The question of whether COVID-19 can directly cause a stye requires a careful distinction between viral and bacterial infections. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is not the direct cause of styes, which are acute bacterial infections. However, a viral illness like COVID-19 can create conditions that make an individual more susceptible to developing a secondary bacterial infection, such as a stye. This increased risk is linked to systemic changes induced by the virus, which can temporarily lower the body’s defenses.
What Exactly Is a Stye?
A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is a common eye condition that presents as a red, painful lump on or inside the eyelid. This localized swelling is the result of an acute bacterial infection, most frequently caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. The infection occurs when one of the tiny oil-producing glands in the eyelid becomes obstructed and subsequently infected.
Styes are classified as external (involving glands near the eyelash follicle) or internal (affecting the deeper meibomian glands). Symptoms typically include localized pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness of the eyelid margin. The presence of pus, which may appear as a yellowish spot, confirms the bacterial nature of the infection.
The Indirect Connection: How COVID-19 May Increase Risk
The link between a COVID-19 infection and a stye is not direct causation but a result of systemic physiological changes. A major factor is the generalized inflammatory state triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The immune response, characterized by the release of inflammatory molecules, can affect glandular function, including the oil glands in the eyelids. Inflammation can alter the composition of oil secretions, making them thicker and more prone to blockage, which precedes a bacterial stye.
A significant viral infection can also lead to temporary immune system dysregulation or suppression. When the immune system focuses on fighting the primary viral threat, its ability to combat opportunistic bacteria, like Staphylococcus, is reduced. This weakened local defense mechanism creates a favorable environment for bacteria to colonize a blocked gland and cause an infection.
The physical symptoms of an acute viral illness also contribute to the risk. Individuals experiencing fatigue and malaise due to COVID-19 may inadvertently rub their eyes more frequently. This increased physical contact transfers bacteria from the hands to the eye area, introducing the pathogen necessary to infect a blocked gland. Reduced adherence to normal hygiene routines during illness further contributes to bacterial transfer and subsequent infection.
Differentiating Styes from Other COVID-Related Eye Issues
While styes are secondary bacterial infections, COVID-19 can cause primary ocular symptoms often confused with them. The most common eye manifestation associated with the virus is viral conjunctivitis, or “pink eye.” This presents as diffuse redness, watery discharge, and a gritty or burning sensation, frequently affecting both eyes.
A stye, by contrast, is a highly localized, painful lump that is typically unilateral, affecting only one eye. Unlike the watery discharge of viral conjunctivitis, a stye may exhibit crusting or a yellowish point of pus centered on the bump. Other non-infectious ocular symptoms reported during COVID-19 include dry eyes, light sensitivity (photophobia), and a general foreign body sensation.
Treatment and Hygiene Recommendations
Management of a stye focuses on encouraging the blockage to clear and the infection to drain. The standard at-home treatment involves the consistent application of a warm, moist compress to the affected eyelid. Applying the compress for about ten minutes, three to six times a day, helps soften the hardened secretions and draw out the infection. A stye should never be squeezed or popped, as this can force the infection deeper into the tissue or cause it to spread.
If the stye does not improve within a few days of home treatment, or if pain, redness, or swelling spreads beyond the eyelid, medical attention is warranted. A healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment, or recommend oral antibiotics in persistent cases. Strict hygiene is paramount, especially when recovering from a viral illness, and includes frequent handwashing and avoiding rubbing the eyes.