What is the diagnosis and treatment for a hordeolum (stye)?

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Differential Diagnosis for Eye Stye

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • Hordeolum (Stye): A localized infection or inflammation of the eyelid margin involving hair follicles of the eyelashes (external hordeolum) or meibomian gland (internal hordeolum). This is the most common and likely diagnosis given the presentation of an eye stye.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Chalazion: A small bump in the eyelid caused by a blockage of a tiny oil glandetik (meibomian gland). It is similar to a stye but usually larger and less painful.
    • Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids that can cause redness, itching, and swelling. It can be a chronic condition and may be associated with a stye.
    • Conjunctivitis: Inflammation or infection of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the inner eyelid. It can cause redness, discharge, and irritation, which might present similarly to a stye in some cases.
  • Do Not Miss (Deadly if Missed)
    • Orbital Cellulitis: A serious infectionrong the tissues surrounding the eye, which can present with swelling, redness, and pain around the eye. It requires prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.
    • Endophthalmitis: A severe inflammation of the interior of the eye, usually caused by infection. It is a medical emergency that can result in vision loss if not treated promptly.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Keratoacanthoma: A rare, benign skin tumor that can appear on the eyelid and may mimic a stye in its early stages.
    • Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma: A rare, malignant tumor originating from the meibomian glands or glands of Zeis. It can present as a painless, indurated egalid mass that may resemble a chalazion or stye.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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