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Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies

Johns Hopkins Medicine

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Styes

When the follicle of an eyelash becomes infected, it produces a stye— a swollen, pus-filled bump on the eyelid.

What is it?

A stye is a common problem resulting from a bacterial infection associated with blockage of an oil gland along the margin of the eyelid. The infection causes a small, red, painful bump to form at the base of the eyelash. Generally, the stye enlarges over several days as the infected follicle fills with pus. It usually subsides within three to seven days, or it may rupture. The bump should not be squeezed; doing so may spread the infection and cause other styes to develop. Styes are not a serious health risk, and they do not affect vision. Although styes often recur, they usually respond well to self-treatment. In some cases, however, an untreated stye may lead to cellulitis (a more widespread infection of the skin) of the eyelid.

What Causes It?

  • Styes generally occur when an eyelash follicle becomes infected with staphylococcal bacteria.

Prevention

  • Individuals who repeatedly get styes may be able to reduce their recurrence by using hot compresses or a variety of ophthalmic antibiotics on a regular basis.

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis can usually be made upon visual inspection and does not normally require a visit to the doctor.
  • If an abscess occurs, a culture of the pus is taken to identify the infectious agent.

How to Treat It

  • Hold a warm compress (a soft, clean towel or cloth that has been soaked in warm water and wrung out) against the affected eye for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the procedure two to four times a day until the stye drains (usually three to seven days). Use a new compress each time so as not to perpetuate the infection.
  • Do not squeeze the stye; let it drain on its own.
  • Antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be prescribed. Use as directed and be careful not to allow the tip of the bottle or tube to touch the eyes.
  • A doctor may lance and drain a stye if it persists or enlarges despite treatment.

When to Call a Doctor

  • Call a doctor if a stye does not respond to selftreatment within a week or two, or if it enlarges despite treatment.