Inflammation of the eyelid glands | Inflammation of the upper eyelid

Inflammation of the eyelid glands

Inflammation of the upper eyelid can also be caused by inflammation of the eyelid glands. The barleycorn (hordeolum) originates from the sebaceous and sweat glands of the eyelid. A further distinction is made between a hordeolum externum if the glands on the eyelashes on the outer edge of the eyelid are affected and a hordeolum internum if the glands inside the eyelid are affected.

The cause for the inflammation is usually a bacterial infection with staphylococci. The patient suffers from a swollen, reddened eyelid with a yellowish pus courtyard and an irritated conjunctiva. Depending on its location, a barleycorn can be extremely painful and cause a feeling of tension.

To accelerate the healing of a barleycorn, dry heat as well as disinfectant and antibiotic ointments help. Barley grains occur several times, especially in patients with diabetes mellitus. In naturopathy, lukewarm eye baths or infusions of certain herbs (eyebright = Euphrasia officinalisa) are used to treat chronic eyelid inflammation.

Complications of upper eyelid inflammation arise if the inflammation does not heal completely or spreads. Spreading to the conjunctiva can impair vision and it is even more dangerous if the inflammation spreads via the bloodstream, as the draining vessels run through spaces near the brain. Closure of these vessels can have fatal consequences.

These consequences range from general symptoms (nausea, vomiting, fever) to loss of consciousness and seizures. To prevent this, a doctor should be consulted if the eyelid becomes inflamed and does not heal after a few days.