Sty: symptoms, treatment and tips for you to prevent yourself

Most people are already aware that the eyelids are extremely important structures, as they have the function of protecting the eyes, helping to distribute moisture (through tears) and also playing a physical barrier against injuries.

Thus, it is a fact that any type of pathology that occurs in this area deserves attention, because, if not treated correctly, it can damage the ocular structures.

Among the problems that can affect the eyelid region, one is well known: the stye.

Kátia Mello, ophthalmologist, director of the Kátia Mello Eye Health Center, points out that “there is no statistic, but stye is an extremely common condition in eye clinics”.

But, after all, what is a stye? What are its causes and symptoms? How to treat and avoid it? The answers to all these questions can be found below.

What is stye?

A stye is also called a hordeolum and is an inflammation of the Zeis and Mol glands, causing a lesion that settles more on the edge of the eyelid, close to the eyelashes.

Such a lesion is accompanied by typical signs of infection caused by bacteria, such as pain and redness.

Kátia explains and points out that stye is a very common condition and that it can affect men and women equally and at any age (from newborns to adults). “It seems to have a higher occurrence in teenagers due to hormonal changes, among allergic patients and patients with blepharitis (a ‘dandruff’ in the eyelashes due to increased fat production in them)”, she adds.

Sty x conjunctivitis

It is common for some people to confuse the symptoms of stye and conjunctivitis. In both cases, the eyes are red, bothering, however, the pictures are very different.

The table below shows the main differences between them:

The main causes of stye

Kátia explains that the hordeolum (sty) is usually related to the excess secretion produced by the eyelid glands associated with bacteria existing in the skin – which leads to obstruction and inflammation of the affected gland.

Stress and poor nutrition, according to the ophthalmologist, can favor the appearance due to decreased immunity.

“People with blepharitis and increased oiliness of the skin also have a greater predisposition”, adds the doctor.

Is stye contagious?

Kátia highlights that stye is not contagious. “However, a person should be careful not to scratch or rub their eyes, as the circulating bacteria can infect other glands and/or perpetuate the infection,” she explains.

stye symptoms

Kátia talks about the main symptoms of stye:

• There is usually local pain, redness and swelling in the eyelid region.
• After the obstruction of the passage and the proliferation of bacteria in the glands, an inflammation is noticed in the region of the eyelids.
• A small red lump resembling a pimple appears at the site.
• Over time, localized itching and pain begins, which increases with eye movement and/or blinking.

Treatment: How to take care of yourself during a crisis?

Kátia says that, in most cases, the hordeolum drains spontaneously in 5 to 7 days. “Treatment with warm, wet compresses and the use of ointments based on antibiotics and corticosteroids prescribed by the ophthalmologist can help to drain the contents of the hordeolum and relieve pain”, she points out.

She adds that eventually, in cases where the hordeolum is very large and painful, the eye doctor may drain it with a needle to help drain the accumulated pus.

“When the hordeolum does not drain completely, a nodulation may remain at the site, called a chalazion”, adds the doctor.

Kátia cites some additional guidelines for the person who is treating the sty:

• Avoid rubbing your eyes with your fingers;
• Do not wear eye makeup during the period of infection;
• Avoid wearing contact lenses during the period of infection.

Home treatment for stye

Kátia explains that, at home, applications of warm chamomile compresses can be applied over the eye for 5 minutes, about 3 times a day, to relieve inflammation, pain and help drain the pus.

“But be careful: never use boricated water, as it is a non-sterilized substance and can lead to infections”, warns the doctor.

Tips to prevent the problem

Kátia cites the main guidelines to avoid the appearance of stye:

• Patients with oily skin and/or diagnosed with blepharitis (a ‘dandruff’ on the eyelashes due to increased production of fat in them) should clean the eyelashes and eyelid edges daily. This can be done through the use of neutral shampoo (baby) or with substances available for asepsis and ophthalmological use – with the advantage of not irritating the eyes and being quite effective.
• Another tip is to treat and prevent allergic conjunctivitis, avoiding eye itching (itching).
• Always remove makeup to avoid local contamination and obstruction of the glands.

In addition to these tips, it is essential to remember that clean hands are always the best medicine to prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria. Always be careful when taking your hands to your eyes without washing them well first.

Now you have the main guidelines on stye. Although it causes uncomfortable symptoms, such as pain and itching, if treated correctly, it does not tend to cause major problems. If you have any doubts about this, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.