Stye

Overview

A stye is a common and acute bacterial infection of the sebaceous and sweat glands in the eyelid. Usually, a painful red swelling quickly develops, either on or inside the eyelid or around the eye. Most styes resolve spontaneously. Never squeeze and try to burst a stye yourself.

Symptoms

• Small, painful and inflamed red lump on the eyelid
• Lump is filled with pus
  • Can spontaneously drain after a few days
  • The inflammation will then clear up
• Complications:
  • Spreading of the inflammation to the conjunctiva or the entire eye socket
  • Additional signs of being unwell such as headaches, fever or swollen lymph nodes

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Acute bacterial infection of the sebaceous and/or sweat glands of the eyelids
• Caused by skin germs: usually staphylococcus, sometimes streptococcus
• Risk factors
  • Existing eyelid infections (blepharitis)
  • Eyelid impurities (e.g. children playing in the dirt)
  • Prior disorders such as acne or diabetes mellitus

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• External examination of the eye

Possible therapies

• Antibiotics
  • Antibiotic eye drops (topical application)
  • For abscess/severe inflammation: antibiotics in tablet form or intravenously
• Treatment with heat and infrared light
  • Moist warm compresses aren't recommended (can worsen the infection)
• Opening of abscess under local anaesthetic

What can I do myself?

• Hand hygiene
  • Children: wash the hands often, in particular after playing outside
• If a child in the family has contracted the infection, the following hygiene measures should be followed:
  • All family members should wash their hands often
  • Each person should use their own towel
  • Don't squeeze the stye as this will worsen the situation

When to see a doctor?

• Entire eyelid is swollen
• Additional symptoms such as feeling ill, headaches, fever or swollen lymph nodes
• Growing pressure pain because the pus doesn't drain
• People who wear contact lenses should always consult a doctor if they have an infection affecting the eyes

Synonyms

stye, hordeolum