A stye that suddenly appears with redness, pain, and tenderness on the eyelid is a common eye infection. Although often considered simple inflammation, it can affect the quality of life and become chronic if not timely addressed.
What is a Stye?
A stye, medically known as hordeolum, is an inflamed swelling that occurs due to the infection of oil glands in the eyelid. It is also popularly referred to as a "barley grain." This condition develops at the edge of the eyelid, near the base of the eyelashes.
What Are the Types of Styes?
Styes are categorized based on their location: external and internal styes. Although both types exhibit similar symptoms, there are differences in their location and treatment process.
External Stye (External Hordeolum)
An external stye occurs when the oil or sweat glands at the base of the eyelashes become infected. It appears as a red, tender swelling on the outer surface of the eyelid, which is easily noticeable. It is painful and a filled point can be felt when pressure is applied.
Internal Stye (Internal Hordeolum)
An internal stye forms on the inside of the eyelid due to the inflammation of the meibomian glands. It can be difficult to detect from the outside because it is deeply located. It can be more painful and persistent. In some cases, the inflammation may spread to surrounding tissues, leading to general swelling in the eyelid.
What Causes a Stye?
One common cause of stye formation is bacterial (Staphylococcus) infection of the oil glands in the eyelids. There are various factors that predispose to this condition.
Touching the eyes with unclean hands can trigger the development of a stye. During daily activities, the hands can easily come into contact with germs that may transfer to the eyes and cause infection. Attention to hand hygiene when touching the face and eye area is crucial.
Inadequate cleaning of makeup residues can also contribute to stye development. Makeup products can block pores, increasing the risk of infection in the oil glands.
Chronic inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis) can also trigger the formation of styes. In cases of blepharitis, the roots of the eyelashes and oil glands in the eyelids become more susceptible to infections.
A weakened immune system can also make a person more vulnerable to styes. Supportive vitamin and mineral intake can strengthen the immune system.
Stress and lack of sleep are other factors that may influence stye formation. Stress hormones can weaken the body's defense mechanisms, while insufficient sleep can adversely affect the immune system. Therefore, staying away from stress, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and taking time to rest can help reduce the risk of styes.
What is the Difference Between a Chalazion and a Stye?
A chalazion is a condition that causes a lump in the eyelid and appears similar to a stye. However, the cause of a chalazion is the chronic inflammation of blocked oil glands. This condition is usually painless and develops slowly.
There are important points to consider when making a differential diagnosis. It should be recognized that a chalazion is not caused by an infection. Additionally, it is important to know that treatment approaches differ.
Symptoms of a chalazion include a lump or swelling on the eyelid. This swelling does not cause tenderness or pain and can enlarge over time. The condition, resulting from blocked oil glands at the edge of the eyelid, is not related to bacterial infections.
Treatment methods may include applying warm compresses, massaging, and using medications recommended by a doctor. In some cases, surgical drainage of the chalazion may be necessary. Accurate diagnosis and selection of appropriate treatment options are important.
How to Treat a Stye at Home?
A stye can naturally resolve on its own within a few days. However, there are some simple applications to make this process more comfortable and healthy.
Applying warm compresses can hasten the healing process of a stye. A clean cloth, applied to the eyelid for 5-10 minutes at a tolerable temperature, should be used 3-4 times a day. This method can help open blocked glands and drain the inflammation.
Hygiene is also an important factor in stye treatment. The eye area should be kept free from any makeup and not be touched with dirty hands.
If the stye does not improve or recurs frequently, consulting an eye doctor is necessary. Early intervention can help prevent progression.
How to Treat a Stye at Home?
There are several methods to treat mild stye cases at home, but these should be carried out carefully.
A warm compress may be applied. The warm compress is a commonly recommended method for treating styes at home. A clean cloth or cotton pad can be soaked in warm water, gently wrung out, and applied over the eye. This process may help the stye mature and heal.
The base of the eyelashes can be gently cleaned using special eye cleansing solutions. The eye area should be thoroughly cleaned with a clean cotton pad to prevent any risk of infection.
One should avoid makeup while having a stye. Eye makeup and contact lenses should not be used. Since makeup products may increase the risk of infection, avoiding such applications until the stye heals is essential.
It is not advisable to squeeze or pop the stye, as it can increase the risk of infection and worsen the condition. Allowing the stye to rupture naturally or seeking a doctor's advice is a proper approach.
How Long Does a Stye Last?
A stye is an eye infection that usually resolves spontaneously within 3 to 7 days. However, the recovery period may vary depending on the infection.
Internal styes may heal slower than external styes. The maturity and recovery of these styes may take longer. Internal styes, usually forming inside the eyelid, can be difficult to detect from the outside.
In individuals with a weakened immune system, a stye infection can be resistant. Individuals with chronic illnesses or those taking medications affecting the immune system may experience recurring styes. In such cases, special treatments under medical supervision may be required.
If a stye does not improve with appropriate treatment, antibiotic drops, ointments, or rarely surgical intervention may be necessary. Antibiotic drops or ointments are typically used to treat bacterial infections, whereas surgical intervention may be preferred based on the size and location of the stye. Although surgical intervention is usually a simple procedure, it is rarely required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a Stye Be Popped?
No, a stye should not be squeezed or popped. Uncontrolled interventions can cause inflammation to spread to surrounding tissues and lead to serious infections. The risk of scarring on the eyelid may also increase. Allow the stye to drain naturally or with professional intervention for a healthy approach.
Can a Stye Lead to Vision Loss?
A stye is a limited infection on the outer surface of the eyelid and does not directly damage vision. However, if not treated, inflammation can spread to surrounding tissues, and in serious cases, an abscess may form around the eye. Consulting an eye doctor in recurrent or severe cases prevents such risks.
What Helps a Stye?
A warm compress is one of the most effective methods for hastening the maturation of a stye and the drainage of inflammation. Warm compresses lasting 5-10 minutes several times a day can be applied. Additionally, paying attention to eye hygiene, avoiding touching the eyes with hands, and using doctor-recommended antibiotic drops, if necessary, can aid the healing process.
Is a Stye Contagious?
Although a stye is not directly contagious, the bacteria that cause the infection can be transmitted to others, especially through shared personal items. Therefore, individuals with a stye problem should be more cautious about hygiene and avoid sharing personal items with others.