Styes are small fluid-filled lumps that develop in or at the edge of the eyelid. A stye is often filled with pus and appears on the eyelid as a small red bump that may look like a boil. Styes usually heal within a week, while chalazions can take a few months to heal.
Causes of a Stye
A stye is usually caused by the staphylococcus bacteria. Some of the conditions contributing to the development of a stye include:
- Touching the eyes with unclean hands
- Blepharitis
- Dermatitis
- Rosacea
Treatment of a Stye
In most cases, a stye will begin to disappear on its own in a few days. The pain or discomfort of a sty may be relieved by applying a warm, clean washcloth to the eyelid. If the stye does not go away, other treatment options are available. They may include:
- Antibiotic eyedrops or ointment
- Surgery to drain the stye and reduce pressure
Patients should avoid wearing makeup or contact lenses until after the stye has healed.