Styes are a common eye condition, appearing as a red, painful bump on the eyelid. They form when an oil-producing gland in an eyelash follicle or eyelid becomes blocked and infected by bacteria, typically Staphylococcus aureus. While usually harmless and often resolving on their own, styes can be uncomfortable. This article explains how to prevent them and address early symptoms.
Preventative Daily Habits
Good eyelid hygiene is fundamental for preventing styes. Gently cleaning your eyelids daily helps remove excess oil, dirt, and debris that can clog the glands.
Hand hygiene is also important for preventing bacterial transfer to the eye area. Washing hands thoroughly and frequently, especially before touching your face or eyes, reduces the risk of introducing bacteria. This practice is crucial before and after handling contact lenses.
Always remove eye makeup completely before bed, as residue can block pores and hair follicles. Avoid using old or contaminated makeup, which can harbor bacteria. Eye makeup, particularly mascara, should be replaced every three to six months to prevent bacterial buildup. Sharing eye cosmetics can also transfer bacteria and should be avoided.
Contact lens wearers must follow strict hygiene. Always wash your hands before inserting or removing lenses. Lenses should be cleaned, stored, and replaced according to manufacturer guidelines and your eye care provider’s recommendations to prevent bacterial contamination. Avoid sleeping in contact lenses to reduce infection risk. Refrain from rubbing or touching your eyes unnecessarily, as this can introduce irritants and bacteria.
Addressing Early Symptoms
Acting quickly when a stye begins to form can help resolve it. If you notice a tender spot, slight redness, or itching on your eyelid, apply a warm compress. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring out the excess, and gently place it over your closed eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat this process three to five times a day to help melt and soften the hardened oil within the blocked gland, encouraging drainage and reducing inflammation.
After applying a warm compress, a gentle massage of the affected area can further help clear the gland. Avoid squeezing or attempting to pop the stye, as this can spread the infection and worsen the condition. The stye should drain naturally.
While a stye is developing or present, avoid wearing eye makeup and contact lenses. Makeup can further irritate the eye and delay healing, while contact lenses can become contaminated and spread the infection.
When to Seek Professional Help
Most styes resolve on their own with home care. However, there are specific situations where consulting a doctor or eye care professional becomes necessary. Seek medical attention if the stye does not show improvement after a few days of home treatment, typically within one to two weeks.
A worsening of symptoms, such as increased pain, swelling, or redness, warrants professional evaluation. If the redness or swelling spreads beyond the eyelid to other parts of the face, it could indicate a more widespread infection. Any changes in vision or the development of blisters on the eyelid also require immediate medical attention. Recurring styes, an unusually large or very painful stye, or systemic signs of infection like fever or chills, are additional indicators that professional medical advice should be sought.