How to Treat a Stye: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Asensio, if you’re here reading this article, chances are you or someone you know is experiencing a stye. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Styes are a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide each year. Styes can be unsightly, uncomfortable and can even cause pain. But, rest assured, styes are not dangerous, and they can be treated.

A stye, also known as an external hordeolum, is a red lump that develops on the eyelid. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection that affects the hair follicle of the eyelash or the oil gland of the eyelid. Styes can occur on the upper or lower eyelid and can develop inside or outside of the eyelid.

Most styes go away on their own within a few days or weeks. However, some styes may require medical attention, especially if they become very painful, interfere with your vision, or do not go away after a few weeks. This article is a comprehensive guide on how to treat a stye and get rid of it.

What Causes a Stye?

A stye is usually caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria responsible for styes are usually Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which live on the skin’s surface. When these bacteria enter the oil glands or hair follicles in the eyelids, it can cause an infection that results in a stye.

Other factors that can increase your risk of developing a stye include:

Factors Explanation
Poor Hygiene Not washing your hands or face regularly can increase the number of bacteria on the skin.
Wearing makeup Using old or expired makeup or sharing makeup tools can lead to bacterial infections.
Contact Lenses Wearing contact lenses for an extended period can harm the eye’s surface, making it more susceptible to bacterial infections.
Stress Stress can weaken the immune system, making it more challenging for your body to fight infections.
Chronic Illness Conditions that cause inflammation in the body, such as diabetes, make it harder for your body to fight infections.

How to Recognize a Stye

Styes are usually easy to recognize because they are visible and cause some discomfort. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms:

  • A small, red bump on the eyelid
  • Tenderness or pain near the bump
  • Swelling of the eyelid
  • Crusting of the eyelid margin
  • Watery eyes

How to Treat a Stye

The treatment for a stye may depend on its severity. Minor styes can be treated at home, while severe ones may require medical attention. If you have a stye, follow these steps:

1. Apply Warm Compresses

You can relieve the discomfort of a stye by applying warm compresses to the affected area. Use a clean washcloth and soak it in warm water. Squeeze out the excess water and place the cloth over the eyelid for 10-15 minutes at a time. Repeat this 3-4 times a day.

2. Clean your Eyelid

Keeping your eyelid clean can help speed up the healing process. Wash your face and eyelid with mild soap and warm water. Make sure to remove any dirt, debris or makeup from your eyelid. Avoid rubbing your eyes as this can cause further irritation and spread the infection.

3. Use Over-the-counter Medications

Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers and eye drops can help ease the symptoms of a stye. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and swelling. You can also use eye drops to relieve itching and irritation.

4. Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses or Eye Makeup

If you wear contact lenses or eye makeup, it’s essential to avoid using them until the stye has healed. Contact lenses can irritate the eye, making the stye worse. Eye makeup can trap bacteria and make the infection worse. Using old or expired makeup can also increase your risk of getting an infection.

5. Take Antibiotics

If your stye is severe or does not go away after a few days, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics can help fight the bacterial infection and reduce the inflammation. Make sure to take the antibiotics as directed by your doctor.

6. Drain the Stye

If the stye is large and painful, your doctor may drain it. Draining a stye involves making a small incision and draining the pus. After the stye has been drained, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent further infections.

7. Surgery

In rare cases, surgery may be required to remove recurrent or chronic styes. Surgery involves making a small incision and removing the affected gland or follicle. Surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, and you can go home the same day.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between an internal and external stye?

An internal stye develops inside the eyelid’s surface, while an external stye develops at the base of an eyelash.

2. Can I wear makeup if I have a stye?

No, it’s best to avoid wearing makeup until your stye has healed. Makeup can trap bacteria and make the infection worse.

3. How long does it take for a stye to go away?

Most styes go away on their own within a few days or weeks. Severe styes may take longer to heal.

4. Can I pop a stye?

No, you should never pop a stye. Popping a stye can spread the bacteria and cause the infection to worsen.

5. Can styes be prevented?

Yes, you can prevent styes by maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding touching your face and eyes, and changing your pillowcases regularly.

6. How contagious are styes?

Styes are usually not contagious. However, the bacteria that cause styes can be spread to other parts of the body, leading to other infections.

7. Should I see a doctor if I have a stye?

If your stye is severe or does not go away after a few days, you should see a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or drain the stye if necessary.

8. Can styes cause vision problems?

Most styes do not cause vision problems. However, if the stye is near your eye, it can affect your vision. If you experience vision problems, see a doctor immediately.

9. Can styes recur?

Yes, styes can recur, especially if the underlying cause is not addressed.

10. What are the complications of a stye?

Complications of styes are rare. In severe cases, styes can lead to permanent vision problems or spread to other parts of the body.

11. Can styes be treated with essential oils?

There is no scientific evidence to support using essential oils to treat styes. It’s best to follow medical treatments prescribed by your doctor.

12. How can I prevent styes?

You can prevent styes by maintaining proper hygiene, washing your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face and eyes, and changing your pillowcases frequently.

13. What are the signs that my stye is getting worse?

If your stye is getting worse, you may experience increased pain, swelling, and redness. If you experience vision problems or your stye does not go away after a few days, see a doctor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, styes are a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Fortunately, most styes can be treated at home with warm compresses, proper hygiene, and antibiotics. It’s essential to avoid wearing makeup or contact lenses until the stye has healed and to get medical attention if your stye is severe or does not go away after a few days. Follow the tips in this article to treat a stye and get rid of it for good.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.