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March 29, 2024
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Stye: Symptoms, Treatment and Tips to Prevent

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

Thus, it is a fact that any type of pathology that occurs in this area deserves attention, because, if not treated properly, can damage the eye 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 the stye is an extremely common condition in eye offices."

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

What is stye?

The stye is also called a hordeole and is an inflammation of the Zeis and Mol glands, causing injury that settles more on the edge of the eyelid, near the eyelashes.

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

Kátia explains that the stye is a very common condition and can affect men and women equally and at any age (from newborn to adult). "It seems to have a higher occurrence in adolescents due to hormonal changes, among allergic patients with blepharitis (a" dandruff "in the eyelashes due to increased fat production in them)," he adds.

Stye x conjunctivitis

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

In the table below you can see the main differences between them:

Read also: Conjunctivitis: Causes, Symptoms and How to Keep Your Eyes Free of This Problem

The main causes of stye

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

Stress and poor nutrition, according to the ophthalmologist, may favor onset due to decreased immunity.

"People with blepharitis and increased skin oils also have a greater predisposition," adds the doctor.

Is stye contagious?

Katia points out that sty is not contagious. "However, one should be careful not to scratch or rub the eyes, as the circulating bacteria can infect other glands and / or perpetuate the infection," he explains.

Stye Symptoms

Katia talks about the main symptoms of the stye:

Read also: What is eye allergy and how to prevent it

Usually there is local pain, redness and swelling in the eyelid region.
After obstruction of the passage and proliferation of bacteria in the glands, an inflammation is noted in the eyelid region.
A small red nodule resembling a pimple appears in place.
Over time there begins to be itching and localized pain, which increases with eye movement and / or blinking.

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

Katia says that in most cases the hordeol drains spontaneously in 5 to 7 days. "Treatment with wet and warm compresses and the use of antibiotic and corticosteroid-based ointments prescribed by the ophthalmologist may help to drain the contents of the hordeole and relieve pain," he says.

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

"When the hordeolus does not drain completely, there may be a nodulation in the place called chalazion," the doctor adds.

Katia quotes some additional guidelines for the person who is treating the stye:

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

Home treatment for stye

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

But beware: never use boric water, as it is a non-sterile substance and can lead to infections, warns the doctor.

Tips to prevent the problem

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

Patients with oily skin and / or diagnosed with blepharitis (a "dandruff" on the eyelashes due to increased fat production on the eyelashes) should daily clean the eyelashes and eyelids. Can this be done through the use of neutral (baby) shampoo or with substances available for asepsis and eye care? with the advantage of not irritating the eyes and being quite effective.
Another tip is to treat and prevent allergic conjunctivitis, avoiding itchy eyes.
Always remove makeup to avoid local contamination and clogged glands.

Beyond these tips, it is crucial to remember that clean hands are always the best medicine to prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria. Always be careful when bringing your hands to your eyes without first washing them thoroughly.

You now have the main stye guidelines. Although it causes troublesome symptoms such as pain and itching, if treated properly, it does not tend to cause major problems. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.