A stye is a common eye condition, a red, painful lump that forms near the edge of the eyelid. It often resembles a small boil or a pimple. It typically resolves on its own within a few days or weeks.
Understanding Styes
A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is an acute infection or inflammation of a specific gland or hair follicle on the eyelid. The infection is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which normally reside on the skin. When these bacteria become trapped within an oil gland or hair follicle, they can multiply, leading to inflammation and stye formation.
Styes can manifest in two forms: external or internal. An external stye typically develops at the base of an eyelash, originating from an infection of the glands of Zeis or Moll, or an eyelash follicle. These are the more common type and appear on the outer part of the eyelid. Conversely, an internal stye forms inside the eyelid, resulting from an infection of a Meibomian gland, which produces oils that help keep the eyelid moist. Symptoms include localized redness, tenderness, eyelid swelling, and sometimes a small pus spot. Individuals might also experience a feeling of something in the eye, light sensitivity, or excessive tearing.
Multiple Styes: The Possibility and Why
It is possible to experience multiple styes at once, or for new styes to develop while others are resolving. This can occur due to the spread of bacteria or because several glands or follicles become independently blocked and infected. Staphylococcus aureus can spread from one infected gland or follicle to others on the same eyelid, or even transfer to the other eye through direct contact. Additionally, multiple oil glands or hair follicles may become blocked simultaneously due to broader eyelid inflammation or other systemic factors, creating separate sites for infection to take hold.
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing multiple or recurrent styes. Poor eyelid hygiene, such as not removing eye makeup or touching eyes with unwashed hands, which introduces bacteria. Underlying eyelid conditions like blepharitis, a chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins, make glands more prone to blockage and infection.
Certain skin conditions, including rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis, can also affect eyelid glands and predispose individuals to styes. Improper contact lens care, such as inadequate disinfection or extended wear, increases the risk by trapping bacteria against the eye. A compromised immune system can also contribute to styes by reducing the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Addressing Styes
Managing styes, whether single or multiple, often begins with home care. Applying warm compresses is a primary recommendation, as the warmth helps bring pus to the surface and encourages natural drainage. A clean washcloth soaked in warm water (not too hot) should be applied to the closed eyelid for 5 to 15 minutes, two to four times a day. Gentle massage of the eyelid during warm compress application may also help facilitate drainage.
Avoid squeezing or attempting to pop the stye, as this can spread the infection or lead to complications. Until the stye resolves, temporarily stop wearing eye makeup and contact lenses to prevent further irritation or bacterial spread. Maintaining good hand hygiene, especially before touching the eyes, is also a simple yet effective measure.
Seek medical attention if a stye does not improve or worsens after a few days of home care. Consult a doctor if the stye becomes excessively large, causes significant pain, or affects vision. Spreading redness or swelling beyond the eyelid, such as to the cheek, or significant irritation of the eyeball itself, also warrants professional evaluation. For recurrent or multiple styes, professional management is recommended to identify and address underlying conditions.
Prevention focuses on good eyelid hygiene. Regular and thorough cleaning of the eyelids, sometimes with specialized lid scrubs or diluted baby shampoo, can help prevent blockages and bacterial buildup. Proper care and replacement schedules for contact lenses are essential for users. Always remove eye makeup completely before bed and replace old cosmetics regularly to minimize bacterial exposure. Avoiding excessive rubbing or touching of the eyes, particularly with unwashed hands, also reduces the risk of styes.