A stye is a common, painful, red bump that forms on the eyelid. It develops when an oil gland or a hair follicle along the edge of the eyelid becomes inflamed due to a bacterial infection. These eyelid bumps, medically known as hordeola, can appear on either the upper or lower eyelid, at the lash line (external stye) or on the inner surface (internal stye).
How Styes Spread
While styes are not contagious like a cold or the flu, the bacteria responsible for their formation, typically Staphylococcus aureus, can be transferred. This transfer primarily occurs through direct or indirect contact with the infected area. For example, if someone touches their stye and then touches another person’s eye, the bacteria could spread.
Sharing personal items like towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup can also transfer these bacteria. If bacteria from a stye contaminate a surface, and another person touches that surface before touching their eyes, infection is possible. However, direct person-to-person transmission is uncommon, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology characterizes styes as not highly contagious.
Preventing Stye Transmission
Preventing the spread of stye-causing bacteria involves good hygiene practices. Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water is a primary defense, especially before and after touching your face or eyes. Also, avoid rubbing or touching your eyes unnecessarily, as this can introduce bacteria.
To prevent spreading bacteria to others or to other parts of your own eye, refrain from sharing eye makeup, towels, or washcloths. Eye makeup should be replaced regularly, every two to three months, as bacteria can accumulate in cosmetic products over time. If you wear contact lenses, strict adherence to cleaning and replacement schedules is important to minimize bacterial buildup.
When to Consult a Doctor
Most styes resolve on their own within a few days to about a week with simple home care, such as applying warm compresses. However, certain signs indicate that professional medical attention is warranted. You should consult a doctor if the stye does not begin to improve within 48 hours or if it persists for longer than 10 to 14 days.
Other indicators include increased pain or swelling that extends beyond the eyelid to the cheek or other facial areas. Vision changes, thick pus or blood coming from the stye, blistering on the eyelid, or a fever accompanied by chills also warrant medical evaluation. Frequent recurrence of styes may also signal an underlying condition that requires diagnosis and management by an eye care professional.