Barley, also known as sty, is an inflammation of a small eyelid gland that occurs mainly due to a bacterial infection, resulting in small swelling, redness, discomfort and itching at the site.
Although uncomfortable, barley usually goes away on its own after 3 to 5 days without the need for specific treatment, but to relieve symptoms it is interesting to make hot compresses that help deflate and relieve discomfort.
- However.
- When barley does not disappear after 8 days.
- Even with compresses.
- It is important that the ophthalmologist is consulted.
- As barley may have evolved into a chalazion.
- Where treatment is done from a small procedure.
- Surgical.
Barley can be seen mainly by the appearance of swelling of the eyelid that causes discomfort mainly when the eyes blink. Other symptoms of barley include:
Barley usually goes away on its own within a few days, but if it is persistent, it is also possible that there would be inflammation of the glands near the roots of the eyelashes, resulting in chalazion, which is a nodule that does not cause symptoms, but is quite uncomfortable and should be removed by a small surgical procedure. Learn more about chalazion and how to identify it.
Barley is mainly caused by infection by microorganisms, most often bacteria, that promote local inflammation and cause signs and symptoms. However, this can also occur due to seborrhea, acne or chronic blepharitis, which is an alteration characterized by inflammation at the edge of the eyelids that results in excess scabs and punctures. Understand what chronic blepharitis is.
In addition, barley is more common in adolescents, due to a hormonal disorder, in the elderly, as well as in people who have excess fat on the skin or who have another inflammation of the eyelid.
Barley usually does not need medication to cure and therefore treatment can be done at home, following certain recommendations, such as:
Barley is usually disinfected or drained on its own in about 5 days and usually does not last more than a week. Signs of improvement include reduced swelling, pain, and redness. However, some cases are more severe and can last longer and worsen the infection. Therefore, you should pay attention to the signs and consult an ophthalmologist or dermatologist.
See what barley treatment should look like at home
It is important to see your doctor if it turns out that your eyes are very red and irritated, that there has been a change in vision, that barley does not go away in 7 days or when the inflammation spreads to the face, resulting in the appearance of a red, hot and painful area.
After the evaluation, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or eye drops, and in some cases, oral antibiotics may even be required. There are also some more severe cases where minor surgery may be required to drain the barley pus.