A stye is that annoying, painful red bump that shows up near your eyelid, usually caused by a bacterial infection in an oil gland. They are usually compared to an acne pimple and can be tender to the touch.
While styes are extremely common and tend to go away on their own, some severe cases may require treatment from an eye care provider to drain them or prescribe antibiotics to reduce the infection.
Types of Styes
Internal:
Internal styes will form in your inner eyelid on the side facing your eyeball. This occurs when an infection of the inner eyelid gland that produces oils to keep your eye moisturized becomes infected.
External:
External styes form on the outer part of your upper or lower eyelid and are more common than internal styes. These form due to eyelash follicles becoming infected.
What Causes a Stye in Your Eye?
Styes are caused by bacterial infections in your eyelid’s oil-producing glands and are most common in adults, as adults’ oil glands are thicker and more prone to blockages than children’s.
Don’t worry if you end up developing a style, as they are extremely common and will most likely happen to you once in your lifetime. However, here are some risk factors to look out for that can contribute to the appearance of a stye, like having:
- Past stye infections
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid)
- Certain skin conditions like: acne, rosacea, or dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis)
- Diabetes
- Dry eye
- Hormonal changes
- High lip levels (aka “bad” cholesterol)
Are Styes Contagious?
Thankfully, styes aren’t a contagious type of skin infection, but it should be noted that small amounts of bacteria can be spread from them. This is why it is paramount to always wash your hands before and after touching a stye and wash your pillowcases often to help prevent the bacteria from spreading. As with all types of skin infections, try not to pick or touch it unless you’re cleaning or applying a warm compress to the stye, as you don’t want to worsen the stye or introduce new outside bacteria into the area.
Stye Symptoms
While the main symptom of a stye is the trademark red bump along your eyelid, some other symptoms may include:
- Swelling of part or entire eyelid
- Eye discharge
- Crusting around eyelid
- Light sensitivity
- Soreness and itching
- Eye tearing
- Scratching feeling underneath the eye
Styes are similar to another eyelid bump called a chalazion. A chalazion is a painless, slow-growing bump that forms farther back on the eyelid. Unlike a stye, these aren’t caused by a bacterial infection. While treatment for both is similar, it’s important not to confuse a stye with a chalazion. If you experience painful swelling in the bump, monitor it closely and consider scheduling an appointment with an eye doctor if needed.
How To Get Rid of a Stye?
Styes usually go away by themselves in a week or two. If you want to reduce pain and swelling, we recommend a self-care plan to treat yourself at home. Here are the dos and don’ts for your at-home stye treatment:
Stye Treatment Dos
Use a warm compress and apply it to the infected eye for 10-15 minutes at a time, 3-5 times a day. You can rewarm the washcloth by soaking it in warm water, wringing, and repeating. While debated among eye experts, some people prefer to use moistened green tea bags to feel better and speed up healing. It is fine to use either option, as both provide a warm soothing effect for your infection.
Be sure to also clean the eyelids and eye discharge with mild soapy water made from half-baby shampoo and half-water. There are also dedicated eyelid wipes available at most drugstore stores for a more convenient solution.
Stye Treatment Don’ts
Do not pop or squeeze a stye, as doing so can cause a severe infection, damage your eyelid, or even create a corneal abrasion. The same thing goes for rubbing or touching your eye, as it can cause irritation and introduce dirt or other bacteria into the already infected area. It is also best to keep your eyes clear of anything like makeup or contact lenses to prevent potential issues and quicken the healing processes of the stye.
How Long Does a Stye Last?
Styes usually go away within a week or two and will do so without requiring any specific treatments. However, you should call your doctor if:
- Your eyelid is swollen shut
- Pus/blood is leaking from the bump
- Pain/swelling increases after a couple of days
- Bilsters have formed
- Your eyelid feels hot
- Your vision has changed
- Styes keep coming back
Your doctor will want to determine if you need further treatment or a biopsy to get to the root problem of the stye.
How To Prevent a Stye
The best way to prevent a stye from forming is by:
- Washing your hands, especially before touching your face
- Washing your face to remove dirt/makeup before bed
- Throwing away expired eye makeup and refraining from sharing
- Washing your hands before and after putting in/removing contact lenses and properly sanitize them
- Applying a warm compress regularly if you’ve had styes before
- Managing your blepharitis per doctor’s instructions
Stye Self-Care
Here’s what you should do when you have a stye:
- Leave your stye alone
- Don’t try to pop or squeeze it
- Clean your eyelid with mild soap and water
- Place a warm compress on your closed eyelid
- Keep your eyes clean
- Steer clear of makeup and contacts
Chalazion vs. Stye
A chalazion can be characterized by its non-painful swelling in the eyelid, typically caused by a blocked oil gland. These bumps develop slowly and are found on the back of the eyelid. Chalazia are not associated with redness or tenderness and often resolve on their own over time, though warm compresses can help speed up the healing process.
In contrast, a stye—also known as a hordeola—is a painful, red, infection lesion that quickly develops along the edge of the eyelid. They are caused by a bacterial infection in the hair follicles or oil glands of the eyelid. While both outwardly resemble one another, the key difference of a stye is its rapid onset, discount, and association with an infection.
Contact Cleveland Eye Clinic today if you have noticed a red, swollen bump near your eye. We can help with next steps when it comes to advice and proper treatment.
