What is an Eyelid Stye?

An eyelid stye, commonly referred to as a sty or hordeolum, is an infection near the base of the eyelid that causes a red, tender lump. A stye is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection, although it can also be caused by a blocked oil gland in the eye. It can be painful, itchy, and cause permanent scarring if left untreated.

Causes of Eyelid Stye

A stye can be caused by several different factors. It is most commonly caused by staphylococcal bacteria, which is found on the skin and can spread from the skin to other parts of the body. Improper hygiene can increase a person's risk of developing a stye.

Other causes of stye may include eyelash mites, blepharitis, allergy to eye makeup or contact lenses, or situations that cause the tears to dry on the eyelid. Additionally, people who already have skin conditions such as acne or rosacea can be more prone to developing styes.

Symptoms of an Eyelid Stye

The most common symptom of a stye is a painful, swollen red bump near the base of the eyelid. Additionally, the eyelid may feel tender when touched, and the eye may be red and itchy. The eyelid may also feel sticky, and eyelashes may fall out near the affected area.

Treatments for Eyelid Stye

If the stye appears infected, a doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics to clear the infection. Warm compresses can also be very helpful in soothing the affected area and loosening any material inside the stye that may be blocking a tear duct or oil gland.

Eyedrops can also be used to reduce swelling, redness, and pain, but if the stye does not respond to these treatment methods, surgery may be necessary to drain the stye and remove any scarring.

Prevention of Eyelid Stye

Good hygiene is the best way to prevent styes. Gently cleaning the eyelids at least once a day, especially after wearing makeup or contact lenses, can help remove any bacteria or material that may be causing the stye. Additionally, proper contact lens care is important to prevent any infections.

It is also important to be mindful of any allergies you may have and avoid any products or substances that may trigger an allergic reaction. Finally, avoiding rubbing and touching of the eyes can also help keep styes at bay.

Conclusion

Styes, or eyelid infections, can be painful and uncomfortable. However, most styes can be effectively treated with proper hygiene, warm compresses, and eyedrops. Surgery may be necessary for more serious cases. Additionally, it is important to practice good hygiene and avoid rubbing or touching the eye area to decrease the risk of developing a stye.