Inflammation of the eyelids

Inflammations of the eyelids include hordeolum, chalazion, meibomianitis, inflammations of the lid margins, abscesses and phlegmons, viral and allergic inflammations of the eyelids.

Abscesses and phlegmons of the lids
The main causes tend to be:
 * Cosmetic eyebrow hair removal;
 * progression of acute chalazion;
 * infected hematoma;
 * infection of small wounds;
 * transition of infection from secondary nasal cavities.

The skin in the area of the abscess is tense, strongly reddened, the lid is swollen and warm. The lid is painful and stiff to palpation (it will soften in a few days). The eye slit narrows or is completely closed by swelling. We palpate enlarged preauricular and submandibular nodes. In the progression of the disease, bulb protrusion associated with increased body temperature and even sepsis may occur. The condition can be further complicated by thrombosis of the cavernous sinus.


 * Therapy:
 * Warm compresses (they speed up the size of the abscess);
 * antibiotics locally/generally;
 * evacuation of the abscess by incision, drainage.

Viral eyelid inflammation
The etiological agent of inflammation in the area of the eyelids is the Herpes simplex virus and the Herpes zoster virus'.

Herpes simplex palpebrae (herpes febrilis)
It begins with edema of the skin of the eyelids, soon a typical vesiculopapular efflorescence is formed. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The inflammation is usually one-sided, often after a cold, when the body is generally weakened, or during stress. It heals spontaneously. In case of recurrences, it is advisable to start therapy with acyclovir.

Herpes zooster ophthalmicus (shingles of the first trigeminal branch)
It is a viral infection of the n. trigeminus, Gassersky ganglion or ganglion ciliare that appears unilaterally. The first symptoms are a headache and the appearance of small blisters in the respective innervated area, which burst and turn into crusts. Scars and nerve disorders (hypesthesia, paresthesia) often remain in the places of the original blisters. Even after the skin symptoms have subsided, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the eye due to the possibility of corneal damage caused by keratitis. If the ramus nasociliaris is affected, vesicles also form on the tip of the nose and iridocyclitis, which poses a risk of developing secondary glaucoma.


 * Therapy:
 * Acyclovir.
 * Broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent secondary infection.
 * Vitamins B and C.
 * Locally indifferent sprinkles, liquid powder, gentian violet.
 * Analgesics as needed.

Allergic inflammation of the eyelids - eczema
Eczema arises in connection with the use of cosmetic products, as a reaction to pollen or topical antibiotics. The reaction is most often manifested by itching, redness, swelling.


 * Weeping eczema – vesicles are seen that turn into oozing areas. In the chronic form, we observe thickening and thickening of the skin.
 * Hyperkeratotic eczema - dry, hardened skin is seen. It very often occurs as contact eczema.


 * Therapy (necessary cooperation with a dermatologist):
 * Avoiding the trigger.
 * Poultices with Jarisch solution.
 * Topical steroids.
 * Overall antihistamines.