When it comes to eye ailments, few are as bothersome as a stye. A stye (pronounced like the shelter for pigs) appears as a painful, red bump on the edge of your eyelid, often resembling a pimple or boil. It can be tender, itchy, and may even ooze pus. No one likes the idea of having one, especially not your little ones. So let’s delve into how to effectively treat a stye.
What Triggers a Stye?
Styes are typically the result of a bacterial infection, primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus, affecting the oil glands around the eyelids or eyelashes. This infection leads to a blockage, according to Dr. Lisa Marco, a family medicine specialist. Although they might seem contagious, styes generally are not. “For a stye to be contagious, physical contact with the stye would be required,” Dr. Kevin Lee, an optometrist, explains. “So, it’s wise to avoid close contact like butterfly kisses with kids if you have a stye, but otherwise, they usually aren’t spread easily.”
While stress is often blamed for causing styes, Dr. Lee clarifies that it’s not a direct cause. “However, stress can lead to habits like rubbing your eyes, which may introduce bacteria from your hands to the eye area,” he notes.
Effective Treatments for a Stye
Most styes will resolve on their own within a few days. During this time, it’s critical to keep the eyelid clean. Dr. Marco recommends avoiding eye makeup and contact lenses until the stye has healed.
To expedite healing, warm compresses can be very beneficial. The sooner you start this treatment, the quicker the stye may heal. However, don’t expect instant relief; healing takes time.
What kind of compress should you use? While it might be tempting to grab a standard washcloth, Dr. Lee advises against it since they don’t retain heat well. Instead, he suggests using a Bruder Mask or other warm, moist compresses specifically designed for stye treatment, which are readily available at drugstores.
Apply the warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes, three to four times daily. “This will help reduce the stye significantly,” Dr. Lee says. “But if it’s particularly large or deep, a visit to an optometrist might be necessary for prescribed antibiotics.”
Gentle massage around the stye can also encourage drainage. Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face. Apply light pressure to the area, but avoid trying to pop it. If you feel pain, stop immediately.
Avoid Popping a Stye
Despite the temptation fueled by countless videos, popping a stye is never advisable. Doing so risks spreading bacteria across the eyelid and into other glands. “Allow the body to heal naturally; warm compresses and antibiotics can help speed this up,” emphasizes Dr. Lee.
Duration and Prevention
Styes can last from a few days to a couple of weeks. The key to a faster recovery is starting treatment early. If your stye worsens or doesn’t improve within one to two weeks, seek medical advice, as it may require drainage.
To prevent future styes, follow these tips:
- Always wash your hands before touching your face or eyes.
- Remove makeup before sleeping, especially eye products.
- Keep makeup brushes clean to avoid introducing bacteria.
- If you wear contact lenses, handle them with care and dispose of any lenses worn while you have a stye.
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Summary
Styes are uncomfortable but usually resolve without intervention. Keeping the eyelid clean, using warm compresses, and avoiding popping the stye are key to treatment. While they are not typically contagious, practicing good hygiene can prevent them. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional.
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