley – but not the fact that they are effective. Let’s start with folk methods that you can try if you really want to.

The most popular is a tea bag compress. Doctors do not prohibit the use of them and draw attention to the fact that the compress should be warm, but in no case hot, otherwise the infection can be provoked. Compresses can be applied for 5-10 minutes several times a day.

Another safe folk remedy is rubbing the eyes with a decoction of chamomile. You can wipe the eyelid with a cotton pad soaked in this medicine. You need to wipe from the outer corner of the eye to the inner one – so everything that gets into the eye is removed from it. If you wipe from the nose to the temple, the purulent contents, eyelashes and dust particles that have fallen into the eye will remain in the conjunctival cavity.

Kettle for inhalation, jars and onions for the eyes: 10 dangerous and vile folk remedies

Fans of folk methods often recommend applying a boiled egg to the sore eye. At the same time, everyone’s advice differs: someone claims that it should be in the shell, someone recommends using the peeled one. Some say that the egg should be piping hot, others – barely warm. Of course, you can’t apply a hot egg, just like a hot compress.

Advice to use a hot boiled egg on one of the popular forums. Remember that following such advice can be dangerous

❌ Dangerous folk remedies for the treatment of barley – and ineffective. The most popular folk method of treating barley is spitting in the eye. This should not be done in any case – even as a joke. 1 ml of oral fluid contains from 4 million to 5 billion microorganisms. Their transfer to the eye can contribute to the spread of a bacterial infection, including blepharitis.

What to do? 10/16/20

Is it possible to get infected with something terrible through spitting?

The forums also recommend heating with a blue lamp, Asterisk balm, onions, garlic, potatoes, cabbage. All this will only hurt, causing eye irritation and other problems.

Dangerous recommendations for the treatment of barley with a lamp Dangerous recommendations for the treatment of barley with an asterisk balm

What alternative methods of treating barley definitely can not be used

Anastasia Nazarenko

ophthalmologist GBUZ SPC for specialized medical care for children named after V. F. Voyno-Yasenetsky, Moscow

900 02 Under no circumstances should barley be heated with blue or bactericidal lamps, which are used to disinfect rooms. Such heating can lead to severe burns of the cornea and conjunctiva, eyelid skin. Burns will be manifested by photophobia, pain, lacrimation, redness of the eyes, a feeling of a foreign object in the eye.

It is contraindicated to apply “Asterisk” balm on the eyes and eyelids, do not apply onion, garlic, or any other vegetables to them. So you will get at least itching and irritation, at the most – a serious burn.

How to prevent the appearance of barley

Barley can occur in any person at any time in life, not necessarily against the background of SARS or other diseases.

Styes can be provoked by insufficient attention to eye hygiene. Therefore, prevention comes down to hygiene measures, in particular, washing in the morning and evening.

In addition, the following rules should be followed:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, especially before touching your face and eyes.
2. Be sure to wash your hands before and after removing contact lenses.
3. Remove makeup before bed.
4. Renew eye makeup in a timely manner, do not use it for more than three months, and never share it with other people.
5. Before each use of the eyeliner, renew the cut with a sharpener.

How to choose the right contact lenses for your eyes

I experienced stye due to contact lenses and eyelash extensions

Valeria Rinso

author T⁠—⁠F

Author profile

The last time I had barley was four years back. Then I regularly got eyelash extensions and sometimes wore contact lenses. Most likely, because of them, she brought the infection: she straightened her eyelashes or lenses with a dirty hand.

I can’t say that barley is my constant problem, but by that time I had already encountered it a couple of times, as well as with conjunctivitis. Perhaps my eyes are prone to infections, or maybe I was careless about hygiene and rubbed them with dirty hands. Since I stopped using eyelash extensions and switched to glasses, my eye problems have disappeared.

I didn’t go to the doctors about barley. I remember how I went to work and because of the glasses, not even all my colleagues noticed that my eye was swollen. On the way home from work, I bought Albucid drops for 24 R – an antimicrobial agent for eyes and eyelids – and tetracycline antibacterial ointment for 53 R. I recovered in a few days – although I’m not sure that these drugs helped, most likely, barley and would have passed without them.

Remember

1. Most styes clear up on their own within one to two weeks without any intervention.
2. Barley must not be squeezed out, as this can lead to the spread of infection.
3. For stye, warm compresses can be used with a cloth dampened with water or a tea bag.
4. Never use hot compresses as they will help spread the infection and worsen the condition. Also, you should not resort to alternative methods of treatment without consulting a doctor.
5. If the stye does not disappear in a couple of weeks, be sure to consult a doctor.

Health news, interviews with doctors and instructions for patients in our telegram channel. Subscribe to keep abreast of what is happening: @t_zdorov.

90,000 Effective treatment with drugs and folk remedies

Content

• 1 How to get rid of barley on the eye: Effective treatment with drugs and folk remedies
  • 1.1 Methods of quick disposal of barley
    • 1.1.1 Medical methods of treatment
    • 1.1.2 Folk remedies
    • 1.1.3 Prevention
  • 1.2 What is stye on the eye?
  • 1.3 Causes of stye on the eye
  • 1.4 Symptoms of stye on the eye:
  • 1.5 How to properly treat stye on the eye: general recommendations
  • 1.6 Medicines for the treatment of stye on the eye
  • 1.7 Physiotherapy for barley on the eye
    • 1.7. 1 Flashlight Suvorin
    • 1. 7.2 Ultrasound therapy
    • 1.7.3 Electrophoresis
  • 1.8 Folk remedies for barley on the eye
  • 1.9 What should not be used for barley on the eye?
  • 1.10 Prevention of barley on the eye
  • 1.11 When should I see a doctor for barley on the eye?
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 How do I know if I have styes on my eye?
      • 1.13.0.2 What preparation will help to quickly get rid of barley?
      • 1.13.0.3 Can folk remedies help with barley on the eye?
      • 1.13.0.4 How can you prevent styes on the eye?
      • 1.13.0.5 How long does the treatment of stye on the eye last?
      • 1.13.0.6 Are there any complications with barley on the eye?

Find out how to get rid of barley on the eye with the help of drugs and folk remedies. Treatment of barley on the eye, causes and prevention – all this is in the article on our website.

Styes on the eye is a rather unpleasant phenomenon caused by inflammation of the ciliary sac. This disease is accompanied by pain, redness and swelling. Often people who are faced with barley want to get rid of these unpleasant symptoms as soon as possible. But how to do that?

There are many ways to treat barley, ranging from the use of folk remedies, ending with the use of drug therapy. In this article, we will look at the most effective treatments for barley, which will help you quickly return to normal life.

But before starting treatment, it should be understood that it is impossible to remove barley on your own. This process can lead to an even greater spread of inflammation and infection. Doctor’s advice and accurate diagnosis are the main issues in getting rid of barley.

Ways to quickly get rid of barley on the eye

Medical methods of treatment

Special ointments, drops, antibiotics and other drugs can be used to treat barley on the eye. Ointments relieve pain, reduce inflammation and promote rapid recovery. The drops soothe the skin and reduce the secretion of the sebaceous glands, which can be inhibited in barley. Antibiotics are prescribed for diseases caused by bacterial infections, for example, with a secondary lesion and opening of barley.

Folk remedies

• Warm salt. Salt is heated in a pan and placed in the eye sockets for several minutes. This helps to soften the barley.
• Black bread. Honey is applied to a piece of black bread and applied to barley for 15 minutes.
• Tea bags. A tea bag soaked in warm water is placed on the barley for a few minutes.
• Oil of fireweed. Fireweed oil is mixed with honey in equal proportions and applied to barley for 20 minutes. Then it is washed off with warm water.

Prevention

To avoid the appearance of barley, you need to monitor eye hygiene, do not touch with dirty hands and do not transmit the infection to other people. It is also recommended to observe the diet and not overwork the eyes.

What is stye on the eye?

Styes on the eye is an inflammatory process that occurs on the skin glands of the ciliary margin as a result of infection. The initial symptoms of barley on the eye are the appearance of redness, swelling and soreness in the affected area. It can develop on both the lower and upper eyelids, and can also be unilateral or bilateral.

Styes on the eye may be associated with reduced immunity, fatigue, stress and prolonged use of contact lenses. In some cases, it can cause complications such as fever and lymphadenopathy.

Causes of styes on the eye

Styes on the eye is an inflammatory process in the region of the ciliary follicle or sebaceous gland of the eyelid. It can occur in people of all ages but most commonly affects children and young adults.

Barley may be caused by various factors. One of the most common is an infection caused by a staph bacterium. This disease is highly contagious, so it is possible to get it from another person or animal.

Styes can also appear due to poor eye hygiene or the use of low-quality cosmetics. Lack of vitamins and minerals in the body, a weakened immune system and obesity can also cause barley on the eye.

It is important to know that a stye on the eye may be the first symptom of a more serious condition such as diabetes or atherosclerosis. Therefore, in the event of barley, it is recommended to consult a doctor for examination and determine the exact cause of its occurrence.

Symptoms of styes on the eye:

Swelling and redness of the eyelids: this is the first symptom that indicates the beginning of the development of styes on the eye. After a while, the redness intensifies, the eyelid may swell and become painful.

Painful sensations: with barley on the eye, a person may experience pain when touched, discomfort and itching in the affected area.

Purulent plaque: As inflammation increases, purulent plaque may appear on the eyelid. This formation has a yellowish color and a characteristic odor.

Slight increase in body temperature: in some cases, with barley on the eye, the body temperature may rise by several tenths of a degree.

Immediately after the first symptoms appear, it is important to pay attention and start treatment immediately.

How to properly treat styes on the eye: general recommendations

Styes on the eye is an inflammatory process that occurs when the hair follicles of the eyelashes or the sebaceous glands of the eyelids are damaged. It can lead to eye soreness, redness, swelling, and congestive discharge. Treatment of barley on the eye should be comprehensive and include medications and folk remedies.

Basic principles of treatment of barley on the eye:

1. Carry out hygiene measures: regularly wash eyes with warm water or saline, do not touch the diseased eye with your hands, do not use cosmetics on the eyes, do not apply warm compresses until the stye opens.
2. Take medicines: drops or ointments containing antibiotics or anti-inflammatory agents.
3. Apply compresses: Before going to bed, a cold or warm compress can be applied to the sore eye for 15-20 minutes. But this method cannot be used until the opening of the tumor, so as not to cause the spread of infection.
4. Take vitamins: Vitamins B, A and C can be taken to boost the immune system and speed up the healing of stye.

   Styes on the eye

   Styes on the eye is an inflammatory process at the site of eyelash growth. Various drugs can be used to treat this disease. Below are the most effective of them:

   1. Antibacterial eye drops. These drops contain antibiotics that help fight inflammation and eliminate the pathogens that cause styes.
   2. Vitamins of group B. Their use accelerates the healing of barley, as they affect the improvement of metabolic processes in tissues. Also, these vitamins strengthen the body’s immune system.
   3. Glucocorticosteroids. They are strong anti-inflammatory drugs that help to quickly alleviate the patient’s condition.
   4. Antihistamines. Their use will help reduce swelling and congestion in the barley area, as well as reduce itching and burning.

   It is important to remember that in order to treat barley on the eye, you must immediately contact an ophthalmologist who will make an accurate diagnosis and select the most effective and safe treatment.

   Physiotherapy for stye on the eye

   Physiotherapy is one of the complementary treatments for stye on the eye. It allows you to speed up the healing process and reduce pain.

   Suvorin flashlight

   One of the most popular methods of physiotherapy for barley is the use of Suvorin flashlight. This device emits infrared rays that accelerate tissue regeneration and relieve inflammation. For the procedure, it is necessary to carry out light treatment of the affected area for 10-15 minutes every 2-3 hours for 7-10 days.

   Ultrasound therapy

   Ultrasound therapy can also be effective in treating styes on the eye. It helps relieve swelling, improve blood circulation and accelerate tissue regeneration. The procedure is carried out using a special apparatus that generates ultrasonic waves. The duration of the session is usually 5-10 minutes, the course of treatment is 7-10 days.

   Electrophoresis

   Electrophoresis is a physiotherapy method in which medicines are injected into the body through an electric current. For the treatment of barley on the eye, a solution of furacilin or chlorine dioxide is used. This method helps to quickly relieve inflammation and pain. The course of treatment usually consists of 7-10 procedures.

   Folk remedies for barley on the eye

   Barley on the eye is a rather unpleasant disease. In folk medicine, there are a lot of recipes that will help get rid of barley faster. One of the most popular is the use of compresses based on herbal decoctions.

   Sea buckthorn and dandelion compresses, ointments from aloe and Kalanchoe also help. To prepare the latter, it is necessary to grind the pulp of the leaves of these plants and apply to the eyelid.

   • Dry chamomile
   • Sea buckthorn compress
   • Dandelion compress
   • Aloe ointment
   • Kalanchoe ointment

   that folk remedies can only be effective in mild forms of barley and only as adjuvant therapy in combination with drug therapy .

   What should not be used for stye on the eye?

   Eye makeup is not recommended for styes on the eye, as this may aggravate the condition and cause infection. Also, do not apply dirty compresses, wipes or handkerchiefs to the eye in order to avoid transmitting the infection to the other eye or to other people.

   If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in your medicines, do not use them without consulting an allergist. It is also necessary to avoid the use of products containing alcohol or tobacco, as they can aggravate the condition of the disease and delay the healing process.

   Prevention of barley on the eye

   Regular eye hygiene is one of the main methods of preventing barley. Wash your eyes daily with warm water. Don’t forget to remove makeup residue as well.

   Strengthening immunity is another important aspect that affects the prevention of barley on the eye. Do not forget about proper nutrition, eat more fruits and vegetables, as well as vitamin complexes.

   Avoid contact with infected people is another important rule that will help reduce the likelihood of stye on the eye. If someone close to you has stye, try to avoid close contact and use personal hygiene products.

   • The right choice of glasses and contact lenses. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to consult an experienced ophthalmologist for the correct fit. Inappropriate glasses and lenses can damage your eyes and cause stye.
   • Compliance with the regime of work and rest. Regular use of gadgets can lead to eye fatigue, which can also contribute to styes. Therefore, do not forget to take breaks in work and regularly ventilate the room.

   When should I see a doctor for styes on my eye?

   Styes on the eye is an inflammation of the hair follicle of the eyelash or sebaceous gland in the thickness of the eyelid. At the initial stage of the disease, you may not need to see a doctor, but in some cases it is necessary: ​​

   • If the stye is inside the eyelid and causes severe pain and irritation;
   • If the sty does not go away within a week or even worsens during this time;
   • If stye occurs regularly or at the same time in both eyes;
   • If the inner corner of the eyelid is affected;
   • If there is a severe edematous condition of the eyeball and blurred vision.

   In all these cases, you should contact an experienced doctor who will diagnose and prescribe a comprehensive treatment. Self-treatment with barley on the eye is not recommended, as this can lead to complications and worsening of the condition.

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   Q&A:

   How do I know if I have styes on my eye?

   Styes on the eye manifest as painful swelling of the eyelid, redness, redness of the eye and discomfort when blinking. If you have these symptoms, do not delay a visit to the doctor!

   What preparation will help to quickly get rid of barley?

   Antibiotic ointments such as tetracycline and erythromycin ointments are the most effective treatments for styes on the eye. Oral antibiotics are not required, since stye is usually caused by an infection that develops in a local inflammatory focus.

   Can folk remedies help with barley on the eye?

   Yes, some folk remedies can help treat stye on the eye, such as an infusion of chamomile, sea buckthorn, or kombucha. However, if you are allergic to any components of folk remedies or you are not sure of their effectiveness, it is better to seek help from a doctor.

   How can you prevent the appearance of barley on the eye?

   To prevent the appearance of stye on the eye, you need to follow the rules of hygiene, do not touch your eyes with dirty hands, use your own towel and pillow, do not wear contact lenses on sore eyes. In addition, you need to strengthen the immune system and monitor the general state of health.

   How long does the treatment of stye on the eye last?

   The duration of the treatment of stye on the eye depends on the degree of its development and on how quickly the treatment was started. Usually, treatment takes 1 to 2 weeks. If you have doubts or problems with treatment, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.

   Are there any complications with barley on the eye?

   Yes, with barley on the eye, complications can occur, for example, the spread of infection to other areas of the body, the transition of barley to a chronic form, or the formation of a trowel – a purulent-necrotic infiltrate.