Just about everyone has to deal with a stye on their eyelid at some point in their life. The technical term for a stye is a hordeolum but even doctors use the more common name.
A stye is caused by staphylococcus bacteria that is present on the skin of everyone. It infect the the glands on the inside of the lid or the outside. A stye can happen to anyone at any age, although children get them more frequently.
Signs and Symptoms of a Stye
Most often it starts as a tender, red, swollen eyelid that is mild to moderately painful. As the infection runs its course it will develop a small head resembling a pimple. It will then rupture and should resolve. The swelling can involve only part of the eyelid or the entire eyelid can become inflamed.
Can I Give it to Someone Else?
Everyone has staphylococcus bacteria on their skin but it still a good idea to avoid spreading any kind of active infection. Practice proper hygiene and you shouldn’t have to worry.
How to Treat
Most styes will run their course and should resolve in about two weeks. You can speed the process along and encourage it to form a head faster by applying a warm compress to the eyelid several times a day. Make sure to use something that will hold heat for a few minutes. A washcloth run under hot water isn’t enough because it cools off too quickly. Neck rolls that you can warm in the microwave work well. A home made compress with some rice inside of a sock can be reheated a few times in the microwave. Avoid using it too many times, however, as it will start to smell. Do not try and “pop” the stye as you risk infecting more of the eyelid.
If you suffer from styes frequently you may want to discuss other options with your doctor such as antibiotics. People with lid problems like blepharitis can be prone to frequent styes.