Styes: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention329


Introduction

Styes are small, painful bumps that form on the eyelid margin. They are caused by a bacterial infection of the glands that produce oil to lubricate the eye. Styes can be unsightly and uncomfortable, but they are usually not serious.

Causes

Styes are caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria is commonly found on the skin and in the nose. It can enter the glands that produce oil to lubricate the eye through a break in the skin. This can occur when you rub your eyes, have an eyelash that grows inward, or have a blocked tear duct.

Symptoms

Styes typically appear as small, red bumps on the eyelid margin. They may be painful or tender to the touch. Other symptoms of styes include:* Swelling of the eyelid
Redness of the eyelid
Crusting or discharge from the stye
Blurred vision if the stye is large enough to block the pupil

Treatment

Most styes will resolve on their own within a few days. However, there are some things you can do to help speed up the healing process and relieve your symptoms:* Apply a warm compress to the stye for 10-15 minutes several times a day.
Gently massage the stye to help drain the pus.
Use over-the-counter antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
Take pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce pain and inflammation.

If your stye does not improve after a few days, or if it becomes larger or more painful, you should see a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe stronger antibiotics or perform a procedure to drain the stye.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent styes:* Wash your hands frequently.
Avoid touching your eyes.
Remove eye makeup before going to bed.
Keep your contact lenses clean.
Get regular eye exams.

Conclusion

Styes are a common eye condition that can be unsightly and uncomfortable. However, they are usually not serious and will resolve on their own within a few days. There are a few things you can do to help speed up the healing process and relieve your symptoms, such as applying a warm compress, gently massaging the stye, and using over-the-counter antibiotic eye drops or ointments. If your stye does not improve after a few days, or if it becomes larger or more painful, you should see a doctor.

2024-11-26


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