Picture this: you wake up one morning, look in the mirror, and notice a small bump on your eyelid. What’s going on and where did this come from? Meet the “stye” – an uninvited guest that’s more common than you think. While not harmful, it’s definitely not glamorous.
Here’s everything you need to know about what a stye is, how to treat it, and most importantly, how to keep it from crashing your party.
What is a Stye?
A stye is a more generalized way to describe a bump or pimple on the eyelid, but there are technically two similar but distinct conditions: hordeola and chalazia. A hordeolum is acute inflammation of the eyelash follicle or oil gland and can cause the entire eyelid to become painful, swollen and red. A chalazion is a small, benign lump that forms on your eyelid when one of the tiny oil glands (called meibomian glands) gets blocked. These glands, located near the base of your eyelashes, produce an oily substance that helps keep your eyes lubricated. When one becomes clogged, the trapped oil can harden, forming a painless lump.
Why Do Styes Happen?
The main culprit is often a buildup of oil, dirt, bacteria, or mites. Some common triggers include:
- Poor eyelid hygiene: Failing to clean your eyelids regularly can lead to clogged oil glands.
- False lashes and heavy eye make-up: Can trap dirt, oil and bacteria in the base of the lashes
- Skin conditions: Issues like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis make some people more prone to developing styes
- Chronic eyelid inflammation: Blepharitis, a condition causing inflammation of the eyelid margins, can increase the risk.
- Demodex: Mites that naturally live in the eyelash follicles (everyone has them!) can overgrow and cause inflammation to the eyelids
- Frequent eye touching or rubbing: This habit transfers dirt and bacteria directly from your fingers to your eyelids.
- Stress and fatigue: Believe it or not, lack of sleep and high stress can exacerbate skin and gland issues.
How to Treat a Stye
The good news? Most styes clear up on their own with a little TLC. Here’s how you can speed up the process:
- Warm Compresses: Place uncooked rice in a sock or get an eye mask (the kind that can be heated), place in the microwave for 20 seconds and apply to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times a day. This helps to soften the oil blockage and encourage drainage. Avoid damp washcloths, as they lose heat too quickly to be effective.
- Gentle Massage: After using a warm compress, lightly massage the eyelid with clean fingers to promote oil flow. Be careful not to press too hard.
- Keep It Clean: Wash your eyelid daily with a mild, hypoallergenic cleanser. There are many lid wipes and sprays (found in the eye drop section) formulated to help gently clean debris on the eyelids.
- Avoid Makeup, False lashes and Contacts: Give your eyes a break to reduce irritation and prevent further blockages.
- Seek Medical Help If Needed: If the chalazion doesn’t improve after a few weeks or if it begins to hurt, swell, or impair vision, consult an ophthalmologist. They may recommend a steroid injection, antibiotics or minor surgical removal. Some skin cancers on the eyelid can also mimic a stye, so it is important to seek an oculoplastic surgeon for appropriate diagnosis and management if it does not resolve.
Preventing Styes: Your Daily Checklist
Prevention is the best cure, and keeping your eyelids healthy isn’t as hard as it sounds. Incorporate these habits into your daily routine:
- Practice Good Eyelid Hygiene: Use a gentle cleanser to thoroughly remove makeup, sweat and other debris before bed, paying special attention to the lash line.
- Avoid Touching Your Eyes: Make sure your hands are always clean before touching your eyelids, especially in the context of hot and humid environments, working out at the gym, during allergy season, etc.
- Avoid False Lashes: If you aren’t ready to give them up, try to limit to special occasions or give your eyes a break. Wearing false lashes continuously can cause trauma leading to lash loss, irritation or contact dermatitis from the glue, and build-up of oil and bacteria causing a stye.
- Mindful with Makeup: Throw out old products and avoid putting eyeliner directly on the waterline
The Bottom Line
Styes are a reminder that even the smallest parts of our bodies need care and attention. With the right habits and a little mindfulness, you can keep these pesky bumps at bay and keep your eyes looking their brightest. After all, a healthy lifestyle isn’t just about feeling good – it’s about looking good, too!
Joli Oculoplastics: Eyelid Surgery & Aesthetics