A stye presents as a red, tender bump located near the edge of the eyelid. It often resembles a common pimple, forming when a tiny oil gland or an eyelash follicle becomes blocked and infected by bacteria. Styes can cause discomfort and localized swelling, leading to questions about whether they might bleed. This article explores the nature of styes, when bleeding can occur, and what to do if it happens.
Styes and the Likelihood of Bleeding
Styes are typically bacterial infections affecting the oil-producing glands or eyelash follicles in the eyelid. These glands secrete oils that lubricate the eye surface. When a blockage occurs, it creates an environment where bacteria can multiply, leading to inflammation and the formation of a pus-filled lump.
Styes do not typically bleed on their own. Their formation involves the accumulation of pus and inflammatory cells within a confined area, similar to a small abscess. The skin covering a stye usually remains intact unless subjected to external forces. The contained nature of a stye means blood vessels are not typically ruptured during its natural development.
Common Reasons a Stye Might Bleed
While styes do not bleed spontaneously, certain situations can cause them to. One reason is spontaneous rupture. As a stye matures, the collection of pus expands, and the pressure within the lump can cause it to break open, allowing the pus to drain. During this drainage, a small amount of blood mixed with pus can occur. This minor bleeding is often part of the healing process as the stye resolves.
Physical trauma or manipulation is another common cause for a stye to bleed. Picking, squeezing, or rubbing a stye can rupture the delicate blood vessels in the inflamed tissue, leading to bleeding. This can cause bleeding and also spread the bacterial infection to surrounding areas. Styes located on the outer edge of the eyelid may be more susceptible to accidental trauma from blinking or contact with hands.
Managing a Bleeding Stye and When to Seek Help
If a stye bleeds, gentle and clean management is important. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent contamination. Gently clean the affected area with a clean cloth and warm water, avoiding harsh scrubbing. If there is minor bleeding, apply light, clean pressure to the area to help it stop.
Avoid touching the eye unnecessarily and refrain from wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye has fully healed. Continue applying warm compresses to the stye, even after it has bled, to encourage further drainage and promote healing. Warm compresses soften the contents of the stye and facilitate the natural release of pus.
Seek medical attention if the bleeding is excessive or continuous, or if you notice signs of the infection spreading beyond the stye, such as increased redness, swelling, or pain across the entire eyelid or face. Other indicators for professional evaluation include changes in vision, a stye that does not improve after several days of home care, or styes that frequently recur. A healthcare provider can determine if additional treatment, such as antibiotics or drainage, is necessary.