Redness that suddenly appears on the eyelid along with pain and tenderness indicates a stye, a very common eye infection. Although often considered a simple inflammation, it may affect quality of life and become chronic if not addressed promptly.
What is a Stye?
A stye, medically known as hordeolum, is an inflamed swelling caused by infection of the oil glands in the eyelid. It is also known to the public as a "rubbing elbow." This condition occurs on the edge of the eyelid, near the base of the eyelashes.
What Are the Types of Styes in the Eye?
A stye is categorized into two types based on the area it occurs: external stye and internal stye. Although both types show similar symptoms, there are some differences regarding their location and treatment process.
External Stye (External Hordeolum)
An external stye develops due to infection of the oil or sweat glands located at the base of the eyelashes. It appears as a red, tender swelling easily noticeable on the outer surface of the eyelid. It is painful and a filled point can be felt when pressed.
Internal Stye (Internal Hordeolum)
An internal stye occurs inside the eyelid due to inflammation of the meibomian glands. Since it is deeply located, it might be difficult to detect from outside. It can be more painful and persistent. In some cases, the inflammation can spread to surrounding tissues and cause general edema in the eyelid.
Why Does a Stye Occur?
One of the common reasons for stye formation is the infection of the oil glands in the eyelids by bacteria (Staphylococcus). Various factors can predispose to this condition.
Contacting the eyes with unclean hands can trigger stye formation. Hands can easily come into contact with germs during daily activities, and these germs can spread to the eye, causing infection. Care should be taken to maintain hand hygiene while touching the face and around the eyes.
Not adequately cleaning makeup residues can also be effective in the development of styes. Makeup products can clog pores, increasing the risk of the oil glands getting infected.
Chronic inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis) can also trigger stye formation. In blepharitis, the roots of the eyelashes and the oil glands on the eyelids become more susceptible to infections.
Weakened immune system can also make one more susceptible to styes. Taking vitamin and mineral supplements can support the immune system.
Factors like stress and lack of sleep can also influence stye formation. Stress hormones can weaken the body’s defense mechanisms, and inadequate sleep can negatively affect the immune system. Therefore, avoiding stress, maintaining a regular sleep routine, and taking time to rest can help reduce the risk of styes.
What is the Difference Between Chalazion and Stye?
Chalazion is a condition that causes swelling on the eyelid and resembles 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 for differential diagnosis. It is necessary to understand that a chalazion is not caused by an infection. Additionally, it should be known 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 may grow over time. This condition, which occurs as a result of blockage of the oil glands on 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 required. Accurate diagnosis and determination of the appropriate treatment option are important.
How Does a Stye Heal?
A stye may heal on its own within a few days. However, some simple practices can make this process more comfortable and healthy.
Applying a warm compress can speed up the healing process of a stye. A clean cloth at a tolerable temperature should be applied to the eyelid for 5-10 minutes 3-4 times a day. This application can help open the clogged glands and discharge the inflammation.
Hygiene is also an important factor in stye treatment. The eye area should be kept free from any makeup and should not be touched with dirty hands.
If a stye does not go away or recurs frequently, it is necessary to consult an eye doctor. Early intervention will help prevent progressing conditions.
How is Stye Treatment Done at Home?
There are some methods to treat mild cases of styes at home. However, these applications must be carried out carefully.
A warm compress can be applied. The warm compress is a commonly recommended method for stye treatment at home. A clean cloth or cotton pad can be soaked in hot water, gently squeezed, and applied to the eye. This process can help the stye mature and heal.
Eyelids can be gently cleaned with special eye cleansing solutions at the base of the eyelashes. The eye area should be cleaned with a clean cotton pad, and the risk of infection should be minimized.
Makeup should be avoided when there is a stye. Eye makeup should not be done, and lenses should not be worn. Since makeup products can increase the risk of infection, such applications should be avoided until the stye heals.
Squeezing or popping a stye is harmful and not recommended. Such interventions can increase the risk of infection and worsen the condition. Waiting for the stye to burst on its own or seeking medical advice is the correct approach.
How Many Days Does It Take for a Stye to Heal?
A stye is an eye infection that heals on its own within 3 to 7 days. The healing process can vary depending on the infection.
Internal styes may heal more slowly than external ones. This type of stye may take more time to mature and heal. As internal styes usually form inside the eyelid, their symptoms can be difficult to detect from outside.
In individuals with a weakened immune system, the stye infection can be resilient. People with chronic illnesses or using medications that affect the immune system may have recurring styes. In this case, special treatments may need to be applied under doctor supervision.
For styes that do not heal despite appropriate treatment, antibiotic drops, ointments, or rarely surgical intervention may be required. Antibiotic drops or ointments are commonly used in treating bacterial infections, while surgical intervention is preferred based on the size and location of the stye. While surgical intervention is generally a simple procedure, it is rarely needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a stye be popped?
No, a stye should not be squeezed or popped. Uncontrolled interventions can lead to the spread of inflammation to surrounding tissues and cause serious infections. The risk of scarring on the eyelid may also increase. Allowing the stye to naturally or professionally drain is a healthy approach.
Does a stye cause vision loss?
A stye is an infection limited to the outer surface of the eyelid and does not directly harm vision. However, if left untreated, the inflammation can spread to surrounding tissues, and an abscess may form around the eye in severe cases. Consulting an eye doctor for recurring or severe cases prevents these risks.
What helps a stye heal?
A warm compress is one of the most effective methods to speed up the maturation of a stye and its discharge. Warm compresses for 5-10 minutes several times a day can be applied. Additionally, maintaining eye hygiene, avoiding touching the eyes with hands, and using antibiotic drops recommended by a physician if necessary can support the healing process.
Is a stye contagious?
Although a stye is not directly contagious, the bacteria causing the infection can spread to others especially through the shared use of personal items. Therefore, people experiencing stye issues should pay much more attention to hygiene and should not share personal items with others.