Hordeolum or barley on the eye. Why is it created, how is it treated? (Hordeolum + chalazion)

Barley grain  and wolf grain  are among the inflammatory diseases of the eyelid , more precisely the small glands of the glands and sebaceous glands of the eyelid. Both conditions are similar, however, are characterized by certain differences.

Barley on the eye = barley grain = hordeolum / Hordeolum externum. 
English = stye. 
Wolf grain = chalazion.

In addition to pain and irritation or itching of the eyelid, they also represent a significant aesthetic problem. They are not serious diseases, but their presence can cause acute pain within a few days, but they can also stretch for a long time and thus persist chronically. 

They affect men and women alike. They occur in childhood and also in adulthood or old age. 

The basis of barley grain is the infection of the peripheral glands, which are located near the eyelash algae, by bacteria. The wolf grain is affected by the deeper sebaceous glands of the eyelid. Clogging of their leads is also cooperating with the infection.

You are often interested in :
Do you have a painful or hardened lump on your eyelid and you don't know if it is barley or wolf grain? 
Do you suffer from recurrent barley? 
How long before the swelling disappears? 
Will home treatment and herbs help, or should professional help be sought? 

What is barley grain?

Barley on the eye is caused by inflammation of the peripheral glands of the eyelid, which open in the area of ​​the eyelashes, ie lashes (these are the Moll's or Zeiss's glands). 

It is technically referred to as hordeolum or also outdoor barley.

You will notice it as swelling at the edge of the upper or lower eyelid . Its shape is oval and resembles a barley grain. According to which the disease got its name.

In addition to swelling, it is associated with an unpleasant itching , burning or feeling of a foreign body in the eye . At the time when the inner contents rot, it is possible that the skin cover will rupture and the pus will leak out . 

Be careful, however, that we do not push out the purulent sac or forcefully with our fingers. 

From a visual point of view, barley is not a serious problem. However, the manifestations are an unpleasant and aesthetically unsightly experience. It usually lasts for a short time and for several days disappears spontaneously . If the pus does not leak spontaneously, it is absorbed.

More severe forms may last longer or recur.

Wolf grain is similar, but ...

This form of inflammation affects the sebaceous glands, which are located deeper in the eyelid. They are called Meibom's glands and their sebum serves to protect the tear film. 

Also professionally chalazion. 
Or also inner barley. 

In this case, the symptoms are more pronounced and the swelling is more localized in the eyelid, not on its edge.

The course is a bit more complicated and the treatment is longer. 

In both cases, it is important to note the overall course and duration. If onset of complications and spread of inflammation, a professional examination is necessary. In the first place, the problem is solved by an ophthalmologist. Following finding out the cause, other specialists as well.

The cause of barley grain is a bacterial infection . It is a common bacterial flora of human skin. It stems from the multiplication of bacteria and the onset of inflammation.

Barley is most commonly  caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (golden), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, enterococci or otherwise mixed bacterial flora.

As many as 95% of cases are responsible for golden staphylococcus.

In this case, the glands at the edge of the eyelid, which open near the eyelashes, are affected. The inflammatory process blocks the outlet, resulting in typical symptoms.

Wolf grain  occurs as a result of clogging of the sebaceous gland outlet, to which an infection is added. Inflammation with the production of pus forms an encapsulated sac- abscess . In addition, there is a risk of spreading to the surroundings and transition to phlegmon.

Often as a result of infection with Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, saprophyticus, Diplococcus catarrhalis and Moraxella species.

In the case of both diseases, a set of different  risk factors is considered . These support the outbreak of difficulties and are their basis. 

Risk exposure includes:

• excessive eye strain
• lack of rest and sleep
• insufficient or incorrect hygiene
• improper hygiene of contact lenses
• frequent rubbing and touching the eyes
• malnutrition, vitamin deficiency and excess dietary fats
• insufficient drinking regime
• weakened immunity
• diabetes
• hormonal disorders
• uncorrected refractive error of the eye  - short / farsightedness
• blepharitis - chronic inflammation of the edges of the eyelids
• other chronic eyelash inflammations
• dusty environment
• work in the dark
• use of air conditioning and its improper setting
• for women, make-up and inappropriate cosmetics
• rosacea - rosacea

In children, frequent contact with the face and eyes with dirty hands is a common cause. 
Women should be wary of night make-up and sleep.

You ask: 

Is barley infectious?

Yes . (partially...)

It is a bacterial infection , and thus by careless handling and sharing of hygiene items , towels  or cosmetics, we can achieve its transmission to another member of the family, a person.

How to prevent barley and wolf grain?

When prevention is emphasized limiting the exposure of these risk factors.

• It is therefore a matter of sufficient hygiene of the face and eye area.

• In women, make-up removal and make-up cleansing, especially in the eye area at night and before bedtime.

• Beware of old cosmetics. Throw it out!

• Children should be instructed not to touch or  rub their eyes , especially with dirty fingers.

• Do not forget to wash your hands repeatedly during the day ... (plus, occasional disinfection)

• Likewise, each family member should have their or her own hygiene items for washing and wiping her face and eyes. Likewise, every woman has her own eye make-up cosmetics.

• In the morning after waking up, it is also advisable to apply a damp washcloth to the eyelids for about 1-2 minutes. This will help remove dirt and dried grease residue from the eyelids.

• Consistent hygiene of contact lenses also has the first place in the prevention and care of eyesight.

• It is also important to wash towels and bed linen regularly at high temperatures.

• As well as an adequate supply of vitamins (groups B, C and A) and adherence to a drinking regime . 

• Wear safety goggles in hazardous work and in dusty environments .

In the case of recurrent inflammation, immunological examination and exclusion of another underlying cause is also necessary.

Symptoms , of course, affect the eyes, especially the eyelids, in both forms. However, we can find certain specifics and a certain difference in everyone.

The table shows the manifestations of both diseases

The diagnosis is made by the doctor on the basis of the anamnesis and clinical manifestations (difficulties with which the disease manifests itself). One complains of typical symptoms .

In addition, the grain can be seen on the outside. 

Eye examination is important in terms of excluding other diseases that can result in damage to vision, eye structure, eyelids. Therefore, the physician will focus his attention on the external examination of the eye and all structures, such as the edge of the eyelid, the lid in general, the eyelashes, the skin of the eyelid, and monitoring the glandular outlets with light and magnification.

Although barley grain is usually easy, examination and diagnosis are important over time, and if it takes longer , it occurs or becomes more complicated . As it may be due to a weakened immunity and the occurrence of other diseases.

In the initial stage of barley grain, it is possible to perceive discomfort in the area of ​​the eye and eyelid. An example is the feeling of pressure, tension and a foreign body.

The infection is usually unilateral.

Subsequently, the pain  and redness become more pronounced. Increased tearing is also associated.

With the accumulation of pus, the swelling also increases. It is possible that the swelling breaks and the pus flows out. The lump is located on the edge of the lid in the algae area.

However, in no case do we try to force it out by pushing it out. 

Because, it is also likely that the swelling will disappear spontaneously, after the inflammatory contents are absorbed. 

Such an uncomplicated form of the course should not last longer than 7 days. The opposite is a drop into a wolf grain to phlegmon and inflammation of the entire lid. 

You ask: When is it necessary to see a doctor ? 
Watch your difficulties.
In the event that the duration exceeds more than 7 days , 
or associating other difficulties .

Wolf grain is characterized by a similar course. However, its location is further from the edge of the lid. In this form of inflammation, swelling of the local lymph nodes can also be observed .

Likewise, the overall difficulties can be escalated until it progresses to a chronic stage. At this point, there is a hardened formation in the lid that does not hurt.

Expert examination in both cases is necessary if these complications and vision problems are associated. Alternatively, the inflammation spreads outside the eyelid area (face, neck).