Hordeolum, also known as a stye, is an acute purulent inflammation of the sebaceous glands near the eyelash follicles or the meibomian glands. Styes are divided into two types: external and internal: 1. External stye It is an acute purulent inflammation of the Zeis glands (apocrine glands of Moll). Initially, there is localized redness and swelling along the eyelid margin, forming a hard nodule with significant tenderness and pain after 2 to 3 days. Later, the nodule gradually softens, forming a yellow pustule at the base of the eyelash, which quickly drains pus upon rupture. Severe cases may have systemic symptoms such as chills and fever. 2. Internal stye It is an acute purulent inflammation of the meibomian glands. The clinical symptoms are not as intense as those of the external stye because the inflamed meibomian glands are enclosed by the firm tarsus tissue. A yellow pus mass can often be faintly seen through the congested palpebral conjunctiva, which may spontaneously rupture and drain pus into the conjunctival sac. There may be mild elevation and congestion at the opening of the meibomian gland, and pus can also be discharged along the gland duct. A few cases may also rupture and drain pus through the skin. If the tarsus does not rupture and the pathogenic toxicity is strong, the inflammation expands, involving the entire tarsus tissue, forming an eyelid abscess.
Wind-heat invasion type: At the onset of the stye, there is slight itching and pain, with local hard swelling and redness, and significant tenderness. Accompanied by headache, fever, and a general sense of discomfort; the tongue coating is thin and yellow, and the pulse is floating and rapid.
Heat-toxicity excessive type: The eyelids are red and swollen, with large hard nodules, burning pain, yellow-white pus spots, congested sclera, thirst with a desire to drink, constipation, and dark urine; the tongue is red, the coating is yellow and greasy, and the pulse is rapid.
Spleen deficiency and damp-heat type: The stye recurs frequently, but the symptoms are not severe, the complexion is dull, there is a preference for certain foods, and there is abdominal bloating and constipation; the tongue is red, the coating is thin and yellow, and the pulse is fine and rapid.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course. (If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)
1. Acupuncture and moxibustion can be effective in managing the early stages of this condition, but once pus has formed, it is advisable to seek ophthalmological surgery. 2. During the initial stage of a stye until it forms pus, avoid squeezing the affected area to prevent the spread of purulent infection.