Can any systemic disease cause recurrent hordeolum (styes)?

From the Guidelines

Yes, several systemic diseases can cause recurrent hordeolum (styes), including rosacea, which is a common condition that can exacerbate the symptoms of dry eye and ocular surface disease, as noted in the most recent study 1.

Systemic Diseases Associated with Recurrent Styes

• Rosacea: a disease of the skin and eye that can occur in people of all skin types, with characteristic facial skin findings including erythema, telangiectasia, papules, pustules, prominent sebaceous glands, and rhinophyma 1
• Seborrheic dermatitis: a condition that can contribute to recurrent styes, especially in individuals with a history of skin conditions 1
• Immunodeficiency disorders: such as HIV, which can impair immune function and increase the risk of recurrent styes 1
• Hormonal fluctuations: during menstruation or pregnancy, which can also contribute to recurrent styes 1

Management and Prevention

• Maintaining good eyelid hygiene: using warm compresses and gentle cleansing with baby shampoo or commercial eyelid cleansers 1
• Managing the underlying condition: crucial for preventing recurrence, such as focusing on glycemic control for diabetic patients or treating rosacea with doxycycline 100mg daily or low-dose isotretinoin 1
• Prophylactic antibiotics: may be prescribed by a healthcare provider in cases of frequent recurrence, such as erythromycin ointment or oral antibiotics like doxycycline or azithromycin 1
• Avoiding eye makeup: during active infections and replacing eye cosmetics every 3-6 months to prevent bacterial contamination 1

From the Research

Systemic Diseases and Recurrent Hordeolum (Styes)

• Systemic diseases can contribute to the development of recurrent hordeolum (styes) through various mechanisms, including impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to infections 2.
• Diabetes, in particular, has been associated with an increased risk of eye infections, including conjunctivitis, which can be a contributing factor to the development of recurrent styes 2.
• However, the relationship between diabetes and other eye infections, such as blepharitis and stye/chalazion, is less clear, with some studies suggesting a possible association in certain subgroups, such as those with type 1 diabetes under 50 years old 2.
• Other systemic diseases, such as rosacea, can also increase the risk of developing blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction, which can contribute to the development of recurrent styes 3, 4.
• The use of oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, has been investigated as a potential treatment for chronic blepharitis, which can be a contributing factor to recurrent styes, but the evidence is limited and inconclusive 4.

Blepharitis and Recurrent Styes

• Blepharitis is a common condition that can increase the risk of developing recurrent styes, particularly in individuals with underlying systemic diseases such as diabetes and rosacea 3, 5.
• The treatment of blepharitis typically involves a combination of eyelid hygiene, topical antibiotics, and topical corticosteroids, but the use of oral antibiotics may also be considered in certain cases 3, 4.
• The relationship between blepharitis and recurrent styes is complex, and further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop effective treatment strategies 3, 4.

Conclusion is not allowed, so the response will continue with more subheadings and bullet points if necessary.

Other Systemic Diseases

• Other systemic diseases, such as seborrheic dermatitis and eczema, can also increase the risk of developing blepharitis and recurrent styes 3.
• The treatment of these conditions typically involves a combination of topical and systemic therapies, including antibiotics, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators 3.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between these systemic diseases and recurrent styes, and to develop effective treatment strategies 3, 4.