What is a stye?
A stye usually resolves in about seven days. However, some cases of stye require medical help.
A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is mainly caused due to a bacterial infection. It is a red, painful bump that forms either inside or outside the eyelid.
There are two kinds of styes:
- External stye: A stye looks like a pimple and begins at the base of the eyelash.
- Internal stye: A stye that begins in the oil-producing gland (lubricates the eye) in your eyelid.
A stye may be sometimes confused with a chalazion. A chalazion is a painless bump that is on the eyelid. A chalazion, unlike a stye, is not caused by a bacterial infection.
How do you get an eye stye?
An eye stye is usually caused due to a bacterial infection; however, certain factors can make you more likely to get a stye.
Some of the risk factors for developing eye styes are:
- Blepharitis: A condition resulting in inflamed eyes
- Stress and hormonal changes
- Diabetes
- Acne rosacea: A skin condition that causes redness and pus-filled red bumps in the central part of the face
- Eye makeup
- Skin cancer
How will I know if I have a stye?
Signs and symptoms of eye styes:
- Painful red bump along the edge of the upper or lower eyelid
- Swelling of the eyelid
- Light sensitivity
- Eye soreness
- Tearing of the eye
- Constant itching of the eye
- Eye pain or discomfort
- The crustiness of the eyelids (formation of a hard layer on the eyelids)
How long does it take for a stye to go away?
A stye usually resolves in about seven days. However, some cases of stye require medical help.
How are eye styes treated?
To reduce pain and swelling, various treatment options are available:
- Place a warm washcloth over the eyelid for 10 to15 minutes for three to five times a day. If pain persists, reapply as needed.
- Gently wash the eyelid with mild soap or shampoo, or wipe the eyelids with eyelid wipes.
- Never squeeze or try to pop a stye, as this can spread infection.
- Avoid using eye makeup or contact lenses until the eyelid has healed.
- Gently massage the swollen area to help drain the clogged gland.
If a stye does not resolve on its own or recurs frequently, a physician would prescribe:
- Antibiotics for a persistent infection.
- Steroids for swelling.
- Surgery to drain the pus from the stye.
Are eye styes contagious?
Styes are a local infection of the eyelids. They are not contagious, and in most cases, resolve without antibiotics. However, some styes may advance to significant eyelid infection.
What can you do to lower the chances of getting a stye?
To prevent the formation of an eye stye, you should follow these best practices:
- Cleanse your contact lenses before putting them into the eye.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face.
- Wash your face to remove dirt before going to the bed.
- Discard all expired eye makeup products.
- Never use anyone else’s makeup.
- Wipe off all your makeup before going to bed.