A stye presents as a red, painful lump that forms near the edge of the eyelid. It often resembles a small pimple or boil. This common condition develops when an oil gland or hair follicle within the eyelid becomes infected. While not a serious health concern, a stye can cause discomfort and irritation.
Understanding Stye Transmission
Styes are not contagious in the way a common cold or flu might spread through airborne particles or casual person-to-person contact. However, the bacteria responsible for styes, Staphylococcus aureus, can be transferred. This transfer occurs through direct contact with the stye and then touching another surface, another person, or a different part of your own body, including the other eye.
The primary risk of spreading a stye to the other eye or to another individual is through self-contamination or contact with contaminated items. For instance, touching the stye and then rubbing the uninfected eye can introduce bacteria. Sharing personal items like towels, washcloths, or eye makeup can also facilitate the transfer of bacteria. While direct person-to-person spread through casual contact is rare, maintaining good hygiene practices helps minimize risk.
Causes and Risk Factors for Styes
Styes form due to a bacterial infection of the oil-producing glands or hair follicles. When these tiny glands or follicles become blocked with dead skin cells, dirt, or excess oil, bacteria can multiply, leading to inflammation and the characteristic painful lump.
Several factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to developing a stye. Poor eyelid hygiene, such as not thoroughly removing eye makeup or touching the eyes with unwashed hands, can introduce bacteria and clog glands. Certain skin conditions like blepharitis, rosacea, or seborrheic dermatitis also elevate the risk. Additionally, underlying health conditions that affect the immune system, such as diabetes, can make one more prone to styes.
Preventing Stye Development and Self-Contamination
Implementing consistent hygiene practices is effective in preventing styes from forming and reducing the chance of self-contamination or spread. Regular hand washing with soap and water, especially before touching the face or eyes, is important. Avoid rubbing or touching the eyes, as this can introduce bacteria or irritate the delicate eyelid skin.
Proper eye makeup hygiene is another important preventative measure. Always remove all eye makeup before going to bed, as residue can clog eyelid pores. Eye makeup products, especially mascara and eyeliner, should be replaced every two to three months because bacteria can accumulate in them over time. Contact lens wearers should adhere to cleaning and disinfection routines and always wash hands before handling lenses. Applying a warm compress to the eyelids daily can also help keep oil glands clear and reduce the risk of blockage.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most styes resolve on their own within a few days to a week with home care, certain situations warrant professional medical attention. If a stye does not show improvement after 48 hours of home treatment or if it worsens in pain or swelling, consult a healthcare provider. Also consult a doctor if the swelling involves the entire eyelid or spreads to other parts of the face.
Seek medical advice if the stye affects vision, if pus or blood leaks from the bump, or if blisters form on the eyelid. Frequent recurrence of styes may indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. A doctor can diagnose the condition and, if necessary, prescribe antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics, or perform a procedure to drain the stye.