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Stye is a lump or pimple on the edge of the eyelid caused by an infection or inflammation involving the hair follicles of the eyelashes. It most often occurs on the edge of the upper lid, but may also occur on the lower lid. An internal hordeolum is the same as a stye, but involves an internal eyelid gland located further back on the eyelid. A stye can be painful and affect the entire eyelid.
The cause of a stye is a staphylococcus bacterial infection, usually developing near the follicle of an eyelash. Sties may evolve due to:
- poor hygiene
- dirty contacts
- chronic blepharitis
- out of date cosmetics
- leaving eye makeup on overnight
- unwashed hands touching/rubbing eyes
A stye is a painful, tender, red, swollen, pus filled lump or bump at the rim of your eyelid, or eyelash line. It is not a pimple, so don’t try to pop or squeeze the pus out it. Rather, your stye pain relief treatment is the application of a warm compress, laid over your eyelid, 10 minutes, 4 times daily.
Most sties are harmless, without affecting your vision. However, a doctor visit may be necessary if your stye creates issues like:
- vision interference
- frequent, successive infections
- doesn’t spontaneously disappear
- no response to warm compress care
- redness/swelling extends into face/cheek
Refrain from wearing makeup, especially eye liner, until your infection has cleared.
The best treatment for a stye is to apply hot, moist compresses to the eyelid on a frequent basis. This relieves pain and inflammation and helps speed up the formation of a white-head. Once the stye comes to a head, it should drain on its own. However, if it does not empty on its own, surgical draining may be required. The head of the stye is usually on the outside, but it can occur on the underside of the lid. Antibiotic ointment or cortisone drops may be prescribed to keep down the bacteria count of the eyelid. If the tissues surrounding the stye appear swollen and infected, oral antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Although styes are infectious, they are not contagious. It is important not to spread the infection and to practice careful personal hygiene. Do not share washcloths and hand towels, and avoid close personal contact during the acute phase of the disease. If you get sties frequently, see your eye doctor for an examination.
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