The appearance of a painful red bump on the edge of the eyelid is a familiar symptom of stye. Despite its prevalence, this disease is often mistreated, which can lead to serious complications.
Barley is an acute purulent inflammation of the hair follicle of the eyelash or the sebaceous gland of the eyelid, caused by a bacterial infection, most often Staphylococcus aureus. Main symptoms: local painful swelling, redness, itching, feeling of a speck in the eye. After 2-3 days, a yellowish “head” usually forms.
Ophthalmological specialists explained the dangers of self-medication of stye and incorrect diagnosis.
Why self-medication of barley is dangerous
Traditional methods and amateur efforts can complicate the treatment of barley.
- Squeezing out barley is the most dangerous mistake. Pus can spread through the blood vessels into the eye socket, causing cellulitis, or even into the brain, leading to meningitis and sepsis.
- Incorrect heating. Heat is only beneficial at the very early stage, before pus forms. Warming up the ripening stye increases inflammation and can lead to an abscess of the eyelid.
- Saliva, urine and rubbing with alcohol injure the mucous membrane, cause chemical burns, introduce additional infection and aggravate the condition.
- Uncontrolled use of antibiotic drops can provoke a fungal infection or an allergic reaction without affecting the cause if the inflammation is of a different nature.
Difficulties in diagnosis
Symptoms similar to stye may hide other, more serious diseases that require different treatment.
- Chalazion (“hailstone”) is a chronic inflammation of the gland, often painless. Requires massage, physiotherapy or injections, and heating is ineffective.
- Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the edges of the eyelids.
- Cysts and tumors of the eyelids, including benign and malignant.
Only an ophthalmologist, during an examination using a slit lamp, can accurately diagnose, distinguish stye from other pathologies and prescribe adequate therapy.
Never attempt to pop a stye yourself. Strengthen your overall immunity and maintain eyelid hygiene.
It should be remembered that barley is not just a cosmetic defect, but an acute infectious process. Refusal of risky traditional methods, timely diagnosis by a specialist and competent treatment is the only way to a quick recovery without a threat to vision and health.
Important: This information is not a substitute for consulting a doctor. The body's response to changes in diet/training may depend on individual physiology, genetic predisposition and health status. It is recommended to consult a specialist.
