Styes

Styes are pimple-like growths on the inside or outside of the eyelid that signal an infected eyelid gland. Caused by staphylococcal bacteria, styes initially bring pain, redness and swelling to the infected area, then a pimple appears and remains until it eventually bursts and heals.

The bacteria that cause styes to grow are found in the nose and mouth. Styes may form if the bacteria are transferred to the eyelids by touching the nose and then rubbing the eye. To prevent styes from recurring, it is important to keep eyelids clean. At the onset of a stye, frequent application of a warm compress to the infected area will prevent further blockage of the eyelid gland. It is important to avoid sharing towels with others to avoid spreading the bacteria.

In most cases, styes will heal on their own within a few days. Avoid popping the stye like a pimple, as this may result in further infection. Recurring styes or styes associated with a staphylococcal infection elsewhere in the body may require antibiotics. Rarely, surgery is necessary to remove styes on the internal eyelid.

For more information about styes, please contact us. Select a state below for a consultation.