A stye (hordeolum) is a common, painful red bump on the eyelid, often near the lash line. It is a localized bacterial infection, typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus, within a hair follicle or an oil gland. Because a stye is an active infection, eye care professionals strongly discourage wearing fake lashes while one is present.
Why Applying Fake Lashes Poses a Serious Risk
Applying fake lashes, including strip lashes or extensions, involves placing foreign material and adhesive close to the infected eyelid margin. This action can significantly worsen the existing condition. Lash adhesives and the lash band can physically block the openings of the oil glands. This obstruction exacerbates inflammation and prevents the natural drainage of the infected gland, thereby delaying healing.
The surface of the fake lashes, the application tools, and the adhesive can all serve as reservoirs for bacteria. Introducing these items risks pushing the existing Staphylococcus bacteria deeper into the tissue or contaminating the area with new pathogens. This increased bacterial load can intensify the infection, potentially leading to a larger, more painful lesion or even a secondary infection like cellulitis. The chemical components in lash glue can also cause irritation, which further inflames the eyelid and slows the body’s ability to resolve the bacterial infection.
Safe Practices for Stye Healing
The immediate focus upon noticing a stye should be promoting drainage and reducing inflammation. Applying a clean, warm compress to the closed eyelid is the most effective home treatment, as the heat helps to liquefy the hardened oil blocking the gland. The compress should be comfortably warm, not hot, and applied for five to fifteen minutes, three to six times a day. After the compress, gently massaging the area can help mobilize the oil and encourage the stye to drain naturally.
Maintain meticulous hand hygiene, washing hands thoroughly before and after touching the eyes to avoid spreading bacteria. The infected stye should never be squeezed or popped, as this can force the infection deeper into the tissue. If the stye does not improve within 48 hours, if swelling becomes severe, or if vision is affected, consult a healthcare provider. Professionals can assess the need for prescription antibiotic drops or an in-office drainage procedure.
Resuming Eye Cosmetics Safely
Resuming the use of any eye cosmetic, including fake lashes, is only safe once the stye has completely resolved. The eyelid must be free of all redness, swelling, tenderness, and any residual bump before reintroducing products. This complete healing ensures the underlying infection is cleared and the glands have returned to their normal function.
Bacteria from the active stye can contaminate makeup products and tools, creating a serious risk of re-infection. Any product that contacted the infected eye must be discarded. This mandatory disposal includes mascara, liquid eyeliner, fake lashes, and adhesive used during the infection period. Reusable tools, such as lash curlers and tweezers, must be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized, often with 70% isopropyl alcohol, before reuse.