Inflammatory processes in the eye area are a common occurrence, especially for barley. Not only adults, but children, too, may be affected. If symptoms occur, of course, you should contact an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, but if there is no doctor nearby, you can help yourself and your relatives with handy, folk and pharmacy remedies. Barley treatment should not be delayed, as complications may arise in the form of chronic inflammation, and in the worst cases meningitis or removal of the eyeball. If you follow all the recommendations described in this article, then there is every chance that the recovery will be fast enough. But we repeat again: if possible, contact an ophthalmologist.
What is barley?
Barley is an inflammation of the hair follicle, more precisely, the cilia bulbs. This disease is very similar to furunculosis, which can occur in any part of the body.
According to the ICD, barley is encrypted with the code H00.0, classified as a deep inflammation of the eyelids.
Inflammation can form both on the upper eyelid and on the lower one on either side (internal and external, in the corner of the eye near the temple or nose bridge). Regardless of the location of barley, treatment is prescribed almost the same. But many experts argue that inflammation on the upper eyelid can be the most dangerous due to proximity to the brain and from the inside. In principle, this is also explained by the fact that it is more difficult to process the upper part of the eye area, as well as the internal one. But how to treat barley on the lower eyelid is described in detail below.
Symptoms and stages of the disease
When inflammation just appears, the person feels discomfort in the eye. It may constantly seem like a speck. This is especially felt when blinking. As a rule, in this case, according to the sensations, it is already possible to determine in which specific place the infection formed. For those who are in trouble for the first time, it will be more difficult to understand what are the signs of barley in the eye.
The very “acquaintance” with the pathology will begin at the next stage, when a painful swelling appears. It is during this period that barley begins to ripen, which lasts about 2-4 days, depending on the state of the patient's immune system.
Then a necrotic shaft (ulcer) appears, through which pus should leak. But it also happens that barley dissolves on its own or under the influence of drugs. After the stage of opening the abscess, the healing process begins.
What are the causes of barley?
Let's see what are the causes of barley in the eye. In fact, there are a lot of factors. For example, in children, frequent barley indicates that the baby constantly rubs his eyes with dirty hands. If the mother constantly monitors him and tries to prevent infection, then it means a weakened immune system.
An adult can have much more reasons:
- chronic staphylococcal infection in the body;
- stress, nervous breakdowns;
- a sharp weakening of the immune system;
- poor nutrition;
- a sharp change in weather or climate with the risk of weathering;
- dirt in construction or other work;
- touching eyes with unwashed hands.
But most often, the primary cause is weakening of the immune system, when the body is not able to fight the pathogenic flora itself.
The causative agent of the inflammatory process
Barley, as an inflammatory process in the hair follicle, does not appear on its own. It is provoked by a pathogen. The most common causative agent is Staphylococcus aureus, a little less commonly - Streptococcus.
Despite the cause of barley in the eye, based on external factors, inflammation is always formed under the influence of microbes that multiply in the affected area.
In the area of the affected tissues, pus accumulates, which, in the stage when the barley ripens, goes out with the dead microorganisms.
When should you not postpone a visit to the doctor?
Often, barley in many is normal, without complications. But, unfortunately, there are times when a visit to a specialist cannot be postponed. The reason for emergency medical care may be:
- increase in body temperature;
- the occurrence of a large abscess (swelling around the eye);
- pain in the eye itself.
In such cases, the treatment of barley is carried out under the supervision of a doctor with potent drugs, it is also possible, if necessary, surgical intervention. The faster the patient goes to the doctor, the greater the chances of a safe and speedy recovery.
To avoid complications, you must first observe hygiene: do not touch the inflamed area with your hands, treat the affected area with an antiseptic. This is the only way to reduce the risk of unpleasant consequences.
Actions for the first symptoms
When the first signs of barley appear on the eye in the form of pain, but there is no swelling, then some methods can be used:
- wipe with alcohol both centuries;
- lubricate with iodine the place where the pain is felt;
- apply cold.
The first option implies the presence of medical alcohol in your home or at least alcohol propolis tincture. Moisten a cotton swab in alcohol and gently apply liquid to the eyelashes and eyelids. Avoid contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes. In the same way iodine can be used. But you can not smear intensively, otherwise you can get a burn.
The third option is the antipode of thermal compresses. In general, it is better to be careful not to apply heat to any infected area. But staphylococcus is afraid of a strong frosty cold. Therefore, you can safely use the method of applying for 10 seconds frozen items, such as chicken or seafood. Only the item should be wrapped in two layers of cellophane, so as not to get frostbite. The circuit is something like this:
- Exhale, hold your breath, apply a frozen product to the sore spot.
- Count 10 seconds and take away the cold from your eyes.
- Wait 1.5 minutes, then repeat the procedure.
This is an effective remedy for barley. But to achieve the best effect, you need to do this procedure 3-4 times a day until complete recovery. It is better to treat comprehensively: cold and rubbing with one of the tools listed above.
If there is a swelling of the century
If the patient missed the first stage - the onset of barley, then do not despair. Often, regardless of whether the correct treatment is started or not, the occurrence of edema is inevitable. In this case, do not apply heat or cold. Here it is necessary to treat the diseased eyelid with antibacterial ointment until the necrotic core opens or the inflammation resolves.
If the inflammatory process went further, an increased body temperature appeared, often ointments alone can not be avoided, you need to take an antibiotic inside. But only a doctor should deal with such cases.
In the second stage of barley on the eye, when the eyelid is quite painful and there is swelling, you need to be careful. The application of therapeutic agents should be carried out with clean hands.
Instead of antibacterial ointment, eye drops with antibacterial properties can be prescribed.
Ripening stage
The third stage can be considered the ripening stage. This is the moment when the pus is preparing to go outside. You should continue to use antibacterial agents.
If maturation takes too long, you should contact an ophthalmologist to prescribe a remedy for barley to accelerate the opening of the necrotic core.
When an abscess appears, many believe that it is necessary to squeeze out the contents of the eyelid with your fingers. But you can’t do this, you can drive the infection deeper and provoke it into the brain or with the flow of blood into the body. Do not touch the sore spot, let the pus exit process go on its own. You can only moisten the abscess with special medicines so that it does not dry out.
What to do when pus comes out?
The healing process begins when pus comes out or dissolves. In the first case, gently remove the escaping liquid from the eyelashes with a sterile bandage. It is advisable to refrain from hiking on the street. If there is no way to stay at home, then cover your eyes with a clean handkerchief.
When the barley breaks through, you can breathe a sigh of relief, as the healing process has begun. This stage lasts from several hours to 1.5 days. It all depends on the volume of purulent fluid and the amount of microbes contained in it.
Even if the edema has completely subsided, the pain has passed, you still need to treat the affected area with antibacterial ointment at least a couple of days or bury the eye to prevent a secondary infection from entering the unhealed wound after the abscess.
What tools are used?
Various medicines are used to treat barley. Doctors often prescribe eye drops, for example, Okomistin, Vitabakt, Tobrex, and so on. They fight infection, reduce the inflammatory process. But it also happens that these or other drops do not help, it may depend on the type of infection.
Also, various ointments are often used both to relieve puffiness and to quickly ripen barley:
- "Ichthyolum";
- Vishnevsky ointment;
- Levomekol;
- oxolinic and others.
But how to treat barley in a child, only a doctor can tell, since many drugs have contraindications for children.
Treatment with folk remedies
Many of us are committed to folk remedies. Of course, lovers of herbal medicine will recommend applying a cut sheet of aloe or baked onions. But such methods are good for furunculosis, if the area of origin is not in the region of the nasolabial triangle.
It is better not to carry out the treatment of barley with aloe, onion and other herbal remedies so as not to provoke a relapse and not to create an abscess. But if the doctor believes that in a particular case you can do with folk remedies, then you can apply the recommendation. You just need to be careful and control your condition. In case of deterioration, such treatment should be stopped immediately.
Folk remedies for this disease can only be auxiliary, for example, ingestion of an echinacea decoction or propolis infusion to fight infection and to increase immunity.
Do I need to follow a diet?
In general, experts do not prescribe any diets, but in order to speed up recovery, you should still limit yourself to sweets. The fact is that any pathogenic flora "loves" sugar very much. The more sweet you eat, the longer the infection will remain in the body. It is better to switch to acidic, bitter and unleavened foods, drinks.
Pay more attention to drinking:
- more clean water 15 minutes before meals and 1.5-2 hours after;
- consume cranberry and cranberry juice / fruit drink;
- drink herbal bitter teas and decoctions.
Above, the article gave recommendations on how to cure barley at home with the help of affordable medicines. But they are not enough. Be sure to follow the dietary rule: less sugar - more water.
How long does the disease last?
If it is not possible to eliminate barley at an early stage, when the disease only makes itself felt by pain, then treatment will take about 1 week. Experts warn that if after 7-8 days the barley does not ripen or the abscess is not torn, then you need to contact a medical institution for help.
A sick eyelid gives a feeling of discomfort, temporarily destroys plans and spoils the mood. Almost all newcomers ask: “How long does barley go, how long does it take?” The whole process takes 4-7 days.
Psychological support for the disease
Often people, when barley is formed, feel not only discomfort, but also sometimes a decrease in visual acuity. But the latter depends on how much the swollen eyelid closes the eye. Perhaps lacrimation. Therefore, it is recommended to carry a pack of clean paper scarves with you. In addition, there is pain even when closing the eyes.
Of course, such a nuisance overshadows all plans for the coming week. But in order not to spoil your mood, recover as soon as possible, it is better to relax at home, for example, lie down and think about the meaning of life, dream or make plans for the future. Then the treatment of barley will be easier, and recovery will come faster. In addition, drafts and wind should be avoided.
Eye Prevention
To barley does not appear again, you need to follow some rules. You can’t rub your eyes with unwashed hands, but it’s better to try not to rub it unnecessarily. If you are on the street, it is better not to touch the eyelids, and the face as a whole. When a strong wind, dust, it is better to close your eyes with a sleeve, a scarf. Wear protective glasses when carrying out dusty work. Also the reason may be decorative cosmetics.
Often, due to poor hygiene and adverse conditions on the street, barley occurs in a child. The doctor will tell you what to treat, but prophylaxis should be carried out: watch for small children, and explain to the grown-up child that you can’t rub your eyes.
Inside Prevention
Everything in the body is interconnected, even barley jumping on the eye appears due to not only external, but also internal factors. For example, a similar disease appears in people with weakened immune systems. It is better to carry out comprehensive prevention, because it is more difficult to treat than to prevent, especially barley in the inner eyelid.
Try to temper regularly, eat healthy food. The more vitamins on your table, the lower the risk of inflammation, not only in the eye, but throughout the body.
In addition, this trouble can be psychosomatic. Be calm, love everyone around and accept life as it is.
Why do barley jump up often?
In some people, the disease recurs. If even you already know well how to cure barley at home, but the inflammation appears again and again, then this is an occasion to turn to a wide-field specialist. It is possible that the immune system is weakened, and on any organ or mucosa there is a focus of Staphylococcus aureus. When the true cause is eliminated, recovery will come.