A stye is a common, often painful, red lump that develops near the edge of the eyelid, resembling a small pimple or boil. Many individuals wonder if recent health events, such as a COVID-19 infection, could be connected to its appearance. This article explores styes and the potential indirect ways COVID-19 might influence their development.
What Styes Are
A stye forms when a tiny oil-producing gland or a hair follicle along the eyelid margin becomes blocked and infected. These glands can accumulate dead skin cells, dirt, or excess oil, creating an environment for bacterial growth. The most frequent cause of these infections is Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium found on human skin.
When a stye develops, it typically presents as a tender, red bump that can be painful to the touch. Other common symptoms include swelling of the eyelid, tearing, light sensitivity, and a scratchy or gritty sensation in the eye. Styes can occur on the outer edge of the eyelid (external stye) or on the inner surface (internal stye), which may be more painful. Most styes are generally harmless and often resolve on their own within one to two weeks.
How COVID-19 Might Influence Styes
While COVID-19 does not directly cause styes, the systemic changes and behavioral shifts associated with the illness could indirectly contribute to their development. COVID-19 can induce inflammation throughout the body, and this inflammatory response might extend to the glands within the eyelids. Such inflammation could make these glands more susceptible to blockage and bacterial infection.
The immune system’s response to a viral infection can also play a role. When the immune system is fighting a virus, its resources might be altered, potentially making the body more vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections, including those that cause styes. This altered immune state could reduce the body’s usual defenses against the bacteria commonly responsible for styes.
Increased eye touching is another factor that could indirectly link COVID-19 to styes. Individuals who are ill may touch their faces and eyes more frequently, transferring bacteria from their hands to their eyelids. This heightened hand-to-eye contact increases the risk of introducing bacteria to the eyelid glands, leading to infection and stye formation.
COVID-19 can also cause ocular symptoms such as dry eyes or conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. Dryness or irritation of the eye surface can lead to increased rubbing and discomfort, which may further irritate the eyelid and make it more prone to bacterial infections. Although rare, styes have been reported as ocular manifestations in some COVID-19 patients, though they are far less common than conjunctivitis or dry eye.
Care for Styes and When to See a Doctor
Managing a stye involves simple home care measures that can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Applying a warm compress is a highly effective treatment, as the heat helps to bring pus to the surface and encourages the stye to drain naturally. A clean washcloth soaked in warm (not hot) water should be applied to the closed eyelid for 5 to 15 minutes, several times a day. Gently massaging the area with clean hands after applying the compress can also help promote drainage once the stye begins to clear.
Avoid wearing eye makeup and contact lenses to prevent further irritation or spread of bacteria. Do not squeeze or try to pop the stye, as this can worsen the infection or spread it to other parts of the eye. Maintaining good eyelid hygiene, such as gently cleaning the eyelids with mild soap or diluted baby shampoo, can also support recovery and prevent future occurrences.
While most styes resolve on their own, certain signs indicate that medical attention is necessary. Consult a doctor if the stye does not show improvement within 48 hours to a few days, or if it worsens. Other reasons to seek professional care include increased pain or swelling, the stye affecting your vision, pus or blood leaking from the bump, or if the entire eyelid becomes swollen or red. If styes recur frequently, it may suggest an underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.