A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is a common, tender, red lump on the eyelid. It forms when an oil gland or hair follicle becomes blocked and infected, leading to inflammation and swelling.
How Styes Spread
Styes are generally not contagious in the same way a common cold or flu might be. A stye itself does not “jump” from one person to another. Instead, they are typically caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which are naturally present on the skin. These bacteria can cause an infection when they enter an oil gland or hair follicle in the eyelid, leading to the development of a stye.
The bacteria responsible for a stye can be transferred from one person to another, or from one part of the body to the eye. This transfer usually occurs through direct contact, such as touching an infected eye and then touching another person’s eye. An external hordeolum forms when a lash follicle becomes infected, appearing as a bump on the eyelid’s edge. An internal hordeolum, on the other hand, develops when a meibomian gland within the eyelid becomes infected, often appearing deeper inside the eyelid.
While the bacteria can spread, a stye will not automatically form. The bacterial transmission is not airborne, emphasizing the role of direct contact in spreading the causative agents.
Preventing Stye Transmission
Preventing the transmission of bacteria that cause styes involves practicing good hygiene. Rigorous hand washing is important, especially before touching your face or eyes. Regularly cleaning hands with soap and water helps remove bacteria that could be transferred to the eye area. This practice is important for preventing self-infection and reducing the risk of spreading bacteria to others.
Avoiding unnecessary touching or rubbing of the eyes can also reduce the likelihood of introducing bacteria. Hands frequently come into contact with various surfaces, accumulating bacteria. Being mindful of hand-to-eye contact is a preventative step.
Avoid sharing personal items that come into contact with the eyes, including eye makeup, makeup brushes, towels, and washcloths. For contact lens wearers, proper hygiene is important; always wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses and follow cleaning and storage guidelines. Regularly replacing eye makeup, particularly mascara and eyeliner, every three to six months, can also help prevent bacterial buildup.
Caring for a Stye
When a stye develops, several home care measures can help alleviate discomfort and encourage healing. Applying warm compresses to the affected eyelid is a widely recommended first step. Soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring out the excess, and gently hold it over the closed eye for 10 to 15 minutes, three to five times a day. The warmth helps to loosen blockages and promote drainage of the infected gland.
It is important to resist the urge to squeeze or pop a stye, as this can worsen the infection or spread it to other parts of the eye. Squeezing can push the bacteria deeper into the tissue, potentially leading to a more severe infection or even scarring. Allow the stye to drain naturally, which usually occurs on its own with the consistent application of warm compresses. Maintaining good eyelid hygiene by gently cleaning the area with mild soap and water can also be beneficial.
While most styes resolve with home care within a week or two, there are instances when medical attention becomes necessary. You should consult a doctor if the stye does not improve after several days of warm compresses, or if it becomes increasingly painful or swollen. Seek medical advice if the stye affects your vision, if the redness and swelling spread beyond the eyelid into the surrounding facial area, or if you develop a fever. A healthcare professional can provide further guidance and, if needed, prescribe antibiotics or perform a minor procedure to drain the stye.