A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is a common eye condition that presents as a red, tender bump located on the edge of the eyelid. This inflamed swelling is typically painful and can resemble a small pimple or boil. Styes are caused by an acute infection within an oil gland or hair follicle on the eyelid. The discomfort and irritation they cause often prompt the immediate concern of whether they can be easily transmitted to others. Understanding this condition addresses the worry about spreading the infection and provides clear steps for proper management.
Is the Stye Itself Contagious?
The stye itself, the physical bump on the eyelid, is not contagious in the same way an airborne illness like a cold or flu is. You cannot contract a stye simply by being near someone who has one. However, the bacterial cause of the stye is transferable, which creates a distinction between contagiousness and transmissibility. The underlying infection is most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which normally lives harmlessly on the skin. This bacteria can be easily transferred from the infected eye to other surfaces or people through direct or indirect contact. Sharing items that come into contact with the eye, such as washcloths, pillowcases, or eye makeup, can also facilitate the spread of the bacteria. If the transferable bacteria enters a blocked gland on another person’s eyelid, it can lead to a new infection. The potential for secondary infection or transfer to the opposite eye is a real concern requiring careful hygiene.
What Causes a Stye?
A stye develops when a tiny oil gland or an eyelash follicle on the eyelid becomes blocked and subsequently infected. The eyelid contains various sebaceous glands, including the Meibomian glands, which produce oil to lubricate the eye’s surface. When the opening of one of these glands is clogged by dead skin cells, old oil, or makeup residue, the oil builds up. This blockage creates an environment where bacteria, predominantly Staphylococcus aureus, can multiply rapidly, leading to an acute, localized infection. Styes are categorized based on their location: an external stye forms near the lash line in an eyelash follicle or a gland of Zeis, while an internal stye develops deeper within the eyelid tissue in a Meibomian gland. Both types share the same fundamental cause of a blocked gland leading to a bacterial abscess.
Managing Symptoms and Preventing Spread
Managing a stye involves simple, consistent home care focused on encouraging the pus-filled lump to drain naturally. The primary and most effective treatment is the application of a warm compress. A clean washcloth soaked in warm, not hot, water should be applied to the closed eyelid for 5 to 15 minutes, three to five times a day. This moist heat helps to loosen the blockage and promotes drainage of the infection.
Hygiene and Prevention
Strict hygiene practices are necessary to prevent the transfer of bacteria and avoid a recurring stye. It is essential to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after touching the eye area, especially when applying compresses. Individuals should avoid wearing any eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye has fully resolved. After the infection clears, discarding old eye makeup, particularly mascara and eyeliner, prevents the bacteria from contaminating future applications.
Resist the urge to squeeze or pop the stye, as this can force the infection deeper into the eyelid tissue, potentially spreading the bacteria and causing cellulitis, which is a more serious condition. Most styes will resolve on their own within one to two weeks with home treatment.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Professional medical attention should be sought if the stye grows rapidly, affects vision, or if the redness and swelling spread beyond the eyelid. A doctor should also be consulted if the stye does not begin to improve within two days of consistent warm compress application.