Stye: What is it and how do you treat it?
If you have ever felt a small, painful lump on your eyelid, you know the discomfort a stye can cause. But did you know that not all eyelid lumps are styes? And that there can be important differences between an external stye, an internal stye, and other conditions, such as a chalazion? In this article, we explain what a stye is and how to treat it, as well as addressing other common questions about this eye issue. Read the full guide here!
What is a stye?
A stye, or hordeolum, is a bacterial infection affecting the glands at the base of the eyelashes or within the eyelids. In fact, the obstruction of these glands—usually caused by an excess of oil or dead skin cells—creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria such as *Staphylococcus aureus*. Thus, while there are different types of styes, they are all bacterial infections that require treatment.
Types of styes
There are two types of styes, depending on whether they are located on the inside or the outside of the eyelid. Thus, a stye can be:
- External: It appears at the base of the eyelashes, associated with sebaceous glands or hair follicles. It forms a small, visible, and painful pimple.
- Internal: Develops in the deep glands of the eyelid, causing intense pain, although it may be less visible. This type is more prone to complications, such as progressing into a chalazion.
Regardless of its location, a stye can have various causes that contribute, in different ways, to the obstruction of the eyelid glands.
What are the 5 causes of a stye?
It is essential to know the most common causes of a stye in order to prevent its occurrence. In fact, a stye can develop for various reasons, the main ones being:
- Poor hygiene: cleaning or touching the eyes with dirty hands can transfer bacteria to the eyelids;
- Chronic blepharitis: recurrent inflammation of the eyelid margins increases the risk of infection;
- Use of old or poorly removed makeup: expired cosmetic products or residue accumulated on the eyelids create ideal conditions for infections.
- Poorly sanitized contact lenses: prolonged use or inadequate cleaning of the lenses facilitates contact with bacteria.
- Hormonal changes, stress, and excessive sebum production can also contribute to the obstruction of the eyelid glands.
In addition to knowing the causes, it is important to be able to identify the symptoms of a stye so that you can start treatment as soon as possible.
Stye symptoms
Symptoms of a stye vary depending on the severity of the infection but include:
- Localized swelling of the eyelid;
- Pain or tenderness to the touch;
- Redness and heat in the affected area;
- Visible bump (in the case of an external stye);
- Sensation of a foreign body or irritation in the eyes;
- In some cases, excessive tearing and difficulty opening the affected eye.
Additionally, depending on the severity of the symptoms, there may be different eye problems that are often confused, as the symptoms are similar.
Differences between a stye, a chalazion, and blepharitis
Have you ever heard of a stye, a chalazion, or blepharitis? These are all common eye conditions that are often confused due to their similar symptoms. However, it is important to distinguish between them in order to tailor the treatment.
- Stye: as previously mentioned, this is a painful bacterial infection characterized by redness and pus. It responds quickly to treatments such as warm compresses and antibiotic ointments.
- Chalazion: It is not an infection, but rather an inflammation caused by a blockage of the sebaceous glands. Unlike a stye, it is characterized by a firm, painless nodule without pus.
- Blepharitis: a chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins that causes redness, itching, and scaling. In this case, there is no formation of a pimple or pus.
Since a stye is a bacterial infection, we tend to think it is contagious. However, that is not quite the case.
Is a stye contagious?
Although a stye itself is not contagious, the bacteria responsible can be transmitted through direct contact or via contaminated objects, such as towels or makeup. Therefore, it is essential to practice good hygiene and avoid sharing personal items.
Stye treatment: what works?
Although a stye is a benign condition, treatment is always necessary because it is a bacterial infection. Otherwise, symptoms could worsen and lead to more serious eye problems.
There are some non-pharmacological measures you can and should take while waiting to start treatment. Furthermore, these measures can also serve as a complement to the recommended medications.
Stye treatment: what can you do at home?
- Apply warm compresses: this is one of the most effective ways to relieve pain and speed up the drainage of the stye. Moisten a sterile compress with warm water, remove the excess water, and apply it to the eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
- Gentle massage: after applying the compress, you can gently massage the area to stimulate pus drainage. Make sure your hands are thoroughly clean before doing so.
- Avoid squeezing the stye: squeezing it can worsen the infection and increase the risk of complications.
Treating a stye at the pharmacy
At Correia Rosa Pharmacies, you will find solutions such as:
- Eye drops with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action: they help combat bacterial infection and inflammation, soothing eye irritation. When applied to the eyelids, they relieve symptoms of itching, redness, and flaking.
- Moisturizing eye drops or artificial tears: in this case, they reduce discomfort and keep the eye hydrated.
- Eye hygiene products: before applying any medication, it is essential to thoroughly clean the eye area. You can use wipes specifically designed for this purpose that are pre-impregnated with a disinfectant suitable for use on the eyes.
⚠️ Consult a doctor if the stye persists for more than 10 days, if symptoms worsen, or if it affects your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Wearing contact lenses can increase irritation and the risk of infection. Switch to glasses until you have fully recovered.
Once the treatment for the stye is complete, it is necessary to disinfect your contact lenses before putting them back in. To do this:
- Use an appropriate solution and never reuse old cleaning fluids;
- Replace the lens case;
- Always wash your hands before handling the lenses.
To avoid the appearance of styes or prevent recurrence, you should:
- Clean your eyelids regularly: use specialized wipes or a clean cloth with warm water.
- Change your makeup frequently: replace mascaras and eyeliners every 3 months.
- Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels and makeup products.
- Rest your eyes: avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, especially in dusty or polluted environments.
- Reducing stress: helps strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.
At Correia Rosa Pharmacies, you will find everything you need to treat a stye, from eye drops to personalized advice. We are here to safely care for your eye health.
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