hordeolum externum

A hordeolum externum, also known as an external stye or external hordeolum, is a type of eye infection that affects the eyelid margin.

Characteristics:

• A hordeolum externum appears as a small, painful bump on the edge of the eyelid, often near the base of the

Common Signs and Symptoms of Hordeolum Externum (External Stye)

A hordeolum externum, also known as an external stye, is a bacterial infection that affects the oil glands at the edge of the eyelid. The symptoms can vary from person to person, but here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Redness and Swelling: A red lump or bump on the edge of the eyelid, which may be tender to the touch.
• Pain and Tenderness: Pain and tenderness in the affected area, which may worsen when you blink or move your eye.
• Grittiness and Discharge: A gritty feeling in the eye, accompanied by a yellowish or white discharge that may leak out of the eye.
• Eye Tearing and Watering: Excessive tearing or watering of the eye due to irritation and discomfort.
• Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light, which can make it uncomfortable to be outdoors or perform tasks that require bright lighting.

These symptoms are usually accompanied by a localized pustule on the eyelid margin, which is a characteristic sign of an external stye. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek medical attention from an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

• [1] A hordeolum, commonly called a “stye”, is an infection of an oil gland at the edge of the eyelid and results in pain, swelling and redness. ... External examination of the eye, including lid structure, skin ...
• [3] A hordeolum (stye) is an acute, localized swelling of the eyelid that may be external or internal and usually is a pyogenic (typically staphylococcal) infection or abscess.
• [5] Termed external hordeolum, these produce the typical appearance of a stye with a localized pustule of the eyelid margin.
• [13] External stye symptoms. Common symptoms of an external stye include: Soreness and/or redness along the eyelash line. Eyelid swelling. Grittiness in the eye. Eye pain. Light sensitivity. Eye tearing or watering.

Diagnostic Tests for Hordeolum Externum

According to various medical sources, the diagnosis of a stye (hordeolum externum) typically does not require any additional diagnostic tests beyond a history and physical examination.

• No diagnostic tests are required or useful: As stated in [9] and [9], no further testing is necessary for diagnosing a stye. The condition can be identified through a simple examination of the affected area.
• External examination sufficient: A thorough external examination of the eye, including the lid structure, is usually sufficient to diagnose a hordeolum externum, as mentioned in [10].
• No additional tests needed: According to [13], no additional tests are necessary for diagnosing an external hordeolum. The condition can be identified through physical examination alone.

In cases where the stye does not respond to standard treatment, bacteriological tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause of the infection. However, this is typically not required for initial diagnosis.

References:

[9] - A stye (hordeolum) and chalazion require only a history and physical exam. [10] - External examination of the eye, including lid structure, might include: ... [13] - An external hordeolum is an acute bacterial infection of one or more sebaceous glands...

Treatment Options for Hordeolum Externum

Hordeolum externum, also known as a stye, is an infection of the oil gland at the edge of the eyelid. While most cases can be treated with home remedies, some may require medical attention and drug treatment.

• Topical Antibiotics: In many cases, topical antibiotics such as antibiotic ointments or drops are prescribed to treat hordeolum externum. These medications help to clear up the infection and reduce inflammation [1].
• Oral Antibiotics: If the infection is more severe or has spread beyond the eyelid, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the underlying bacterial infection [3].
• Incision and Drainage: In some cases, a small incision may be made in the affected area to drain the pus and promote healing. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia [13].

It's essential to note that treatment for hordeolum externum should only be administered by a medical professional, as improper treatment can lead to complications or prolonged recovery.

References:

[1] A hordeolum is an acute bacterial infection of the sebaceous or apocrine eyelid glands. An internal hordeolum affects the Meibomian glands while an external hordeolum affects eyelash follicles and their associated glands of Zeis or Moll. ... In some cases, treatment with antibiotic drops or ointment is needed to speed up recovery.

[3] Treatment of an internal hordeolum is with oral antibiotics and incision and drainage if needed. Topical antibiotics are usually ineffective.

[13] Stye treatment by a medical provider may include: A small cut (incision) to drain your stye in the office (under local anesthesia). Prescription antibiotic ointment to apply to your eyelid or antibiotic eye drops.

The differential diagnosis for hordeolum externum, also known as an external stye, includes several conditions that can present with similar symptoms.

• Chalazion: A chalazion is a non-infectious, inflammatory condition caused by the blockage of a meibomian gland. It presents as a small, painless nodule in the eyelid, which can be difficult to differentiate from an external stye.
• Blepharitis: Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, often caused by bacterial or demodectic mite infestations. It can present with redness, swelling, and crusting on the eyelashes.
• Periorbital cellulitis: Periorbital cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin around the eye, which can cause redness, swelling, and pain in the eyelid.
• Dacryocystitis: Dacryocystitis is an inflammation or infection of the lacrimal sac, which can present with redness, swelling, and pain in the eyelid.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: In rare cases, a hordeolum externum may be mistaken for a squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that can occur on the eyelid.

It's essential to note that an accurate diagnosis of hordeolum externum requires a thorough examination and medical history by a qualified healthcare professional. A proper diagnosis is crucial to determine the best course of treatment and rule out any underlying conditions that may require further investigation or management.

References:

• [1] A chalazion is a non-infectious, inflammatory condition caused by the blockage of a meibomian gland.
• [12] An external hordeolum is an acute bacterial infection of one or more sebaceous glands of Zeis or apocrine sweat glands of Moll.
• [8] Differential Diagnosis includes Chalazion, Blepharitis, Eyelid neoplasms, Periorbital cellulitis, Dacryocystitis, Squamous cell carcinoma
• [15] The information on the differential diagnosis of a stye is based on the College of Optometrists clinical management guideline Hordeolum [College of Optometrists, 2018] and expert opinion in review articles on eyelid lesions.