What causes styes?

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Styes are caused by staph bacteria. This type of bacteria is usually found in the nasal passages and is easily transmitted to the eye. Staph is passed by rubbing the nose and then touching the eye area. The gland located at the end of the eyelid can then become infected.
Styes are not harmful to the eyes or vision. Pain will occur, followed by swelling or redness. The eye area will also be tender to the touch. Some sufferers find that the entire eye area swells, while for others, only the infected area swells. The eye may also tend to water and become blurry.

The infection itself appears as a small spot or pimple. Staph bacteria causes a pus-filled abscess. Styes usually disappear within a few days. The infection will dissipate and the pimple will disappear, or sometimes the pimple will burst.

There is a simple procedure to help with swelling reduction. Apply a warm washcloth to the area for about 10-15 minutes. By doing this about four times a day, you can ease the discomfort and bring your head back. Styes are very similar to pimples in that they can pop when this kind of pressure is applied. The pus will drain and the sty should disappear.

Don’t be tempted to pop a sty like you would a pimple. The application of warm compresses is only intended to promote dissipation. There are also antibiotic creams that can be administered by a doctor. These are useful if the problem is a frequent occurrence.

Another bump that is commonly mistaken for a stye is a chalazion. This small bump will appear on the eyelid due to blocked sebaceous glands. The chalazion has the same characteristics as the sty, but looks like a hard, round pimple on the eyelid. The chalazions can last a few months, but they are harmless.

Styes are usually harmless, but if they are frequent and do not go away, an ophthalmologist should be consulted. It may be necessary to open and drain the infected area. While not too serious, this procedure should only be performed by a qualified eye doctor.

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