A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is a common localized inflammation appearing as a tender red bump on the edge of the eyelid. This condition arises from a bacterial infection, most frequently caused by Staphylococcus aureus, affecting an oil gland or an eyelash follicle. These small, often painful, bumps result from clogged and infected glands. Styes can form on the outer eyelid near the eyelashes (external hordeolum) or on the inside of the eyelid (internal hordeolum).
Understanding Stye Contagion
Styes are not considered highly contagious in the way airborne illnesses like colds or the flu spread. However, because a stye is a bacterial infection, the bacteria responsible can be transferred through direct contact. While casual contact does not transmit a stye, there is a possibility of spreading the bacteria.
Transmission occurs when an individual touches their stye and then inadvertently touches another person’s eye, or if contaminated objects are shared. Bacteria can transfer if someone touches their stye and then handles shared items like towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup, which another person then uses and touches their own eye. The risk of transmission is low when appropriate hygiene practices are followed.
Preventing Stye Spread
Preventing bacterial transfer from a stye involves specific hygiene practices. Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water is a step, especially before and after touching the face or eyes. Avoiding touching or rubbing the affected eye directly helps prevent the spread of bacteria to other parts of the face or to other individuals.
Avoid sharing personal items that come into contact with the eyes, such as eye makeup, towels, washcloths, or eyeglasses. Eye makeup can harbor bacteria, so it should be removed thoroughly before bedtime and replaced every few months to prevent contamination. Individuals who wear contact lenses should temporarily switch to glasses until the stye has fully healed, and ensure proper cleaning and disinfection of lenses and cases to prevent reinfection.
A stye should never be squeezed or popped, as this action can push the bacteria deeper into the eyelid, spreading the infection or causing further complications. Gently cleaning the eyelids daily with a mild solution can help maintain eyelid hygiene. These measures reduce the risk of spreading stye-causing bacteria.