Stye: a few simple rules to avoid problems

A stye is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands. It appears in the eyelid area, and the cause, most of the time, is a bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus. It shows up as redness and swelling, and it can also be painful and cause itching in the affected area, spreading the discomfort to the whole outer part of the eye. It is a fairly common inflammation that can generally also heal on its own.

How to get rid of a stye

There are some practices to follow to keep a stye from getting worse or to speed up its healing process.

• Clean gently. To get rid of a stye, it is important to gently clean the affected area. Warm water and mild soap can be used. A warm compress can also help.
• Never squeeze it. Even though it looks like a swelling, a stye should never be squeezed. Pressing on the area to push out the substance inside would only make things worse. In fact, the infection could spread and affect a wider area around the eye.
• Use antibiotic eye drops. When the infection does not go away on its own, the doctor may also prescribe antibiotic eye drops to clear it.
• Let the eye rest. Avoiding direct contact with the affected eye, for example with your hands, helps promote healing. It is also important not to wear makeup while the infection with the visible stye is present.

The causes of a stye

A stye develops when bacteria enter the sebaceous glands in the eyelid. This is what causes the inflammation. The bacteria are transmitted when you touch your eyes with unclean hands or when you share personal items with infected people.

How does a stye go away, and how long does it take?

A stye can go away naturally with time, especially if it is managed properly by following the important cleaning rules described above. In most cases, within a week it goes away and the inflammation disappears as well. In fact, the time needed for healing can vary, but in general a stye can resolve within 5 to 7 days. If it persists or gets worse, see a doctor.

What kind of cream should you use?

The use of specific creams may be recommended by the doctor. Antibiotic eye drops or ointments may be prescribed to treat the infection. Avoid do-it-yourself remedies: it is always important to see a doctor before applying creams.

How to tell the difference from a chalazion

A chalazion is often mistaken for a stye, but it is generally larger, less painful and slower to develop. If it persists or grows, it is important to see a doctor. In the early phase it is easy for the two to be confused, but a doctor will notice the difference right away and explain it to the patient.

How to tell the difference from conjunctivitis

Here too the difference is clear. Conjunctivitis (commonly called red eye) can have similar symptoms. The most important difference is that it often involves both eyes and can be caused by various conditions, including viral infections or allergies. If you are in doubt about the nature of the inflammation or if the symptoms persist, it is always advisable to see a health professional for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

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