In medicine, a boil on the eye is also called a boil. This formation is a consequence of inflammatory processes that develop in the sebaceous glands or hair follicles, and is accompanied by suppuration. Pathogenic microorganisms accumulate in purulent masses, which, if not treated correctly, can cause vision impairment.
Etiology of the disease
At the initial stage of stye development, you can notice a raised skin defect that resembles a regular pimple. Its increase in size is accompanied by pain.
There is noticeable swelling and discoloration on the eyelid.
When the purulent stage of the boil begins to develop, the body temperature may increase.
In a normal situation, the abscess should break out on its own. If this does not happen, then surgical intervention cannot be avoided.
The main cause of the disease is Staphylococcus aureus.
Treatment of inflammation of the eyelid
Traditional medicine has a sufficient range of drugs and techniques to cope with any inflammation in the upper or lower eyelid. Sometimes it is advisable to use traditional methods of treatment, but this can only be done with the permission of a doctor who has sufficient experience and knows how to treat a specific eye disease.
Photo 4. The instillation process
Here are some simple rules that will significantly speed up the treatment process:
- Touching a sore eye is allowed only with washed hands.
- It is necessary to facilitate visual function, for this you need to spend less time looking at the monitor or TV.
- The body must receive all the necessary substances and vitamins; for this you need to eat a balanced diet and, if necessary, take vitamins.
Medicines, ointments, drops
To answer the question “how to treat inflammation of the eyelid,” let’s consider the main medications used in therapy, based on the causes of the disease. Depending on what caused the signs of inflammation of the eyelid, appropriate drops, ointments or medications taken orally . There are no universal drops that should be used as soon as something is wrong with the eyes.
Thus, in case of acute allergies, drugs with antihistamine properties are used, and in case of injury, the main task is to eliminate the damage and its consequences. In case of an infectious lesion, it is important to carry out treatment aimed at suppressing pathogenic microflora. If manifestations on the eyelids serve as a complication of another disease, then first of all it is necessary to treat the underlying disease.
Infections in the eyes are suppressed with antibiotics taken orally and topically. Any medications are prescribed only by a doctor in the diagnostic field. In general, the treatment regimen is as follows:
- Instillation of drops: Penicillin, Albucid, Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone.
- Application of ointments: Tetracycline, Yellow mercury, Furacilin, Gentamicin.
- Taking systemic drugs orally, treatment is with Ampiok, Oxacillin, Biseptol.
If there are large boils and ulcers, they are sometimes removed through a minor operation, during which they are cleaned and disinfected. After the operation, a person experiences rapid relief, as the inflammation of the eyelid quickly subsides and the healing process begins.
The occurrence of barley in a child
The main reason why boils appear in a small child is poor hygiene. Children often touch their faces with dirty hands, and if there is even minor damage to the skin, infection occurs.
This disease in children is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- loss of appetite,
- deterioration in general health,
- headache,
- temperature increase.
At the slightest suspicion of the development of a boil, you should immediately consult a doctor. If the problem is not corrected in time, blood poisoning or inflammation may grow.
Possible complications
Removing a purulent lesion on your own or failing to consult a doctor in a timely manner can lead to complications. Weak patients, children, and the elderly require special attention.
Eyelid abscess is a serious disease with severe complications.
Secondary damage, deep localization of the infectious process, becomes the cause of severe ophthalmological diseases:
- orbital abscess;
- thrombosis of the cavernous sinus;
- abscess of the infraorbital region;
- inflammation of the optic nerve;
- phlegmon of the orbit;
- protrusion of the eyeball;
- orbital abscess.
If the abscess of the upper eyelid is located in the medial zone, the development of orbital cellulitis, which threatens a person’s life, is possible.
Stages of development of stye on the eye
Boils usually do not occur suddenly. The development of the disease goes through three stages:
- The eyelid is red and swollen at first. The patient may have a sensation of a foreign body entering the eye, but visual examination does not confirm this.
- The affected area begins to itch. There is also excessive tearing of the eye and redness of the mucous membrane. Thick discharge may appear.
- After a few days, the head of the boil is visible, which differs in color. Most often it is yellow or white-yellow.
Each stage can last differently, depending on the degree of functioning of the body’s immune system and the type of pathogen.
Traditional medicine recipes for boils
Experts do not advise self-medication, but traditional methods can speed up recovery. They are used in conjunction with classical therapy.
Calendula flowers have anti-inflammatory properties. They are brewed in boiling water, infused and the resulting liquid is used for compresses. Strong tea has similar properties. Not only does it promote healing, but it also soothes sore eyes.
Aloe is also a powerful agent with anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and wound-healing properties. The aloe leaf should be finely chopped and poured with a glass of warm boiled water. Leave for about an hour and then use as a compress.
At the same time, you should strengthen your immune system. A boil will not cause complications if the body is protected from the inside. Therefore, it is necessary to drink natural fruit drinks, rosehip decoction, linden tea with honey, currant and cranberry juice more often.
The main symptoms and manifestations of boils on the eye
The first manifestations of the disease include inflammation, swelling and redness of the eyelid. To the touch, its affected surface is compacted. After a couple of days, you may notice an abscess in the form of a large pimple. A person is often bothered by the following symptoms:
- pain and itching,
- excessive tearing,
- feeling of a speck in the eye,
- swelling that completely covers the eye.
If the immune system is severely weakened, infection can cause:
- temperature rise,
- lack of appetite and nausea,
- general malaise,
- headaches,
- enlarged cervical lymph nodes.
Causes
The formation of an abscess occurs due to the penetration of infection into the eyelash follicle, conjunctiva or lacrimal canaliculi. The following factors contribute to the development of the process:
- a decrease in the body’s defenses after suffering viral pathologies or hypovitaminosis;
- diseases of the digestive tract;
- inflammation of the tonsils;
- inflammation of the mucous membrane or several paranasal sinuses;
- infection of the body by various types of parasitic worms;
- getting dust and dirt into the eyes;
- insufficient eyelid hygiene;
- impaired production or outflow of tear fluid.
The cause of the formation of an abscess is seborrhea, demodicosis, boils, barley, chalazion and dacryocystitis.
When pathogenic microorganisms enter the mouth of the hair follicle or lacrimal sac, the ducts that drain physiological secretions are blocked. In a confined space, bacteria multiply quickly, causing the development of an inflammatory process.
Diagnostic methods used
When the first signs of a boil appear on the eye, you should definitely consult an ophthalmologist. An external or internal abscess can be detected by visual examination of the eye with eversion of the eyelid. In most cases, there is no need to conduct additional ophthalmological diagnostics.
If barley occurs frequently, you cannot do without consulting other doctors, namely a dermatologist, endocrinologist and gastroenterologist. Blood, urine and stool tests are also required to detect parasites.
Mandatory analyzes are considered:
- bacteriological examination of a smear from the affected area of the eye,
- blood culture test for sterility.
Differential diagnosis of a boil is carried out if there are other accompanying pathologies.
Folk recipes for ointments for abscesses
Some traditional medicine recipes are very effective for treating boils.
At home, you can prepare special ointments from natural ingredients that promote the maturation and healing of boils:
- Onion ointment – 2 large onions need to be baked in the oven until soft. Then you should chop the onion to a pasty state. Take half a bar of laundry soap and grate it on a fine grater. Mix both components and apply to the boil, bandage and keep for 12 hours, then replace the compress with ointment. In a day and a half, the abscess should burst.
- An ointment made from several ingredients - grate a quarter of a bar of laundry soap, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, natural honey, rye flour. Pour a glass of boiling water over everything and cook for 2 - 3 minutes. Put 25 g of wax into the mixture, stir until it melts. The ointment is applied to the affected area twice a day, covered with a sterile bandage. The medicine promotes the maturation of the abscess.
- Wax-based ointment - first you need to hard-boil a chicken egg, you only need the yolk. Corn, linseed or olive oil (3 tablespoons) are slightly heated over heat, crushed yolk and 50 g of finely grated beeswax are added. After boiling, the ointment is ready for use.
Read more about how to quickly treat a boil at home here.
Each ointment is effective at a certain stage of boil development. In addition, there are contraindications and side effects from the use of medications. Only a qualified specialist can take into account all the nuances.
Preventive methods
To prevent boils on the eye from bothering you and becoming chronic, you need to adhere to preventive measures:
- wash your hands more often,
- do not touch your eyes with dirty hands,
- cosmetics must be hypoallergenic,
- buy eye cosmetics of proven quality,
- lead an active lifestyle aimed at increasing immunity,
- correctly remove a foreign body from the eyes.
If you notice the first symptoms of a boil, you should immediately consult a doctor. Timely treatment eliminates the development of complications and negative consequences.
Why does it appear
The brow ridges and eyes are the most vulnerable part of the face. A boil on the eyelid is formed when pathogenic microflora, along with dirt, penetrates the hair follicle and the adjacent sebaceous gland. The conditions for the development and growth of pathogenic bacteria are the most suitable there. Staphylococcus multiplies quickly, and the inflammatory process begins. Pus and necrotic masses accumulate in the follicle and gland. The inflamed tissue swells and turns red.
The habit of touching and rubbing your eyes with your hands is one of the most common causes of boils. Other factors:
- Abuse of decorative cosmetics and other products, from mascara, eye shadow to creams, scrubs and lotions for washing, especially low-quality products. They dry out the delicate skin of the eyelids, which cracks, and the inflammatory agent penetrates through microtraumas.
- Cosmetic procedures, for example, plucking and shaving eyebrows, also injure the skin, and the wounds become infected.
- Allergic reactions not only to cosmetics or food, but also to pollen, dust, mold.
- Prolonged and constant contact with dust, chemicals, coupled with neglect of protective equipment, such as a mask or goggles.
- Colds and other diseases (endocrine, autoimmune) that weaken the immune system, unable to fight the causative agent of the disease.
- Taking certain medications.
- Poor diet, bad habits, for example, smoking, alcohol abuse, sweet, fatty foods, flour foods.
- Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis.
- Injuries in the eye area.
