Stye (Hordeolum)

A bacterial infection of the eyelid that causes a painful, red bump

What is a Stye?

A stye (hordeolum) is a common, painful infection of the eyelid that appears as a red, swollen bump near the edge of the eyelid. It occurs when bacteria infect the oil glands or hair follicles of the eyelashes. Styes are usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria and typically resolve on their own within a few days to a week with proper care.

Common Symptoms

Styes can cause various eye-related symptoms that may affect vision and comfort:

Common Causes

Styes are primarily caused by bacterial infections, with several risk factors:

  • Staphylococcus bacteria: The most common cause of stye infections
  • Poor eyelid hygiene: Not properly cleaning the eye area
  • Touching eyes with dirty hands: Transferring bacteria to the eye area
  • Old or contaminated makeup: Using expired or shared eye makeup
  • Contact lens use: Improper lens hygiene can increase infection risk
  • Blepharitis: Chronic inflammation of the eyelids
  • Compromised immune system: Makes infections more likely
  • Hormonal changes: Can affect oil gland function

Types of Styes

External Stye (External Hordeolum)

Occurs at the base of an eyelash and involves infection of the hair follicle or sebaceous glands. These are more common and typically more painful.

Internal Stye (Internal Hordeolum)

Forms inside the eyelid and involves infection of the meibomian glands. These may be less visible but can cause more significant swelling.

Treatment Options

Home Care

  • Warm compresses: Apply for 10-15 minutes several times daily
  • Gentle eyelid massage: After warm compress to help drainage
  • Proper hygiene: Keep the eye area clean and avoid touching
  • Remove makeup: Avoid eye makeup until the stye heals
  • Clean hands: Wash hands thoroughly before touching the eye area

Medical Treatment

  • Antibiotic ointments: Topical antibiotics for bacterial infection
  • Oral antibiotics: For severe or recurrent infections
  • Steroid injections: For persistent or large styes
  • Incision and drainage: For styes that don't respond to other treatments

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Stye doesn't improve after a few days of home treatment
  • Vision changes or significant pain
  • Fever or signs of spreading infection
  • Stye becomes very large or affects vision
  • Recurrent styes that keep coming back
  • Entire eyelid becomes red and swollen
  • Eye discharge or severe itching

Potential Complications

  • Chalazion: A chronic, non-infectious bump that can develop from a stye
  • Cellulitis: Spreading bacterial infection of the eyelid tissues
  • Scarring: Permanent scarring of the eyelid in severe cases
  • Recurrent infections: Multiple styes that keep returning

Prevention

  • Practice good eyelid hygiene by cleaning regularly
  • Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with dirty hands
  • Replace eye makeup regularly and don't share with others
  • Remove makeup thoroughly before bedtime
  • Keep contact lenses clean and follow proper hygiene
  • Treat underlying conditions like blepharitis
  • Use clean towels and washcloths