Stye or hordeolum is a condition when the nodule hurts similar pimples or boils growing on the edges of the eyelids. Styes are generally caused by a bacterial infection and usually only appear on one eyelid.
A stye often occurs on the outer eyelid, but sometimes it can appear on the inner eyelid as well. Nodules that grow on the inside are more painful than those that grow on the outside. Unlike what it looks like, a stye doesn't cause any visual disturbances.
Stye Symptoms
The main symptom of a stye is the growth of a red nodule that is similar to a small boil on the eyelid, either inside or outside the eyelid. Other symptoms that accompany this condition include:
- Red eye
- Watery eyes
- Swollen and painful eyelids
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In general, a stye will heal on its own without special treatment. However, the risk of complications remains. Therefore, you are advised to see a doctor if the stye does not improve after 48 hours.
In addition, immediately see a doctor if the swelling spreads to other parts of the face, such as the cheeks.
Reason and Risk Factors Stye
The main cause of a stye is a bacterial infection Staphylococcus. Bacteria that commonly live on the skin can clog the oil glands in the eyelids, causing inflammation. Another cause of a stye is germs and dead skin trapped at the end of the eyelid.
There are several factors that can increase a person's risk of getting a stye, namely:
- Touching eyes with dirty hands.
- Use expired cosmetics.
- Do not clean the cosmetic marks on the eyes before going to bed.
- Wearing contact lenses that are not sterile.
- Have inflammation of the tip of the eyelid (blepharitis).
- Having rosacea, which causes the skin to turn red.
Stye Treatment
Most stye will heal on its own within 7-21 days, especially if the stye has ruptured and drained pus. However, never squeeze or pop a stye yourself, as this can lead to the spread of infection.
Some of the following simple steps you can take to reduce the symptoms and discomfort caused by a stye:
- Maintain the cleanliness of the stye of the eyeWash the eyelids with mild soap, and avoid using eye cosmetics until the stye heals.
- Compress the eyelids with warm waterCompress the eyelids 2-4 times a day, with a towel that has been soaked in warm water.
- Don't wear contact lensesAvoid wearing contact lenses until the stye is completely healed.
- Mengontake pain medicationTake over-the-counter pain relievers without a prescription, such as paracetamol, to relieve pain in the eye.
If the stye doesn't heal and gets worse, call your doctor right away. The treatment step that is generally done by doctors is to give antibiotic eye drops or ointments. If the stye doesn't improve with these medications, the ophthalmologist will make a small incision in the stye to drain the pus.
Stye Complications
A stye or hordeolum that doesn't heal can develop into a cyst due to blockage of a gland in the eyelid (chalazion), or cause the infection to spread to the tissues around the eyelid (preseptal cellulitis).
Stye Prevention
The main step to prevent the appearance of a stye is to keep the eye clean, by:
- Do not scratch the eye, because it can trigger irritation and transfer of bacteria to the eye.
- Wash your hands before touching your eyes, and wear protective eyewear when cleaning the house to avoid dust.
- Do not share the use of towels with others, especially with people who have a stye.
- Sterilize contact lenses before use, and wash your hands before placing contact lenses in your eyes.
- Do not use cosmetics that have expired, do not reuse eye cosmetics that have been used during a stye, and clean your face before going to bed.
- Check with your doctor if you have an infection or inflammation around the eyelids.