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Stye

Stye - Symptoms, treatment, when to go to doctor and other similar conditions

Stye (hordeolum) is an inflammation of a hair follicle or sebaceous gland on the edge of the eyelid.

Stye is divided into:

  • "Internal hordeolum" which is located inside the eyelid and is an inflammation of a sebaceous gland.
  • "Outer hordeolum" is located on the outside of the eyelid and is inflammation of a hair follicle.

Most often, it is the skin bacterium Staphylococcus aureus that causes the infection.

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Symptoms of stye

✔️ Stye feels like a red, painful lump on both the inside and outside of the eyelid

✔️ The lump may be plaster-filled

✔️ Sometimes you can experience pus in the corner of the eye

✔️ For some, the eyelid may also become swollen, red and hot. It can be uncomfortable / painful to blink due to swelling

✔️ Sometimes one can get a little red and irritated on the eye itself

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When should I see a GP for hordeolum?

If you have a painful, red and hot lump on / near the eyelid, it is a good idea to see a doctor for an assessment, you may need antibiotic treatment. Alternatively, you can try warm wraps (cotton pads) 3-4 times a day for 10-15 minutes and avoid using make-up. If it does not get better in a couple of days, you should take a trip to the doctor.

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Treatment for hordeolum

Self-treatment is as described above, with warm wraps (cotton pads) 3-4 times a day for 10-15 minutes.

With an external hordeolum you usually do not need antibiotics, but with an internal hordeolum you get a prescription for both eye drops and an eye ointment with antibiotics in it.

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What can I do to prevent stye?

Some are unlucky and get a stye several times. To prevent this, you can try to

✔️ Avoid make-up on the eyes

✔️ Wash with a damp, lukewarm cotton pad to keep lashes and glands clean and open

✔️ It is important to avoid touching the eyes, especially if you have a stye on one side - then you avoid it spreading to the other

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Other conditions similar to stye

Blepharitis

Blepharitis

✔️ Biepharitis an inflammation of the glands along the eyelid border, both the upper and lower eyelid can be affected.

✔️ The condition can be caused by bacteria or by other skin diseases such as eczema.

✔️ Symptoms are red and swollen eyelids that are irritated, itchy, or are painful / uncomfortable. Dandruff can also form along the edge of the eyelid.

✔️ If you have had eyelid inflammation once, it is easy to get it again. To prevent this, it is important to keep the eyelids clean and dry. At the onset of inflammation, you can start by applying warm wraps, for example a cotton pad with lukewarm water over the eyelid for 5-10 minutes up to 2-4 times a day.

✔️ If you have tried this for 2-3 days and it does not help, consult a doctor for an assessment of possible antibiotics. You may need eye drops and eye ointment with some antibiotics to calm the inflammation.

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Chalazion

✔️ Chalazion is a painless charcoal on the upper or lower eyelids.

✔️ It is caused by a clogged gland, a previous inflammation or a cyst. ✔️ It is not dangerous and usually goes away on its own with some time.

✔️ It is important to keep the eyelid clean, wash it twice a day with a clean cloth or cotton pad, do not use makeup and as little creams as possible.

✔️ If the ball is large and annoying, and it does not go away on its own within 4-6 weeks, you can consider referring to an ophthalmologist to scrape it away, but it is best to leave them alone.

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Ocular conjunctivitis

✔️ Cataracts differs from the others in that it is an inflammation of the outer layer of the eye itself, which extends over the inside of the eyelids.

✔️ It can be caused by either a virus or a bacterium. It is a frequent condition, with symptoms such as burning, itching, irritation and feeling that something is on the eye. The white on the eye often turns red at the edges, and the eye runs a lot.

✔️ The treatment can be antibiotic drops until 2 days after symptom relief if bacterias are the reason for infection. It is important with good hand hygiene, do not touch your face and use your own towel so you do not infect the other eye or other people. After a day with antibiotic drops, you are no longer contagious, and for example small children can then go to kindergarten again.

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Category:

Is stye dangerous?

No, it's not dangerous but it can be a little uncomfortable.

Will my vision be affected by the stye?

Not by stye, but by a severe catarrh of the eyes, vision can be affected. Then it is important to see a doctor quickly.

Is stye contagious?

Stye is not contagious as it is caused by a clogged gland and is not an infection as such.

How long does it last?

It usually goes away on its own in a short time, but can last longer (up to several weeks)

Is there anything other than antibiotics I can drip or apply?

It is best to ensure good hygiene, by washing with new cotton pads or similar 2 times a day, avoid make-up and creams as much as you can.

When should I see a doctor for a stye on the eye?

See a doctor if the stye gets worse, doesn't improve after a few days of home treatment, or if you experience visual disturbances or severe pain.

How is a stye on the eye treated at home?

Treatment at home usually involves warm compresses and good eye hygiene to relieve discomfort and promote healing.

What are the most common symptoms of a stye on the eye?

Common symptoms include a red, tender lump on the eyelid, swelling, pain and sometimes pus formation.

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Author: GP Martine Hallin Henriksen
Last updated: 10.05.2024

Kilder

Hunskår, S., (2017), Allmennmedisin, 3. utgave, Oslo, Gyldendal Norsk Forlag.

Norsk elektronisk legehåndbok (2017), Hordeolum, (online), tilgjengelig fra: https://legehandboka.no/handboken/kliniske-kapitler/oye/tilstander-og-sykdommer/ytre-oye/hordeolum/, hentet 12.06.2020