A stye is a common, localized condition affecting the eyelid, characterized by a small, often tender, red bump. While generally minor, it can cause discomfort and concern.
Understanding Styes
A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is an acute bacterial infection of an oil gland within the eyelid. The primary cause is typically the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, which can infect the glands at the base of an eyelash or deeper within the eyelid tissue when they become blocked. Common symptoms include a red, painful, and tender bump on the eyelid, localized swelling, and sometimes a yellowish spot of pus.
Styes can be categorized into two main types: external and internal. An external stye forms on the outer part of the eyelid, often at the base of an eyelash, and resembles a pimple. These usually result from an infection of the glands of Zeis or Moll. Conversely, an internal stye develops deeper within the eyelid, often caused by an infection of a meibomian gland, and can be more painful due to pressure on the eye.
Medical Professionals Who Treat Styes
General practitioners (GPs) are often the initial point of contact for individuals experiencing a stye. They can diagnose the condition and recommend initial home care strategies or prescribe basic treatments.
If a stye is persistent, severe, or affects vision, a GP may refer a patient to an ophthalmologist, who is an eye specialist. Ophthalmologists handle complex cases, prescribing stronger medications or performing minor procedures like incision and drainage if necessary.
Dermatologists, specialists in skin conditions, can also treat styes. A stye is essentially a skin infection occurring on the eyelid.
Dermatologists manage skin health, including the delicate skin of the eyelids. A referral to a dermatologist might be appropriate for recurrent styes, if the stye is particularly large or persistent, or if there are other accompanying skin conditions on the eyelid that need attention. They are skilled in managing localized skin infections, providing treatment when a stye suggests a broader skin issue or is mistaken for another dermatological condition.
Managing and Treating Styes
Many styes resolve naturally within a few days to a week with simple home care. Applying warm compresses is a primary home treatment method, typically done for 10 to 15 minutes, three to five times a day. This helps bring pus to the surface, promote drainage, and alleviate discomfort.
Maintaining good eyelid hygiene, such as gently cleaning the eyelids with a mild solution and avoiding makeup or contact lenses until the stye heals, is also beneficial. It is important to avoid squeezing or popping a stye, as this can spread the infection.
When home remedies are insufficient, medical interventions may be necessary. A healthcare provider might prescribe topical antibiotic ointments or eye drops to combat the bacterial infection, especially if the stye is actively draining or associated with chronic blepharitis. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is spreading beyond the eyelid or if there is a risk of more serious complications. In cases where a stye does not drain on its own or is very large, a doctor may perform a minor in-office procedure to incise and drain the pus, providing immediate relief.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most styes are harmless and resolve with home care, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical attention. It is advisable to consult a doctor if the stye does not begin to improve after 48 hours of home treatment or if it worsens. Increased pain, redness, or swelling that extends beyond the eyelid should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider.
Other concerning symptoms include changes in vision, the development of blisters on the eyelid, or if the stye is accompanied by fever or chills, which could signal a more widespread infection. Individuals experiencing frequent or recurrent styes should also seek medical advice, as this could suggest an underlying condition like blepharitis or rosacea that requires ongoing management.