A stye, or hordeolum, is a red, painful bump that appears on the edge of the eyelid, typically near the base of the eyelashes. It is caused by an infection of the oil glands in the eyelid, often due to bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. The infection leads to inflammation and the formation of a tender, swollen lump that can resemble a pimple or boil. Styes may cause symptoms like redness, swelling, tearing, and discomfort when blinking. They can appear on either the outer or inner part of the eyelid and are usually filled with pus. Common causes include poor eyelid hygiene, touching the eyes with unclean hands, using contaminated makeup, or having underlying conditions like blepharitis or rosacea, which increase the risk of infection in the oil glands.
Treatment for a stye typically involves self-care measures to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Warm compresses are often recommended to help reduce swelling and encourage drainage of the stye. Applying a clean, warm cloth to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day, can provide relief. Maintaining good eyelid hygiene, such as gently cleaning the eyelids with mild soap and water, can also prevent the infection from worsening. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help reduce discomfort. In some cases, if a stye does not improve with home treatment or becomes more severe, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointments or eye drops, or recommend draining the stye. Avoiding the use of makeup and contact lenses until the stye heals is essential to prevent further irritation or spread of infection.
