AnnaMaria
Everything You Need to Know About Styes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Though small in size, styes can cause significant discomfort and irritation. These painful bumps near the edge of your eyelid can affect daily activities and become a recurring nuisance if not properly managed. Understanding what styes are, what causes them, and how to treat and prevent them can make a big difference in relieving discomfort and avoiding future outbreaks.
What Is a Stye?
A stye is an inflamed oil gland located along the edge of the eyelid. It is typically the result of a bacterial infection, most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. There are two types:
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External styes form at the base of an eyelash follicle.
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Internal styes occur on the inner surface of the eyelid.
Common Symptoms
Styes often start with tenderness and redness around the affected area. Other common symptoms include:
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Swelling near the eyelid
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Pain or sensitivity to touch
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A gritty or foreign body sensation in the eye
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Occasional tearing or discharge
Causes and Risk Factors
The most common trigger for a stye is bacterial contamination of the oil glands in the eyelid. However, several other factors can contribute:
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Poor hygiene: Not washing your hands before touching your face or leaving makeup on overnight can increase the risk of infection.
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Underlying conditions: Skin issues like rosacea or blepharitis may raise the chances of developing styes.
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Stress and hormonal changes: These factors can influence your immune response and make you more prone to infections.
How to Treat a Stye at Home
Fortunately, most styes heal on their own within a few days to a week. There are a few simple treatments that can help speed up recovery:
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Warm compresses: Apply a clean, warm cloth to the affected area for 10–15 minutes, several times a day. This helps increase circulation and encourages natural drainage.
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Gentle cleansing: Wash your eyelid with a mild soap or baby shampoo diluted with water to remove crust or debris.
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Avoid irritants: Don’t wear contact lenses or eye makeup until the stye has completely healed to avoid further irritation.
When to Seek Medical Help
If a stye doesn’t improve after a few days of home treatment, becomes increasingly painful, or affects your vision, it may require medical attention. A doctor might prescribe antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics for more serious cases. In rare instances, a small procedure may be needed to drain the stye.
Final Thoughts
Styes may be common and usually harmless, but they can still disrupt your daily comfort. By recognizing the early signs, maintaining good eyelid hygiene, and knowing when to seek help, you can treat styes effectively and reduce the chances of them returning.
For women over 45, taking proactive steps to support skin and eye health is especially important. Don’t ignore recurring symptoms—consulting with a healthcare provider can offer both relief and peace of mind.
