Eyelid Inflammation: A Sty

A Stye on the Lower Eyelid

Styes (hordeola) are fairly common infections in the eyelid. They cause localized inflammation - swelling, tenderness, and redness of the eyelid within the lid (internal) or on the edge of it (external). These are caused by bacteria (usually Staphylococcus or "staph") that enter one of the hair follicles or glands of the eye, causing infection either in the inner or outer, upper or lower lid. While discomfort is usually confined to the lid, sometimes the eyeball becomes irritated; there is typically no drainage or visual change unless severe. Besides pain, patients complain that styes can be unsightly.

A similar presentation resembling a stye is called a chalazion, a blocked oil gland. The latter tends to be chronic (comes back over and over), and while initially painful, the pain goes away. These can become large.

Eyelid Inflammation: A Sty

Management

​Initial treatment for both a stye and a chalazion is conservative. You should see a provider if symptoms worsen, such as increasing pain, swelling, and redness. Occasionally, a pustular lesion is evident.

First: Apply warm, moist packs for 15 minutes four to five -5 times daily.

Second: Wash outer lids gently with antibacterial soap or (ideally) no-tear baby shampoo and warm water twice daily.

Last: Gently massage the area for 1-2 minutes, one to two times daily

DO NOT SQUEEZE OR TRY TO PUNCTURE! Often, this causes it to spread.

Over-the-Counter Approaches to "Styes"

Several over-the-counter eye ointments lubricate the eye and may provide relief of symptoms, but typically do not eradicate the infection.

Ointments and Drops: 

Stye Ointment (Stye is the brand name) - May help - has had some positive reviews

Similasan Stye Eye Drops - may help

Do NOT use over-the-counter antibiotic ointments meant for other skin infections.

Natural Remedies for a Stye

Chamomile: Apply a warm, moist chamomile tea bag to your eyelid for 10-15 minutes, two to three times a day

Rosemary: Steep rosemary in water and place the solution on a clean cloth. Apply a warm, moist cloth to the outer lid for 10-15 minutes, two to three times daily.

Drops:

brazzoMD Stye Relief (calendula, arnica colloidal silver/antibacterial, and vitamin B3) (apply to reddened outer lid) - Not for internal eye use. (Not an advertisement)

Practitioner/Prescriptive Approach to a "Stye"

Are other approaches not getting you anywhere? A healthcare provider can prescribe an antibiotic ointment. These usually work well.

• Bacitracin ophthalmic (eye) ointment

• Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment

• Neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin ointment

• Tobramycin ointment or Tobradex ointment (Tobramycin with a steroid, dexamethasone)

If there is a lot of redness and swelling or if it does not improve after 3-4 days of treatment, you may need an oral antibiotic.

Suppose the lesion is becoming large or distorting your vision. In that case, an ophthalmologist may perform a steroid injection or an I+D (surgically opening the lesion and releasing pus).

A Stye on the Upper Lid

Why is she smiling? This eyelid inflammation—a sty—is nothing to smile about.

Reminders: 

Don't wear eye makeup if you have a stye. If you get them repeatedly, think about what you are using near your eye(s) (makeup, moisturizers, and others) and change it up.

Don't wear contacts when you have this problem, and be sure to change out the pair you were wearing.​