What Causes the Condition of "Jueyan"?
Causes and Treatments of Hordeolum
Hordeolum, also known as sty, arises from bacterial infection in the eye. Certain individuals have a tendency to consume spicy and stimulating foods, leading to persistent eye congestion or inflammation. Prolonged exposure to such dietary habits weakens the eye's defenses, making it more susceptible to bacterial infections and, consequently, hordeolum. Traditional Chinese medicine fumigation, hot compress, eye ointment, and other techniques can treat hordeolum. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Let's delve into the causes of hordeolum.
1. Causes of Hordeolum
Hordeolum, colloquially known as sty, is medically termed meibomianitis or folliculitis. It is triggered by bacterial invasion of the meibomian glands or hair follicles. Common culprits include Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus, among others, that readily induce abscess formation. Primary factors contributing to hordeolum include damage to the ocular surface and eyelid's protective barriers, skin trauma, ocular foreign bodies, inadequate nocturnal rest, and consumption of spicy and irritating foods, all of which can lead to eye congestion or severe inflammation. Compromised ocular immunity facilitates infection, with initial symptoms encompassing persistent ocular pain, hordeolum formation (a cyst-like structure beneath the eyelid or within meibomian glands), accompanied by mucus or golden yellow secretions.
2. Treatments for Hordeolum
1. Traditional Chinese Medicine Fumigation: Simmer traditional Chinese herbs such as honeysuckle, prunella vulgaris, and wild chrysanthemum for 30 minutes. Transfer the decoction to a clean cup and allow the steam to fumigate the eyes for 10 minutes each session, repeating 2 to 3 times daily. This regimen promotes heat clearance, fire reduction, detoxification, and mass dispersion. Fumigation also hydrates the eyes and alleviates swelling and discomfort.
2. Hot Compress: An effective method to ease swelling and pain, especially during the early stages without abscess development. Soak a towel in 50°C hot water, wring out excess water, and apply to the eyes for 15 minutes, repeating 3 times daily. This routine efficiently reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation.
3. Application Method: Dry and grind radix rehmanniae, radix trichosanthis, dandelion, and rhizoma arisaematis into a fine powder. Mix with vinegar to form a paste. Depending on the hordeolum's size, apply the paste onto gauze, affix with tape over the affected area, and apply once daily for a 3-day course. This approach gradually eliminates the hordeolum.
4. Eye Ointment: Under medical guidance, patients can opt for anti-inflammatory eye ointments like erythromycin eye ointment, which effectively promotes hordeolum resolution due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Surgery: If hordeolum is left untreated and an abscess forms, spontaneous resolution becomes difficult. In such cases, surgical drainage is necessary. This minimally invasive procedure takes a few minutes and poses no harm to the eyes. The wound typically heals within a week, accompanied by mild redness and swelling for the first two days, which should not cause undue concern.
