Therapy for children
Children and babies are much more often affected by barley grains than adults. This is because their immune system is not yet fully mature. Since children often rub their eyes with their hands, strict hygiene is essential.
This includes frequent hand washing and the use of a separate towel and washcloth. As a rule, the barleycorn heals itself in children, but it is still advisable to consult a pediatrician, as the risk of the pathogens being carried over into the eyes is very high. The pediatrician will then decide whether antibiotic ointments or eye drops are necessary. It should never be attempted to express the barleycorn itself, as there is also a risk of the bacteria spreading. The healing process can be accelerated by a red light lamp, as this stimulates the self-opening of the barleycorn.
Ointment
If the risk of the barley grain spreading the pathogen is very high, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic eye ointment (e.g. Floxal eye ointment). Eye drops are also a possible alternative. This is usually used for about 3 to 5 days and kills the bacteria.
This prevents the bacteria from being transferred to the eye or other parts of the body. The doctor decides whether antibiotic treatment is necessary.
