Hordeolum or stump
A hordeolum externum or stump manifests as a small, painful, red nodule on the eyelid margin. A hordeolum can occur on either the lower or upper eyelid margin.
What is a Hordeolum?
A hordeolum, better known as a shit on the eyelid, is an acute inflammation of a sebaceous gland in the eyelid. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection, causing a red, painful swelling on the edge or inside of the eyelid.
A hordeolum can occur on either the outside (external hordeolum) or the inside (internal hordeolum) of the eyelid. The external variant is an inflammation of a gland in the hair follicles of the eyelashes, while the internal variant is an infection of a deeper sebaceous gland.
Although a hordeolum is annoying and sometimes painful, it is usually harmless and often disappears on its own within a few days to a week. Treatment with warm compresses can speed up the healing process.
Causes of a Hordeolum
A hordeolum results from inflammation of a sebaceous gland in the eyelid, usually due to a bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium occurs naturally on the skin but, when a sebaceous gland is blocked, it can cause inflammation.
Factors that increase the risk of hordeolum include:
- Poor eyelid hygiene - Accumulation of dirt, makeup or sebum can clog the glands.
- Frequent eye rubbing - Transfer of bacteria from the hands to the eyelid.
- Blepharitis (eyelid edge inflammation) - Chronic irritation and inflammation of the eyelid edges.
- Weakened immune system - Reduced resistance to infection.
- Wearing contact lenses without proper hygiene - Increased risk of bacterial infection.
- Hormonal fluctuations - Can affect sebum production in the eyelids.
Proper eyelid hygiene and avoiding eye rubbing can reduce the risk of hordeolum.
Symptoms of hordeolum
A hordeolum, also called a stump, is a painful, red swelling on the eyelid. It results from inflammation of a sebaceous gland and can occur on either the inside or outside of the eyelid.
The main symptoms of a hordeolum are:
- Red, painful swelling at the edge of the eyelid.
- Sensitivity and irritation, especially when blinking.
- Light tearing of the eye due to inflammation.
- Pus formation in the swollen area, sometimes leading to a white or yellow head.
- Sometimes a crusty edge of the eyelid, especially with an internal infection.
A hordeolum usually disappears on its own within a few days to a week. Heat compresses can speed up the healing process.
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Treatment of hordeolum: Self-care
A hordeolum is usually harmless and often heals on its own within a few days to a week. However, certain treatments can speed up recovery and relieve symptoms.
Warm compress
- Apply a clean, warm (not hot) cloth to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, several times a day.
- This helps to dissolve the blockage in the sebaceous gland and drain the infection.
Gentle massage
- Gently massage the eyelid after a warm compress to loosen and drain the contents of the stump.
- Avoid applying pressure or squeezing the stump yourself; this may worsen the infection.
Good eyelid hygiene
- Gently cleanse the eyelid with a mild, unscented cleanser or special eyelid foam.
- Remove makeup carefully and avoid using eye makeup until the lump is healed.
Medical treatment of hordeolum
Antibiotic ointment or drops
If the infection is persistent or severe, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or eye drops to fight the bacterial infection.
Incision and drainage
If the hordeolum is large, painful or persistent, a doctor may make a small incision to drain the contents.
Treatment of underlying causes
With repeated blepharitis, a doctor may recommend addressing chronic blepharitis or other causes, such as rosacea.
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Dr. Philippe Gréant is an experienced plastic and aesthetic surgeon with more than 30 years of practical experience. After 13 years of training at the University Hospitals of Brussels, he obtained his legal accreditation in plastic-aesthetic surgery. He also took additional training courses in France and the United Kingdom.
During his career, Dr. Gréant has developed a broad expertise in various techniques within plastic surgery, ranging from microsurgery and hand surgery to general plastic and aesthetic surgery. Today, he focuses primarily on aesthetic facial surgery, applying advanced techniques to achieve natural results.
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