Eye barley is a small lump or pimple on the eyelid that can cause a lot of discomfort. The medical term for it is Hordeolum. It is a common eye infection that usually goes away on its own but can cause a lot of discomfort for a few days.
What causes Eye Barley?
Eye barley is caused by an infection in the oil glands of the eyelids. This infection is usually caused by bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
When these bacteria infect the glands, the glands become inflamed and produce pus in response to the infection. This pus causes a lump or pimple-like structure to form on the eyelid.
What are the types of Eye Barley?
There are two types of eye barley, external and internal. External hordeolum, also known as a stye, is when the lump or bump is on the outside of the eyelid and is easily seen.
On the other hand, an internal hordeolum is when the lump is on the inside of the eyelid and not visible to the eye.
What are the symptoms of Eye Barley?
The symptoms of eye barley include a lump or pimple on the eyelid, redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes discharge from the affected area. These symptoms can last for a few days and can be very uncomfortable.
In some cases, the lump will break open and release pus, which can be very messy.
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Eye Barley: Symptoms and Effects
How is Eye Barley treated?
Most cases of eye barley will go away on their own within a few days. However, there are some things you can do to speed up the healing process and reduce discomfort:.
- Apply a warm compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes, three to four times a day. This will help to reduce pain, swelling, and promote healing.
- Keep the affected area clean and avoid touching it with dirty hands.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses until the infection has cleared up.
- In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection.
Preventing Eye Barley
While eye barley is generally not serious, it can be very uncomfortable. Here are some steps you can take to help prevent it from occurring:.
- Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands.
- Remove makeup before going to bed to prevent the buildup of bacteria on the eyelids.
- Discard old eye makeup and replace it regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and washcloths with others to prevent the spread of bacteria that can cause eye barley.
- If you are prone to eye barley, consider switching to glasses for a period to give your eyes time to recover from previous infections.
When to see your doctor
Most cases of eye barley will clear up on their own and do not require medical attention. However, if the symptoms persist for more than a week or there is a lot of pain, you should see a doctor.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or recommend further treatment to help reduce the inflammation and speed up the healing process.
Conclusion
Eye barley is a common eye infection that causes a small lump or pimple on the eyelid. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection and can be very uncomfortable.
Most cases of eye barley will go away on their own within a few days, but if symptoms persist or are severe, you should see a doctor for further treatment. Taking steps to prevent infection, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding sharing personal items, can help to reduce the risk of eye barley occurring.
