A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is a common and often painful red bump that appears on the edge of the eyelid. It forms when a small oil-producing gland or a hair follicle near an eyelash becomes blocked and subsequently infected by bacteria. While usually harmless and self-resolving, styes generally heal without scarring. However, certain conditions can increase the likelihood of a lasting mark on the delicate eyelid tissue.
Understanding Styes and Their Scarring Potential
Most styes resolve without leaving a permanent scar, as the body’s natural healing processes clear the infection. A stye is an abscess filled with pus, similar to a pimple, and typically drains on its own within one to two weeks. Scarring can arise under specific circumstances involving more intense tissue damage. This includes severe or prolonged inflammation, a persistent infection, or improper handling of the stye.
An internal stye, which forms deeper within the eyelid’s meibomian glands, can be more serious than an external stye. If an internal stye does not drain properly, it can develop into a chalazion, a non-infectious lump caused by chronic inflammation and blocked oil. While a chalazion itself is not typically a scar, it represents a persistent bump that can sometimes lead to minor changes in eyelid appearance.
Preventing Stye Scarring
Preventing a stye from scarring depends on proper care and avoiding actions that could worsen it. Applying warm compresses is an effective home remedy that promotes drainage and healing. A clean washcloth soaked in warm, not hot, water should be held against the closed eyelid for 5 to 15 minutes, repeated three to six times a day. This consistent warmth helps to soften the contents of the blocked gland, encouraging the stye to open and drain naturally.
Maintaining good eyelid hygiene is important in preventing complications that could lead to scarring. This includes gently cleaning the eyelids with mild soap or diluted baby shampoo, especially around the lash line. Never attempt to squeeze or “pop” a stye. Squeezing can force the bacterial infection deeper into the tissue, spread it to other parts of the eye, increase inflammation, and potentially damage the delicate eyelid skin, resulting in discolored or pitted scarring.
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Stye
Consulting a healthcare professional is important to prevent complications that might increase the risk of scarring. While many styes resolve with home care, medical attention is advisable if the stye shows no improvement after a few days of warm compresses, or if it worsens. Seek professional evaluation for increasing pain or swelling, redness spreading beyond the eyelid, or if the entire eyelid becomes swollen shut.
If the stye affects vision, causes blisters on the eyelid, or if pus or blood consistently leaks from the bump, seek medical attention. Frequent stye recurrence also suggests an underlying issue. A doctor can diagnose the condition and, if necessary, prescribe antibiotic eyedrops or oral medication to treat the infection, or perform a sterile drainage procedure to minimize the risk of scarring.
Addressing Persistent Lumps or Scarring
Should a stye lead to a persistent issue, it most commonly results in the formation of a chalazion. While typically painless, a chalazion can be cosmetically noticeable. Continued warm compresses are often recommended for chalazia to encourage drainage.
If a chalazion persists despite home treatment, a healthcare provider may suggest further interventions. These can include steroid injections directly into the lump to reduce inflammation and swelling, or in some cases, surgical removal. Surgical procedures for chalazia are often performed from the inside of the eyelid to avoid creating a visible scar on the skin. Actual scarring from a stye, such as permanent dimpling or discoloration of the eyelid, is a rarer outcome. If such scarring occurs, cosmetic procedures might be considered, though significant scarring is uncommon.