What is a stye?

A stye is a common condition and involves a small reddish lump (swelling) that appears near the edge of your eyelid. It's usually painful and looks like a boil or a pimple filled with pus. It usually forms in the outer eyelid, but may also sometimes form on the inner side. 

How common is it?

Styes are very common across all demographics. They occur more commonly in adults because the oil secreted by the glands gets thicker as we age and get blocked more easily. 

How long will it take to go away?

Usually 1-2 weeks

What are the types of styes?

An external stye is located at the base of an eyelash’s orifice. Internal styes are nearer to the oil glands and occur inside or under the eyelid. 

What else could it be if I have a swelling on my eyelid?

Another type of swelling that is not painful and is more prominent on the inner side of the eyelid is the chalazion. 

Will it spread?

Styes are not considered contagious as such. They don’t spread from person to person. However, the bacteria from the stye will contaminate surfaces that it comes in contact with and this should be limited by keeping the area clean and by avoiding touching. 

How is it caused?

When the oil glands below the eyelashes get infected with bacteria, usually of the staphylococcus variety, the pus/ secretions accumulate to cause the reddish swelling to appear.

Body:

Symptoms:

• A red lump on the eyelid (inside or outside) that looks like a pimple
• Pain in the area of the eyelid
• Swelling of the eyelid
• Excessive tearing 

Serious symptoms (when you should visit a professional):

Most styes won't affect your vision and don't get too serious. You will be able to manage them by applying a warm compress/cloth or cotton to the area when the eyelid is closed for five to ten minutes at a time and multiple times daily. But, you should visit a professional if:

• It fails to improve after 2 days
• Your entire eyelid swells up or your cheek or other parts of your face start swelling up

Risk factors:

• Touching or rubbing eyes without washing hands
• Not taking care of your contact lenses properly
• Leaving eye makeup on for long periods and while sleeping
• Low quality or old cosmetics that cause irritation
• Have a condition called blepharitis or rosacea already
• Eyestrain due to excess screen & staying up late at night.

Prevention:

• Keep your hands clean always and keep them away from your eyes as much as possible
• Use good quality makeup and clean it after the needed time
• Be careful with letting your contact lenses get infected
• Manage other conditions in the area
• Wear spectacles of a current prescription.
• Screen breaks at timely intervals.

Treatment:

• Self-care Dos:
  • Use a warm compress or cloth or cotton over the closed eyelid for 10-15 minutes at a time several times
  • Keep the area clean by wiping it with eyelid wipes
• Self-care Don'ts:
  • Squeeze or pop the lump
  • Rub or touch the area
  • Wear makeup or contacts till it heals
• Visit a doctor if:
  • The area affected spreads to the whole eyelid or parts of your face
  • The Styl does not reduce after 2 days
  • The doctor will examine and prescribe eye drops, eye ointments, and sometimes oral tablets.

Sometimes, if stye or chalazion don’t resolve by medication, your doctor can advise a small procedure to drain the pus. It is called Incision and curettage.

For multiple, small, recurring chalazia medicine injections, inside the swelling can also for treatment.