Which is more associated with an active infection?

Which is more associated with an active infection?

• A. Hordeolum
• B. Chalazion
• C. Blepharitis
• D. Madarosis

Answer: (A)

An active eyelid infection most clearly presents as a hordeolum, or stye. It’s an acute bacterial infection of a lash follicle or eyelid gland (often Staphylococcus aureus), producing a painful, red, swollen lump with possible purulent discharge. In contrast, chalazion is a noninfectious, granulomatous blockage of a Meibomian gland that forms a painless, chronic lump. Blepharitis is chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin and can involve bacteria but isn’t an acute infection by itself, and madarosis is eyelash loss, not an infection. So the association with active infection is strongest for a hordeolum.

An active eyelid infection most clearly presents as a hordeolum, or stye. It’s an acute bacterial infection of a lash follicle or eyelid gland (often Staphylococcus aureus), producing a painful, red, swollen lump with possible purulent discharge. In contrast, chalazion is a noninfectious, granulomatous blockage of a Meibomian gland that forms a painless, chronic lump. Blepharitis is chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin and can involve bacteria but isn’t an acute infection by itself, and madarosis is eyelash loss, not an infection. So the association with active infection is strongest for a hordeolum.