The barleycorn is a bacterial infection of glands on the eyelid. In the technical language it is also called hordeolum. The settled bacteria lead to an accumulation of pus (abscess), which can be painful.
Externally, the barleycorn can be recognized by a swollen and reddened eyelid. Often the affected eye is watery. Often patients with a weakened immune system are affected by a barleycorn. A barleycorn is contagious. Through the pus, bacteria can be transferred to other parts of the body or to other people, so an accumulation of pus can also form there.
Therapy/treatment
A grain of barley is normally not dangerous. After a few days, the pus accumulation usually opens by itself and the pus can drain away. The barleycorn then usually heals by itself and does not require any further treatment.
However, it is very important to pay attention to hygiene. The pus contains bacteria that can be transmitted. This is particularly dangerous if the infection spreads to the eye.
Therefore, the barleycorn should not be touched to avoid transmission of the pathogens. Frequent hand washing and possible disinfection of the hands are recommended. Under no circumstances should an attempt be made to open the pus collection itself.
There is a risk of spreading the pathogen and the risk of the infection spreading is very high. The doctor can prescribe antibiotic-containing eye ointments or eye drops for a barleycorn. These prevent the pathogen from spreading further.
In very serious cases it may also be necessary to take antibiotics in tablet form. These then have a systemic effect, i.e. they act throughout the body and are used when the pathogens have already spread further. Preparations containing antibiotics are often used in the case of a so-called inner barleycorn, since the danger of the pathogen spreading is particularly high in this case.
Here there is the danger that the bacteria cause conjunctivitis or an inflammation of the eye socket, which is to be prevented by the antibiotic administration. or Floxal Eye drops, Floxal If the pus does not drain off by itself even after some time, a doctor must open the barleycorn with a small sting. This should also be done if the pain and the resulting pressure of the eyelid increases.
Wearers of contact lenses should avoid wearing contact lenses if possible when a barleycorn appears. If a barleycorn appears more frequently, the cause should be clarified by a physician. This can indicate a weakened immune system or diabetes mellitus.
