A stye is a common, painful red bump that appears on the eyelid, resembling an acne pimple. It forms when an oil-producing gland becomes blocked and infected with bacteria. While many styes appear on the outer eyelid, an internal stye develops on the inside of the eyelid. Popping an internal stye is not recommended due to potential complications.
Understanding Internal Styes
An internal stye is an inflamed and infected oil gland on the inner surface of the eyelid. These styes form when a meibomian gland, which produces oils to lubricate the eye, becomes blocked and infected. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are a common cause of this infection.
Internal styes usually present with symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and swelling, often accompanied by redness and watery eyes. Unlike external styes, which appear on the outer edge of the eyelid, internal styes are deeper and can cause more significant pain and swelling. A chalazion, another type of eyelid bump, is typically a painless lump from a non-infectious oil gland blockage, though it can develop from a persistent internal stye.
The Dangers of Popping an Internal Stye
Popping an internal stye is strongly discouraged due to the significant risks. Unlike a superficial pimple, an internal stye is a deeper, pus-filled abscess that can easily spread infection if improperly ruptured. Squeezing a stye can force the bacterial infection deeper into the eyelid tissues or even into the bloodstream, potentially leading to more severe conditions like cellulitis, a spreading infection around the eye.
This action can cause damage to the delicate eye tissue and glands, increasing pain and inflammation. Popping a stye also delays the natural healing process and can result in scarring or a persistent chalazion, which may require medical intervention. The risk of introducing new bacteria or worsening the existing infection outweighs any perceived benefit of self-drainage.
Effective Home Care and Medical Treatments
Safe and effective home care methods can help an internal stye heal without the need for popping. Applying warm compresses is a primary recommendation, reducing swelling and encouraging the stye to soften and drain naturally. A clean, soft washcloth soaked in warm (not hot) water should be applied to the closed eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, three to five times a day, reheating periodically.
Gentle eyelid hygiene, such as cleaning with mild soap or specialized cleansers, is also important. Avoiding eye makeup and contact lenses until the stye heals prevents further irritation and potential infection spread. Refrain from touching or rubbing the affected eye. If home remedies are insufficient, medical treatments include prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointments. For more severe or persistent cases, oral antibiotics or a minor surgical drainage procedure may be necessary.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many internal styes resolve with home care within a week or two, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical attention. It is advisable to consult a doctor if the stye does not show improvement after a few days of home treatment or if it worsens. Spreading redness and swelling to other parts of the face or eye, increased pain, or vision changes such as blurred vision warrant prompt medical evaluation.
Other warning signs include the eyelid becoming very red, swollen, hot to the touch, or if a fever develops. Individuals with recurrent styes should also consult a healthcare provider to investigate potential underlying causes, such as chronic blepharitis or other conditions. An ophthalmologist or general practitioner can accurately diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment to prevent complications.