Styes

Learn more about Styes, including The Symptoms, The Causes, and The Treatments.

The information below is not intended for self diagnose of an eye condition. If you are worried or suffering from an eye problem, please call us on 0208 524 2887 and book in to see us.

Bhavita Magudia
Styes - Explained
February 21, 2019
Back to Common Eye Conditions

What Are Styes

Styes are also known as external hordeolum and are an infection of the eyelash root. They appear as a red lump with a yellow pus filled center, similar to a white head spot you get on your face. It appears on the outside of your eyelid along the lash line. Styes can be contagious as it is caused by a bacterial infection. Most people will get styes at some point in their life.

Styes - Symptoms

• Redness in a localized area of the eyelid

• Painful

• The stye can make the eyelid look swollen

• Tender on touch

• Eyelid may feel bruised on blinking

Styes - Causes

• Staphylococcal bacteria, the bacterium is found in the nose and skin. Rubbing your nose then your eye can transfer the bacteria across to the eyelid.

• Long term blepharitis

• Skin conditions that are not managed properly such as dermatitis, rosacea etc.

• Has been linked to stress or when you are rundown

Styes - Treatments

Do not pick or pop the stye, this will only transfer or spread the infection. Most Styes will burst and release after a few days and usually do not require treatment, however you can help it along.

• Warm compresses of the eyelids using a heated eye bag. Heat the eye bag as per instruction, lay back, close your eyes and let the eye bag heat your eyelids for 20 minutes. The hot compresses will help the stye rupture, discharge its contents and heal more quickly. Repeat this 3 to 4 times a day.

• Epilation of the lash in the associated infected lash follicle, to help drainage and healing of the stye

• If they do not heal, seek further advice from your optician or local eye hospital. Drainage of the stye and antibiotic ointment treatment can be used in stubborn cases.

Avoid wearing contact lenses and makeup until the stye has healed.