I have a Stye, and I don't know Why!

 Everyone hates a stye over their eyelid! They often appear at the wrong time, cause considerable pain and disruption in your daily routine, and not to mention, visibly spoil your good looks! Have you ever wondered why do we get these stye/nodules over our eyelids? 

 What is a Stye, and what causes it?

 

A stye is simply a sudden painful nodule over your eyelid, that is caused by bacterial infection. The oil glands in your eyelid may get blocked, and the pent-up secretions get infected to form a stye. It is often sudden in onset, and extremely painful. The eyelid may simply be red and swollen, or you may sometimes see a yellow spot indicating pus-pointing. People who have Blepharitis, rosasea, or even dry eyes are more prone to get these nodules.


Although most styes are harmless and will heal on their own in about a week, if you've ever had one, you know what a nuisance these red eyelid lumps can be.

 

Treatment of a Stye

Visiting your eye specialist is the best way t odeal with it. However, there are a few home remedies that may help you get rid of a stye a little faster, or at least begin the healing process before you meet your doctor. 

Cleaning your eyelids with a cotton bud, using diluted baby shampoo is a good start.  Pre-moistened eyelid cleansing pads are another option. Stop wearing eye makeup temporarily, and  discard old makeup or applicators that could be contaminated. You can encourage a stye to heal faster by applying warm compresses for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day. Dip a clean washcloth in warm water, wring it, and then place it over your closed eyes. Alternatively, if you are a Tea/Coffee drinker, hold your fingers around the cup until warm, and place them on your closed eyelids. The warmth from the compress often will allow the stye to open, drain and heal faster. Over-the-counter painkillers can reduce your pain if a stye is particularly bothersome. Your eye doctor may also advice oral antibiotics, an eye ointment or even a short procedure to open a large stye to relieve discomfort and prevent a serious infection.

Preventing a Stye 

Proper eyelid hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of styes. Clean your eyelids thoroughly before bedtime, especially if you wear eye makeup. Also, if you have Blepharitis, taking the steps required to treat this eyelid problem also will help prevent the occurrence of styes. 

  Disclaimer: All views expressed here are based on my 20+ years of exclusive practice of eyelid and Oculoplastics. It does not represent the official views of my workplace, any medical society I represent, my country, or any ethnic group in particular. The information is meant for educational purpose only, and expert medical opinion is strongly recommended for your individual eyelid nodule. 


 Dr. Milind Naik, MD

Oculoplastic Surgeon, Hyderabad

Email: milind@drmilindnaik.com


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